T-Flex 2.0 Modular Server Framework
Introduction
At Tencent, we’re committed to delivering cutting-edge server solutions that meet the evolving needs of our business and customers. In this article, we’ll delve into the design and features of our latest innovation, the T-Flex 2.0 modular server framework.
A New Era in Server Design
Server development cycles are notoriously long, often taking over a year to complete. This can lead to delays in production, as well as the need for iterative updates to main modules, such as motherboard upgrades or high-density micro-server modules. The T-Flex 2.0 framework aims to address this challenge by providing a modular and flexible server design that supports future iterations and upgrades.
T-Flex 1.0: The Foundation
Our previous server system, T-Flex 1.0, was designed to meet the requirements of our deployment in Tencent’s data centers. It featured a 2U19-inch rack-mounted server with a depth of 80cm, supporting 6 6056 specifications fans, and a cooling redundancy system. The system also supported 32 or 24 RSSD U.2 NVMe SSDs, as well as four double-wide full-length full-height cards and two low-profile cards.
The Heart of T-Flex 1.0: PCIe Switch
The design of T-Flex 1.0 centered around a PCIe switch server system, which enabled the increment of stock and elastic configuration server upgrades or expansions. The 2 Mcirosemi 8536/8546 PCIe chip provided 192 PCIe Gen3 channel capability, allowing for flexibility in SSD/GPU/card/micro-server configuration management modules and combinations thereof.
T-Flex 2.0: The Next Generation
T-Flex 2.0 builds upon the foundation of T-Flex 1.0, with a focus on iterative functionality and modular design. The chassis is divided into three functional areas: A, B, and C. Each region can accommodate different functional modules, allowing for a combination of A + B + C to realize the main functions of the server.
A/B Region: The Main Channel
The A/B region supports a main area channel 2 motherboard, as well as a custom-4 module. This region is designed to accommodate high-performance computing hardware and storage systems.
C Region: The Expansion Area
The C region is designed for expansion, supporting four pairs of full-length full-height width cards and 2 low-profile cards. This region also provides options for SAS/SATA expansion boards that support JBOD (Just Bunch of Disk) functions.
Motherboard and Storage Options
The T-Flex 2.0 framework supports a range of motherboard and storage options, including:
- 3.5" hard disk system
- 2U in space, 3.5 24" form a hard disk system
- 12 3.5" hard heat maintained
- 2-way/2-way motherboard
- SAS/SATA expansion board
- JBOD (Just Bunch of Disk) function
Benefits of T-Flex 2.0
The T-Flex 2.0 framework offers several benefits, including:
- Modular design for easy upgrades and iterations
- Flexible combination of server components
- Reduced TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)
- Improved performance and efficiency
- Support for future computing scenarios
Conclusion
The T-Flex 2.0 modular server framework represents a significant innovation in server design, offering a flexible and modular solution for future computing scenarios. By providing a platform for iterative updates and upgrades, T-Flex 2.0 helps to reduce TCO and improve performance and efficiency. We’re excited to share this technology with our customers and partners, and look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the industry.