FLOGGER OF EXPENSIVE PRINTER INK HP has become the first major vendor to launch ARM-based servers.

HP launched its Redstone server range using low-power processors from both Intel and ARM vendor Calxeda. HP claims Redstone servers are designed for testing and proof-of-concept, presumably the concept that it can produce ARM-based servers.

The Calxeda Energycore processors in HP’s Redstone servers are 32-bit processors designed for massively parallel workloads with an 80Gbits/s crossbar between processors. Calxeda claims that when the chip is mated to 4GB of RAM the whole setup consumes just 5W under load and idles at 0.5W.

HP’s Redstone servers pack four ARM-processor laden drawers into just 4U of space. The firm claims a total rack capacity of 2,800 processors. HP claims significant improvements in power usage and server density, though customers will want to see how the ARM-based chips handle their particular workloads before throwing out existing x86 kit.
The Inquirer (http://s.tt/14c9S)