Since its launch in 2019, the Cray ClusterStor E1000 Storage System has emerged as a pivotal technology in the field of supercomputing. Known for its robust performance in exascale, pre-exascale, and national AI supercomputers, this system is integral to facilities utilizing HPE Cray EX systems.
Since its launch in 2019, the Cray ClusterStor E1000 Storage System has emerged as a pivotal technology in the field of supercomputing. Known for its robust performance in exascale, pre-exascale, and national AI supercomputers, this system is integral to facilities utilizing HPE Cray EX systems.
The E1000 is crafted to manage the complexities and demands of high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) storage, optimizing costs, eliminating input/output (I/O) bottlenecks, and ensuring a high level of data security through a community-owned file system. Additionally, it benefits from the cohesive support of the HPE Services team, further enhancing its reliability and effectiveness in critical computing environments.
HPE Cray Storage System C500
However, the high-end capabilities of the HPE Cray EX architecture may surpass the requirements of some organizations. Recognizing this, HPE has broadened its offering with the introduction of the Cray Storage Systems C500. This system caters to the needs of those operating entry-level to mid-range compute clusters, particularly those engaged in modeling and simulation (MOD/SIM) or integrating MOD/SIM with AI and machine learning (ML) processes on HPE Cray XD systems.
A recent Intersect360 Research report highlights that a significant number of MOD/SIM users are either currently incorporating AI/ML into their HPC frameworks or planning to do so in the near future. The C500 addresses this trend by maintaining the core technological strengths of the E1000 while adopting a more cost-effective and user-friendly format. This approach includes the utilization of 2U24 storage controllers and 5U84 HDD enclosures in a more compact, converged design that not only reduces the entry cost but also retains scalability and performance.
The HPE Cray Storage Systems C500’s baseline configuration offers a substantial storage capacity ranging from 22TB to 513TB through 24 NVMe SSDs, delivering impressive data transfer rates of up to 80GB/s for reading and 60GB/s for writing. This performance can be expanded significantly depending on the organization’s needs. For those requiring larger capacities or specific configurations, the E1000 remains the superior option.
- Key distinctions between the E1000 and the C500 are evident in their design and functionality:
- The C500 utilizes a cost-effective HPE ProLiant DL325 Gen11 server for the System Management Unit (SMU) instead of the standard 2U24 storage controller.
- It combines the functions of a Metadata Unit (MDU) and a Scalable Storage Unit Flash (SSU-F) within a single 2U24 storage controller housing 24 NVMe SSDs.
- Unlike the E1000, which only supports fully populated storage enclosures, the C500 accommodates half-populated enclosures in certain configurations, offering flexibility in scaling storage resources.
HPE has implemented significant software updates that simplify the deployment and management of its storage systems, as detailed in the HPE QuickSpecs. These enhancements ensure that the C500 is not only easier to install and maintain but also remains cutting-edge.
The HPE Cray Storage Systems C500 extends the value proposition of the E1000 to more modestly scaled HPC/AI compute clusters. It allows organizations to:
- Effectively manage their HPC/AI storage spending thanks to the embedded open-source Lustre file system, which avoids capacity-based licensing and supports a cost-effective hybrid architecture.
- Overcome I/O bottlenecks that could impede HPC/AI projects, supported by robust read and write capabilities.
- Enjoy comprehensive, unified support from the HPE Services team, ensuring that the entire HPC/AI infrastructure is covered without the complications often associated with third-party storage vendors.
- Maintain security and ownership of data within a system supported by a vibrant and diverse community.
With its strategic design and advanced capabilities, the HPE Cray Storage Systems C500 provides a practical solution for a wide range of computational demands, meeting the evolving needs of organizations at the intersection of MOD/SIM and AI/ML workloads.
HPE ProLiant DL325 Gen11 server
Engage with StorageReview
Newsletter | YouTube | Podcast iTunes/Spotify | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | RSS Feed
