Taken from the Rackable Systems webiste, an image of one of the company's new CloudRack C2 trays
(WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) — Data center hardware developer Rackable Systems (www.rackable.com) launched a new version of its CloudRack hardware this week, designed to address cooling concerns by operating at higher temperatures.
According to several sources this week, including this Data Center Knowledge article, Rackable says the new CloudRack C2 product is capable of running at up to 104 degrees.
The temperature-raising approach is a bit of a departure from the typical energy efficiency and server design practices, which tend to approach cooling from a power-consumption standpoint. Making the equipment capable of running in a warmer environment would necessarily have the effect of reducing cooling demands and would lower energy use as a result.
According to Data Center Knowledge’s Rich Miller, the dangers of running at hotter temperatures might include less time for recovery in the event of a cooling failure, and the potential for reduced adherence to the specifics of equipment warranties.
Other concerns might be the effects of these higher temperatures on other nearby equipment – presumably the room temperature would have to be determined by the lowest max temperature on a piece of hardware – or of IT staff’s feelings about working in a 100-degree room.
While the original CloudRack configuration, launched in the fall of 2008, included two to four large on-board fans located at the back of the unit. The C2 reportedly includes 18 smaller fans in the back of the 23U half-rack and 42 fans in the 46U full rack.
“The CloudRack C2 is a landmark achievement for Rackable Systems. Most notably, it solves the problem of stranded power,” says Mark J. Barrenechea, president and CEO of Rackable Systems, quoted in the press release. “Data centers can now also reduce power consumption by simply turning up the thermostat while using CloudRack C2. It is the most energy-efficient and thermally-intelligent cabinet technology Rackable has ever offered.”
A PDF data sheet can be downloaded from a CloudRack C2 information page the company’s website.
About Liam Eagle
Liam Eagle has worked as a contributor to the Web Host Industry Review since its inception in 2000, and as editor since 2003. He has been editor of the WHIR's print magazine since its launch. His daily involvement in the gathering and reporting of Web hosting news and his regular interaction with Web hosting leaders gives him an uncommonly broad appreciation of the issues and tends facing the business. Through his WHIR blog, Liam spots Web hosting trends and offers opinions on the industry-wide impacts of major developments and the motivation behind big announcements. Follow him on Twitter @liameagle
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