AlphaServer Model Lineup and Technical Specifications
The AlphaServer series represents a significant era in high-performance computing, evolving from desktop-class workstations to massive supercomputing clusters. Developed by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), these systems were built around the powerful Alpha architecture, utilizing various generations of processors—from the early EV4 to the advanced EV7z—to meet the demands of technical computing and enterprise server workloads.
Key Facts
- Processor Evolution: Spanned multiple generations including EV4, EV45, EV5, EV56, EV6, EV67, EV68, and EV7/EV7z.
- Scalability: Ranged from single-CPU desktop units (Avanti) to 64-CPU enterprise systems (GS1280).
- Memory Capacity: Evolved from modest 8 MB limits in early models to 512 GB in the GS1280.
- Supercomputing: The AlphaServer SC series utilized Quadrics elan3 interconnects to link individual server nodes into massive clusters.
- Expansion: Transitioned from ISA and EISA buses to high-speed PCI and PCI-X standards.
Entry-Level and Mid-Range Families
Avanti and Sable Families
The Avanti family served as the entry point, featuring models like the 200, 400, and 300. These typically utilized a single CPU (EV4 or EV45) and were available in desktop or mini-tower enclosures. The Sable family (including the 2100 and 2000) offered increased scalability, supporting up to four CPUs and providing a bridge to pedestal and rack-mount configurations.
Mikasa and Noritake Families
The Mikasa and Noritake families refined the 1000-series. The Mikasa (AlphaServer 1000) introduced the 21071 chipset and supported up to 1 GB of memory. Its successor, the Noritake (AlphaServer 1000A), expanded capabilities with the 21171 chipset and processors reaching 500 MHz. The AlphaServer 800 (Corelle) further enhanced this line with ECC EDO DIMMs for improved memory reliability.
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High-Performance and Enterprise Systems
Rawhide and Turbolaser Families
For more demanding workloads, the Rawhide family (AlphaServer 4000, 4100, and 1200) provided up to four CPUs and memory capacities up to 8 GB. The Turbolaser family pushed boundaries further; the 8200 and 8400 models supported up to 14 CPUs and massive expansion capabilities with over 140 PCI slots.
Lynx and Tsunami Families
The Lynx family (2000A, 2100A) focused on multi-CPU efficiency, while the Tsunami family (DS10, DS20, ES40) marked the transition to the EV6 architecture. These systems introduced PCI-X support and offered a variety of form factors, from 1U rack-mounts (DS10L) to large pedestals.
Titan and Wildfire Families
The Titan family (DS15, DS25, ES45) utilized the EV68CB processor, reaching speeds of 1250 MHz. Simultaneously, the Wildfire family (GS80, GS160, GS320) targeted the high-end market, with the GS320 supporting up to 32 CPUs and 256 GB of memory across 224 PCI-X slots.
Supercomputing and the Marvel Family
AlphaServer SC
The AlphaServer SC was a specialized supercomputer constructed by clustering individual nodes (such as DS20L, ES40, or ES45). These nodes were linked via a Quadrics elan3 interconnect, a high-speed networking technology designed for technical computing. The SC45 model was notably powerful, ranking #6 in the world as of November 2004.
Marvel Family
The final evolution in this lineage was the Marvel family (ES47, ES80, GS1280), powered by the EV7 and EV7z processors. The GS1280 was the pinnacle of the line, eventually supporting up to 64 microprocessors and 512 GB of memory, with an extraordinary capacity for up to 704 PCI/PCI-X slots.
Technical Summary Table
| Family | Key Models | Max CPUs | Notable CPU Gen | Max Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avanti | 200, 300, 400 | 1 | EV4 / EV45 | 384 MB |
| Sable | 2000, 2100 | 4 | EV4 / EV5 / EV56 | 2 GB |
| Noritake | 1000A, 800 | 1 | EV45 / EV5 / EV56 | 2 GB |
| Turbolaser | 8200, 8400, GS140 | 14 | EV5 / EV56 / EV6 | 28 GB |
| Tsunami | DS10, DS20, ES40 | 4 | EV6 / EV67 / EV68 | 32 GB |
| Wildfire | GS80, GS160, GS320 | 32 | EV67 / EV68CB | 256 GB |
| Marvel | ES47, ES80, GS1280 | 64 | EV7 / EV7z | 512 GB |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the AlphaServer SC?
The AlphaServer SC was a supercomputer created by connecting individual server nodes (DS20L, ES40, or ES45) using a Quadrics elan3 interconnect, primarily used for high-performance technical computing.
Which AlphaServer model had the highest CPU count?
The AlphaServer GS1280 from the Marvel family supported the highest number of microprocessors, with a maximum capacity of 64 CPUs.
What is B-cache in the context of AlphaServers?
B-cache refers to the secondary level of cache memory located on the processor or motherboard, which varies by model (e.g., 512 KB in Avanti 200 up to 16 MB in the Titan ES45).
How did the GS1280 evolve over time?
Originally supporting 16 microprocessors, the GS1280 was upgraded in October 2003 to support up to 64 microprocessors and double its memory capacity to 8 GB per microprocessor.
What were the common expansion slots used in these servers?
Early models used ISA and EISA slots, which evolved into PCI and eventually high-performance PCI-X slots in later families like Tsunami and Wildfire.