Cisco UCS Rack and Blade Servers: Everything You Need to Know, Products, and Comparisons
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- Jan 1
- 3 min read
Cisco UCS (Unified Computing System) servers are designed for enterprises needing scalable, high-performance computing solutions. They combine compute, networking, and storage into a unified system, with options spanning M5 and M6 series servers.
Cisco UCS servers and server parts: Save up to 80%
The M5 series, built with 2nd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs, offers cost-effective solutions for general workloads, while the M6 series leverages 3rd Gen Intel Xeon CPUs for faster memory, greater GPU support, and advanced workloads like AI/ML and in-memory databases.
General Overview of Cisco UCS Servers
Cisco UCS integrates compute, networking, and storage into a single cohesive system, simplifying data center management. Its key features include:
Unified Management: Managed through Cisco UCS Manager or Intersight (cloud-based management).
Fabric Interconnects: Centralized networking components reducing complexity in server configurations.
Scalability: Modular systems scale horizontally with rack or blade servers.
Virtualization Optimization: Seamless integration with VMware, Hyper-V, and containerized environments.
Rack Servers: Cisco UCS C-Series
Rack servers are standalone systems that can also integrate into the Cisco UCS environment. These are ideal for a wide range of workloads, from general applications to AI/ML and HPC.
Cisco UCS Rack Server Models
Model | Form Factor | Processors | Memory | Storage | Networking |
UCS C220 M6 | 1U | 2x Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs | Up to 8TB (32 DIMMs) | 10x SFF or 4x LFF + 2x M.2 | 2x 10/25GbE ports |
UCS C240 M6 | 2U | 2x Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs | Up to 8TB (32 DIMMs) | 26x SFF or 12x LFF + NVMe options | Dual-port VIC support |
UCS C480 M6 | 4U | 4x Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs | Up to 12TB (48 DIMMs) | 32x SFF, NVMe options available | 100Gbps VICs optional |
Key Features
Processors: Latest Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs (3rd Gen for M6, 2nd Gen for M5).
Memory: DDR4 (3200 MT/s) or Intel Optane Persistent Memory for in-memory workloads.
Storage:
SAS, SATA, and NVMe drive options.
M.2 drives for boot configurations.
Expandability:
Multiple PCIe slots for GPUs, additional NICs, or storage controllers.
Use Cases
UCS C220 M6: Compact and efficient for virtualization and web hosting.
UCS C240 M6: High storage density for databases and file servers.
UCS C480 M6: Scalable powerhouse for AI/ML and HPC workloads.
Blade Servers: Cisco UCS B-Series
Blade servers are compact compute modules that fit into a shared chassis. They rely on centralized networking and power through Cisco Fabric Interconnects.
Cisco UCS Blade Server Models
Model | Form Factor | Processors | Memory | Storage | Networking |
UCS B200 M6 | Blade (2-socket) | 2x Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs | Up to 8TB (32 DIMMs) | 2x 2.5" SAS/SATA/NVMe drives | Dual 40/100GbE VICs |
UCS B480 M6 | Blade (4-socket) | 4x Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs | Up to 12TB (48 DIMMs) | 4x 2.5" SAS/SATA/NVMe drives | 100Gbps VICs optional |
Blade Chassis Options
Blade servers require a chassis to house and power them. Cisco UCS offers the UCS 5108 Blade Server Chassis:
Features | Details |
Part Number | UCSB-5108-AC2 (AC power) / UCSB-5108-DC2 (DC power) |
Capacity | Up to 8 half-width blades or 4 full-width blades. |
Networking | 2 Fabric Extenders (FEX) connecting to UCS Fabric Interconnects. |
Cooling | 8 hot-swappable fans. |
Power Supplies | 4 hot-swappable power supply units (PSUs). |
Key Features
Centralized Networking: Simplifies deployment and management through Fabric Interconnects.
Scalability: Start with a few blades and scale up as needed.
Modularity: Combine different blade configurations in the same chassis.
Shelf Overview and Technical Specs
Dimensions: 6U height, 19-inch rack width.
Connections:
Backplane connectivity for blades.
Redundant paths to Fabric Interconnects.
Management: Controlled through Cisco UCS Manager or Intersight.
Comparison of Cisco Rack vs. Cisco Blade Servers
Features | Rack Server | Blade Server |
Form Factor | Standalone 1U-4U systems | Modular blades in shared chassis |
Scalability | Add more rack units | Scale within chassis (up to 8 blades) |
Networking | Requires individual connections | Centralized via Fabric Interconnects |
Management | iDRAC or equivalent | UCS Manager or Intersight |
Use Cases | General-purpose, AI/ML, databases | Virtualization, cloud, HPC |
General Pros and Cons of Cisco UCS Servers
Pros:
Tight integration with Cisco networking equipment.
Centralized management reduces administrative overhead.
Modular scalability supports a wide range of workloads.
High performance for AI/ML and cloud applications.
Cons:
Initial learning curve for non-Cisco environments.
Requires investment in Fabric Interconnects for full UCS benefits.
Potentially higher initial costs compared to standalone servers.
Cisco UCS servers and server parts: Save up to 80%
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