Originally posted on Data Center POST
Carsten Ludwig, Market Manager Data Center, R&M
DCs across the USA are adopting high-density solutions to boost performance without increasing real-estate footprint. How do you make the smartest choices when selecting high-definition solutions, ensuring your DC will meet growing performance demands effectively?
As hardware advances such as higher-performance servers and processors help squeeze more computing power into less physical space, DC operators don’t need to build larger facilities. Instead, they can scale vertically or utilize compact racks with higher power densities. High-density servers, cabling and racks improve scalability, support higher bandwidths, streamline cable management, and enhance cooling efficiency. Consolidating equipment in fewer, denser racks can also lower per-unit costs of operations and power. However, successfully introducing such solutions requires smart planning and preparation, and careful selection of products and solutions, focusing on integration, scalability, and flexibility.
A closer look at the key drivers for increased density
Today’s GPUs and TPUs consume more power and run hotter than traditional CPUs. AI servers often require power densities ranging from 20-50 kW per rack, far exceeding traditional workloads (~5-10 kW per rack).
IoT devices generate massive data streams that need real-time processing, often closer to the source (at the edge) or centralized (for storage and analytics). 5G increases data generation and consumption across applications such as AR/VR, smart cities, and autonomous vehicles. Additionally, 5G demands distributed datacenters with smaller footprints and high power density to process data closer to users. To manage this, infrastructure that can scale rapidly with higher-density compute and storage equipment is required.
Regulatory requirements and customer expectations for sustainability are playing a significant role in high-density infrastructure adoption. This is primarily a response to growing pressures around energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and resource optimization. Legislation such as ASHRAE 90.4: ASHRAE standards set DC energy efficiency requirements pushing operators to adopt high-density infrastructure to better utilize existing power and cooling resources. Several states are mandating carbon-neutral operations by mid-century. California, for example, has stringent energy efficiency laws (e.g., Title 24, Part 6), requiring DCs to minimize energy consumption. Regulatory constraints on building size or height, zoning policies, and even water conservation laws can encourage use of higher-density components. In addition, organizations need to respond to eco-conscious clients’ reporting requirements. There’s a need to meet sustainability targets while handling growing data demands, aligning environmental responsibility with operational performance.
Implementing high-density data center infrastructure: challenges and solutions
Addressing the challenges requires comprehensive planning, a fully integrated approach, and solutions tailored for high-density environments that are guaranteed to optimally work together, even as systems becomes larger and more complex. Let’s take a closer look at the main challenges and how to tackle them.
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