March 2007 / March 2007 - What is New With Server and Hardware

In this month’s Tech Brief we’ll take a look at the newest technologies in server and workstation hardware. The recent release of Microsoft Vista is forcing many businesses to upgrade their hardware, so we’ll review some of the newest technologies available and how they can benefit your business.

New Server & Workstation Hardware

Multi-Core Processors

What is it? – Until recently, all microprocessors were comprised of a single central processing unit (CPU) on an integrated circuit (silicon chip). As the demand for greater processing power increased, single core processors rapidly started to reach the physical limits of complexity and speed. Multi-core processors solved this problem by combining two or more independent CPUs in a single integrated circuit. This multi-core setup is similar to having multiple, separate processors in one computer, but because the processors are located on the same integrated circuit the connection between them is faster. This allows for enhanced performance, reduced power consumption, and processing of multiple tasks more efficiently.

The most common commercially available multi-core processors are dual-core, which can be found in many of the newest laptops and workstations. But as the name implies, multi-core processors can consist of anywhere from dual and quad-core (such as Intel’s new server processors), to theoretically hundreds of cores.

How can it benefit your business?

• Improved desktop multitasking performance
• Enhanced throughput for web and application servers
• Optimum performance of software designed for multi-core processing, such as Windows Vista and Office 2007
• Virtual machines will benefit from adoption of multiple core architectures since each virtual machine runs independently of others and can be executed in parallel

64-bit Computing

What is it? – In processing, the bit rating refers to the maximum number of bits (the smallest unit of information on a machine) the CPU can process in a single clock cycle. The number is derived by calculating 2 to the power of the bit rating. Therefore a 64-bit processor can handle 264 bits, which comes out to 18.4 quintillion bits in one clock cycle. Alternately, 32 bit processors which have been the standard in computers since the early 90’s can process a “paltry” 4.3 billion bits in one clock cycle.

The bit rating of a processor also determines how much memory (RAM) the computer can support and access. A 32-bit processor can support up to 4 gigabytes(GB) of RAM, half of which is allocated to the operating system. A 64-bit processor on the other hand can theoretically handle up to 16 exabytes (16 billion gigabytes) of RAM. For comparison, the entire sum of human-produced media (including all audio, video, and text/books) is estimated to be around 12 exabytes. Before you go out to purchase an exabyte of RAM, know that most 64-bit PCs on the market today have an artificial limit on the amount of memory they can recognize since physical constraints make it extremely unlikely that anyone will need full 16 exabyte support. Most common RAM support for 64-bit machines is 16GB – 64GB.

So why have 32-bit processors been the norm for over a decade when 64 bit processors have been available since the mid 90’s? Frankly, there was no real demand for the extra processing power and memory that 64-bit machines offered. A 64-bit computer won’t make Word, Excel, or many of the most commonly used applications run any faster than they would on a 32-bit system. But as the computing environment has evolved and the demand is rising for larger databases and increased media production; 64-bit computing is becoming increasingly popular.

How can it benefit your business?

For the majority of businesses, 32-bit systems will satisfy your computing needs quite nicely. But for companies that have a high demand for data processing, there are some notable benefits of using 64-bit machines:

• 64-bit servers can support a greater number of larger files and could effectively load large enterprise databases into memory, allowing for faster searches and data retrieval.
• Servers running a 64-bit platform can also support more simultaneous users, allowing for server consolidation since one 64-bit server could replace several 32-bit servers on a network.
• Demanding workstation applications which deal with large amounts of memory and data such as CAD, data-modeling, cryptography, and video and 3D imagery processing will see vast improvements in performance by utilizing a 64-bit processor.

Intel vPro

What is it? – vPro is a business-only platform that combines Intel’s dual-core processors with remote desktop management, enhanced security protection through virtualization, 64-bit application support, and increased energy efficiency. Its Active Management Technology allows IT administrators to access and manage user workstations even when the computer is off, or the operating system won’t work. Virtualization gives you the ability to run security software in an environment isolated from the main operating system.

How can it benefit your business?

• Managed service providers, like Thrive, will be able to remotely access and work on machines whose operating systems won’t even start – reducing the need for onsite visits.
• Keeping security features in a separate, virtual, environment prevents end users, hackers, viruses, and malware from accessing or disabling the workstation’s security.
• Low voltage dual-core processors, intelligent fan-control, built-in power coordination, and the elimination of the need to leave PCs on overnight all contribute to serious energy savings which in turn can translate to finance savings.