As part of the M5 generation fo Cisco UCS servers, Cisco has released a rack mount server called the Cisco UCS C480 ML. This server is designed to be a massive powerhouse, dedicated to furthering machine learning. Let’s take a look at some of the features of the UCS C480 ML M5, and what it really looks like.
Introduction to the Cisco UCS C480 ML M5 Rack Server
Is that a mouthful or what? It is a big name for a big and powerful server. Let’s take a look at some of the features of the Cisco UCS C480 ML M5. Remember, we can easily tell if a Cisco UCS Server is blade or rack based by the letter in front of the number. C means rack, and B means blade!
Now for the features:
- 4U Form Factor
- Two CPUs at up to 28 cores per socket, with Intel Xeon Scalable processors
- 24 DIMM slots for a staggering memory maximum of 3TB
- 4 PCIe Slots
- 8 NVIDIA SXM2 V100 32GB modules
- Support for 100G VIC (UCS 1495)
- Up to 24 SFF drives
For a quick overview of Cisco UCS C480 ML’s features, be sure to check out the C480 ML Data Sheet.
The C480 ML M5 can be used in either a UCS Managed or standalone (unmanaged) configuration. To learn more about the different types of UCS Architectures, be sure to check out this Introduction to Cisco UCS Architecture.
Build Your Custom Cisco UCS C480 ML With the UCS Spec Sheet
Something I have talked about at length before are the power of Cisco UCS Spec Sheets. The spec sheet is your one stop shop for everything you need to know about a Cisco server, and is one of the best tools in your arsenal during the UCS architecture and design process.
The spec sheet clearly lays out all the different options for the UCS 480 ML from CPU, Memory, VICs for connectivity and more – do not miss it!
For example, look at the rear of the C480 ML:
As you can see, there are a ton of options for those card slots, and they are all outlined in the Cisco UCS C480 ML Spec Sheet. Without reading the spec sheet you would not know that slots 11 and 12 are controlled by CPU1 and slots 13 and 14 are controlled by CPU 2. This type of information is exactly what you will find in the Cisco UCS spec sheet, and is essential when configuring your server.
You can find all of the C480 ML’s documentation right here to help you plan your deployment.
What is All This C480 ML Power For?
If you have not figured it out yet, the ML stands for machine learning. This beast of a server is all about powering the latest and greatest machine learning platforms.
With plenty of CPU, Memory, Disk space, and powerful NVIDIA Tesla GPUs, the C480 ML is perfect for any machine learning or artificial intelligence work.
As you can see at the UCS Hardware and Software Compatibility Tool, the C480 ML M5 runs all the enterprise operating systems you need to get started with this powerful server.
If you are looking for a low risk pre-validated solution to fit your AI and ML needs, be sure to take a look at FlexPod AI.
Cisco even has a dedicated DevNet space for AI. On this site is the hidden gem you need to evaluate the Cisco UCS 480 ML right now. Be sure to check out this helpful blog which tells you exactly how you can get hands on experience with this server through an online reservation based system through DevNet.
The Cisco UCS 480 ML is targeted for those who need the massive power to further their machine learning and artificial intelligence goals. It is part of the Cisco UCS M5 lineup, which is the most powerful Cisco UCS lineup yet.
Melissa is an Independent Technology Analyst & Content Creator, focused on IT infrastructure and information security. She is a VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX-236) and has spent her career focused on the full IT infrastructure stack.