SGI has introduced the Altix UV, a new series of supercomputers geared for large databases or analysis operations. The computers are based on Intel's Nehalem platform, with support for configurations utilizing quad-, six, or eight-core Xeon CPUs. Devices can be scaled to integrate up to 2,048 cores, with architectural provisioning for up to 262,144 cores.
The UV 1000 systems ship with up to 256 sockets and 16TB of shared memory in four racks, reaching up to 18.6 teraflops of performance. The mid-range UV100 integrates up to 96 sockets and 6TB of shared memory for up to 7.0 teraflops performance, while the device fits into a standard 19-inch rackmount 3U space.
Users can run unmodified Red Hat Linux or Novell's openSUSE operating systems. The basic hardware also integrates standard PCI Express expansion slots that can be used to add additional storage, networking, or graphics components.
The Altix UV supercomputers are now available, with pricing provided directly from sales representatives.