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NextGen PowerMax: Performance with Efficiency and Sustainability Unleashed
Thu, 25 Apr 2024 19:08:52 -0000
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NextGen PowerMax: Performance with Efficiency and Sustainability Unleashed
In the ever-evolving landscape of data storage, organizations demand more than just raw capacity. They seek storage solutions that not only deliver capacity and performance, but also align with their sustainability goals.
As early as 2018, Dell engineers peered into the crystal ball of future data centers requirements. What they saw was both awe-inspiring and daunting. Over the next decade, the rise of compute intensive workloads such as artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) promised unprecedented capabilities, but it came at a cost—the voracious appetite for power. These compute intensive workloads, like insatiable beasts, demand more and more power and resources. From this, Dell foresaw a critical requirement: deliver a storage architecture which strikes a balance between high performance and efficiency.
Enter the NextGen PowerMax — The industry’s most secure and energy-efficient mission-critical storage array (1) that provides a fantastic blend of performance with efficiency and environmental responsibility. Let’s delve into the remarkable features that make the NextGen PowerMax a game-changer for businesses worldwide.
1. Performance Efficiency: A Quantum Leap
Design Goal: Increased IOPS/Watt
Delivered Result: Up to a 2.8x Improvement in IOPS/Watt (2)
The NextGen PowerMax systems don’t just meet expectations; they shatter them. With an impressive 2.8x improvement in IOPS/Watt over the previous PowerMax generation, these systems redefine what’s possible. How do they achieve this? By combining cutting-edge hardware design, intelligent algorithms, and optimized power management. The result? Industry-leading performance without compromising energy efficiency.
Benefit to Customers:
- Unprecedented responsiveness: Applications run faster, transactions complete swiftly, and analytics yield real-time insights.
- Reduced operational costs: Less power consumption translates to lower electricity bills, freeing up resources for other critical investments.
2. Storage Efficiency: Doing More with Less
Design Goal: Increased TBe/Watt
Delivered Result: Up to 5x Improvement in Effective Capacity (TBe)/Watt (3)
Storage efficiency isn’t just about cramming more data into a box—it’s about doing so intelligently. The NextGen PowerMax achieves a remarkable 5x improvement in effective storage capacity per watt. What does this mean for our customers? It means storing significantly more data while minimizing power draw.
Benefit to Customers:
- Amplified data storage: Organizations can house vast amounts of critical information without expanding their physical footprint.
- Environmental stewardship: Less power consumption directly translates to a smaller carbon footprint.
3. Storage Density: Space Maximization Redefined
Design Goal: Increased Effective Capacity (TBe)/Rack Unit (U)
Delivered Result: Up to a 14x Improvement, Delivering Over 8 PBe in Only 10U (4)
Imagine fitting a universe of data into a compact space. That’s precisely what the NextGen PowerMax achieves. With a jaw-dropping 14x improvement in storage capacity per rack unit, organizations can optimize their data centers like never before. Whether it’s on-premises or in a colocation facility, the NextGen PowerMax delivers unmatched density.
Benefit to Customers:
- Real estate efficiency: Organizations save precious floor space, allowing for growth without expanding their physical footprint.
- Cost optimization: Fewer racks mean reduced infrastructure costs and streamlined management.
4. Data Reduction Guarantee: Efficiency Beyond the Obvious
Design Goal: 5:1 Data Reduction Guarantee
Delivered Result: Ensuring Efficient Data Compression and Eliminating Unnecessary Duplication (5)
Data reduction isn’t a mere promise—it’s a guarantee. The next generation PowerMax ensures a 5:1 data reduction capability. Whether it’s deduplication, compression, or thin provisioning, our systems work tirelessly to minimize storage requirements.
Benefit to Customers:
- Smaller storage footprint: Less physical storage needed for the same amount of data.
- Cost savings: Reduced storage acquisition costs and operational overhead.
