Still, as the race to do more with our applications heats up, so do the platforms than run them. And unless our business-critical PowerEdge servers can keep their cool, they're likely to suffer reduced performance or failure, not to mention inefficient power consumption. Thankfully, Dell Technologies has developed solutions to keep your data center cooler, more efficient, and more sustainable than ever.
As our servers do more, they create more heat
Today's platforms leverage multiple types of processors to deliver more value. Of course, you have CPUs to perform traditional processing, GPUs to handle AI, ML, and graphics-intensive workloads, and DPUs to take on anything involving data. Therefore, whereas in the past, servers had to manage one primary heat source in the CPU, they now operate with several - all while accomplishing more.
Some of the costs of all this heat include CPU throttling or (even worse) system failure. Fortunately, tier-one hardware manufacturers like Dell Technologies have risen to the challenge with multiple cooling technologies.
Air cooling
Traditional, air-based cooling still has a place in today's modern server. For example, Dell Technology's Multi-Vector Cooling (MVC) system uses control algorithms, airflow channel shrouds, and power and thermal-based sensors to route airflows across crucial system components. The MVC also incorporates heat sinks and high-performance fans that make for server configurations that are optimized for maximal airflow.
The net result is that customers can extend the life of their PowerEdge servers while taking advantage of various configurations. And all of this is possible while ensuring low power utilization effectiveness and the highest energy efficiency.
Direct liquid cooling
While liquid cooling solutions have worked in supercomputers for years, Dell Technologies has delivered the same technology to the enterprise server world. Their Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) technology is now using the thermal capacity of liquid to enable today's high-power processors. The DLC system can also be intelligently managed through iDRAC and, using Dell's Leak Sense Technology, can alert the customer and take action to power down a server.
As a result, DLC users can enjoy energy cost reductions of up to 45% and support for up to 25% more cores per rack. In addition, this advantage empowers customers to use 2x the core count over air-cooled systems.
Immersion cooling
In extreme environments with little to no conditioned air, customers can choose immersion cooling (single and two-phase), which submerges the processor in a tank of liquid. This approach allows 100% of the system's heat to be captured.
This approach to cooling is often ideal for the densest, highest TDP deployments. It employs non-conductive fluid that enhances processor performance by dissipating heat, which enables processors to run faster than ever.
Beyond cooling - managing power consumption
Let's face it, servers and other network appliances need power, and unfortunately, data centers already account for 3% of the world's electrical usage. Not to mention, energy costs are on the rise. So, power consumption is an essential topic for operational efficiency and promoting global sustainability. However, managing their applications and hardware assets is already challenging for IT personnel.
Dell OpenManage Power Manager
Dell's OpenManage Power Manager can automate enterprise power monitoring and management, whatever cooling system you choose for your deployment. And in response to real-time data, it can adjust the sub-components of the cooling system to optimize overall server performance.
On a larger scale, power usage can be measured and managed according to VM groups or physical locations. As a result, you can access power usage reports by location or other groupings.
Then, armed with Dell OpenManage Power Manager's data, you can institute policies to cap power usage among specific servers, Vm groups, or locations, so you can manage and reduce the carbon footprint of your data center.
From efficiency to environmental impact
While we've established the reliability and performance benefits of Dell's server cooling technologies, it's also important to note that these are part of a larger sustainability initiative. PowerEdge servers are made of up to 35% recycled material thanks to their strong take-back process, including components like latches, casings, and shrouds. By 2030, they envision making all their products with at least 50% recycled or renewable materials.
For the best advice on server cooling and power efficiency, look to UNICOM Engineering
As you build and launch tomorrow's solutions, the last thing you need is to be held back by hardware challenges like optimum server cooling and efficiency. That's why you should choose a systems integration partner like Unicom Engineering.
UNICOM Engineering is proud to be a Dell Technologies Titanium OEM Partner and Intel Technology Provider. Our award-winning team is ready to enhance your AI solutions for optimal performance and reliability. Learn how UNICOM Engineering helps our customers bring their applications to market faster with hardware solutions powered by industry-leading components from Dell Technologies and Intel. Schedule a consultation today to learn how UNICOM Engineering can assist your business.