Sun Fire X4500: World's First Hybrid Data Server 

Sun has introduced the world's first hybrid data server, the Sun Fire X4500 server. It combines high data throughput with highest storage density available in a server and AMD Opteron processors in this 4-way server. These capabilities serve companies that host high-bandwidth applications such as HPC, data warehousing/business intelligence, digital media streaming, digital surveillance and data analysis.

The Sun Fire X4500 server combines the functions of a high-performance, four-way x64 server, network fabric and switch, and storage into a single integrated system. This new class of data server is capable of deploying applications in ways that were previously not possible or cost-effective. It uses 48 cost-effective SATA II disk drives for applications requiring access to massive data sets. Prices start as low as $2 per gigabyte. It is designed to deliver storage density that is up to five times that of traditional server offerings. In production this server was known as Thumper.

Key Specifications

• 2 dual-core AMD Opteron processors
• 16 GB main memory
• 12-24 TB internal storage; 48 SATA HDD
• Software RAID enabled by Solaris ZFS

Highlights

• Highest storage density available with up to 48 hot-swappable SATA HDDs (up to 24 TB in four RU)
• Incredibly high throughput rates—approximately 1 GB/s from disk to network, approximately 2 GB/s from disk to memory
• Jaw-dropping prices—one-half the cost of traditional solutions
• Rack-optimized server providing the highest performance levels in its class
• Able to accept the fastest dualcore AMD Opteron™ processors
• Unprecedented data integrity and dramatically simplified administration with the Solaris™ OS and ZFS
• The Sun Fire™ X4000 family of servers raises the bar for industry standard servers
• Enterprise RAS features for maximum uptime
• Four integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports for maximum network expandability
• Provision, monitor, and manage with the recommended N1 System Manager software