ProLiant DL360 Server Technology

T
ECHNOLOGY
B
RIEF
(cont.) Compaq ProLiant DL 360 Server Technology
3
TC000601TB
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I
NTRODUCTION
The e-commerce explosion is forcing businesses to upgrade their enterprise computing systems to
remain competitive. As a result, many are outsourcing some or all their computing needs to
application service providers (ASPs) and Internet service providers (ISPs). Growth of the ASP and
ISP markets is spurring demand for high-performance, highly serviceable, ultra-dense servers that
can be deployed rapidly in large numbers.
Compaq developed the concept of high-density servers for rack deployment and has done more
density development than any other server manufacturer. The Compaq ProLiant server line
includes a range of servers optimized for density. For example, the 3U Compaq ProLiant 1850R
server and its successor the ProLiant DL380 server have become mainstays in rack environments
worldwide.
Reducing the geometry of the server chassis to less than 3U while providing the required
functionality posed enormous technological challenges. Nonetheless, Compaq engineers have
developed a full-featured ProLiant server that provides the performance that ASPs, ISPs, and
enterprises require  in an ultra-dense, 1U form factor. The Compaq ProLiant DL360 server
supports up to two 800-MHz processors, up to 4 GB of system memory, two hot-plug hard drives,
two standard-length (12.283-inch) PCI slots, a CD-ROM drive, and a floppy disk drive. Compaq
also provides rail mounting kits and best practices guidelines that enable customers to rapidly
deploy large numbers of servers and to mount up to 42 ProLiant DL360 servers in a standard 42U
rack.
This brief explains technical obstacles Compaq overcame to produce a reliable, high-performance
1U server that can be installed and serviced virtually tool free. It describes the technology and
innovative mechanical and electrical design Compaq developed for overcoming these obstacles. It
explains how the ProLiant DL360 server meets the needs of customers requiring ultra-high density
in rack environments: for fully configured servers; for high quality and performance; for thermal
integrity; and for simple, efficient deployment and system management. It also identifies critical
design elements customers should consider when selecting servers for dense rack environments.
U
NIQUE
M
ECHANICAL AND
E
LECTRICAL
D
ESIGN
Compaq’s goal of meeting customer needs while significantly reducing the height of the server
created multiple engineering challenges:
• Fitting all required components into a 1U chassis compatible with standard racks and a wide
variety of customer environments
• Adequately cooling powerful processors, high-rpm drives, and other components within such
limited space
• Adequately cooling up to 42 ProLiant DL360 systems mounted in a standard 42U rack
• Making the server highly serviceable
• Providing efficient system management and cable management
Designing a full-featured 1U server therefore required rethinking the essential components and the
entire layout of the server. In meeting that challenge, Compaq engineers also laid the groundwork
for future development of the ProLiant DL360 server.
1U: 1.65 inches
(4.19 centimeters)