5. Reduced Operational Costs: Dollars Saved, Sustainability Gained
Design Goal: Five-Year Operational Cost Savings
Delivered Result: Up to 1 million kWh saved or $207,000 savings for electricity (@ $0.21/kWh) (6)
The NextGen PowerMax isn’t just about bits and bytes; it’s about dollars and sense. By significantly reducing energy consumption, our systems empower organizations to save big. Over five years, the savings add up, making the NextGen PowerMax a financially savvy choice.
Benefit to Customers:
- Tangible savings: Dollars saved on electricity bills can be reinvested strategically.
- Environmental impact: Reduced energy usage contributes to a greener planet.
6. Reduced Carbon Footprint: A Commitment to the Earth
Design Goal: Equivalent 82% Decrease in Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Delivered Result: Up to 382 Metric Tons Saved (Depending on Fuel Source) (7)
The NextGen PowerMax isn’t just about business; it’s about stewardship. By curbing greenhouse gas emissions, we honor our shared home. Whether powered by renewables or conventional sources, our systems make a difference.
Benefit to Customers:
- Corporate responsibility: Organizations can proudly showcase their commitment to sustainability.
- Regulatory compliance: Meeting environmental standards becomes easier.
Summary
In summary, the NextGen PowerMax isn’t just a high-performance storage array; it’s a catalyst for efficiency, sustainability, and progress. Join the revolution—where performance meets responsibility, and data storage becomes a force for good.
For more information
For more information about the Next Generation PowerMax power efficiency and sustainability accomplishments see the following white paper on the Dell Infohub: https://infohub.delltechnologies.com/en-US/t/the-next-generation-powermax-balancing-performance-with-efficiency-and-sustainability-1/
Notes
- A. Based on Dell’s internal analysis of cybersecurity capabilities of Dell PowerMax versus cybersecurity capabilities of competitive mainstream arrays supporting open systems and mainframe storage, April 2023. B. Based on Dell’s analysis of published product specs and features impacting power usage of Dell PowerMax versus competitive mainstream arrays supporting open systems and mainframe storage operating at 8PBe, June 2023.
- Based on Dell’s internal testing comparing IOPS per watt for PowerMax 2500 compared with PowerMax 2000 using the 8K random writes workload, August 2023. Performance per watt will vary depending upon workload.
- Based on Dell’s internal analysis comparing Effective Storage Capacity of the PowerMax 2500 compared with the PowerMax 2000, April 2023. Actual storage capacities will vary.
- Based on Dell’s internal analysis comparing Effective Storage Capacity per rack unit (1.75”) of the PowerMax 2500 compared with the PowerMax 2000, April 2023. Actual storage capacities will vary.
- Based on Dell’s Future-Proof program that offers 5:1 data reduction guarantee using PowerMax data reduction tools (dedupe and data compression) for open systems storage, August 2023. Actual data reduction rates will vary. See terms and conditions for details at future-proof-dr-guarantee-tc.pdf (delltechnologies.com)
- Based on Dell’s internal analysis of total electricity cost savings over 5 years operating PowerMax 2500 at 8PBe (5kW) versus 6 PowerMax 2000s at 8PBe (27.5kW) using $.21 per kWh (U.S. EIA April 2023 report, California Commercial rate). July 2023. Actual cost savings will vary.
- Based on Dell’s internal analysis of total CO2 emissions over 5 years for PowerMax 2500 at 8PBe (5kW) versus 6 PowerMax 2000s at 8PBe (27.5kW). July 2023. Calculations are from the U.S. EPA CO2e formula. Actual CO2e reduction will vary.
About the author
Jim Salvadore is a Dell Technical Marketing Engineer who works in the PowerMax organization. Jim has over 25 years of experience in the IT industry. He is the submitter of numerous patents and is the author of several Dell white papers and technical blogs. In his spare time, he enjoys wood craft, solitude in the woods of Maine, and practicing Tai Chi with his wife.