Tyan, NVIDIA to Enable Next-Gen Workstation and Server Platforms

January 25, 2005

Workstation and server applications are constantly driving the call for higher-power systems. In order to deliver the next-generation of platforms to meet the most demanding application challenges, Tyan has partnered with NVIDIA in the development and release of two new platforms which raise the bar on customer expectations for workstation and server performance.

Workstation is a type of computer used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing, software development, and other types of applications that require a moderate amount of computing power and relatively high quality graphics capabilities. Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution graphics screen. Server is a computer which is designed to be accessed by many other computers. Servers can be attached to local area networks (in an office setting, for instance) and/or be hooked up to the internet. With the proper software and connections, servers can control the distribution of email, store World Wide Web documents, and provide access to files that are shared by many users.

The Tyan Thunder K8WE (S2895), based on the NVIDIA nForce Professional 2200 and 2050 core-logic solutions, will enable customers to realize new heights of performance never before available in the server and workstation markets. Features such as dual PCI Express x16 slots with full x16 speed on each slot, provide customers with unprecedented access to graphics powerhouse processing for a wide range of programs. In addition, NVIDIA SLI technology and Tyan's unique dual PCIe x16 implementation elevate workstation systems to world-class performance levels. Other features include support for 64-bit Dual AMD Opteron™ 200 Series Processors, Registered DDR400 memory support, multiple PCIe and PCI-X slots, dual Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, built-in FireWire (1394a), USB 2.0, Serial ATA-II with NVRAID, Audio, and hardware performance modification through NVIDIA nTune, a performance utility, part of the NVIDIA unified driver package.

Rackmount server customers will admire the incredible, 1U-optimized layout of the Thunder K8SRE (S2891) that doesn't compromise on core features needed by demanding applications. Based on the NVIDIA nForce Professional 2200 media and communications processor (MCP), in conjunction with the AMD-8131, and HyperTransport technology for standard-setting I/O performance, the Thunder K8SRE (S2891) offers scalability and performance in a powerful and efficient server platform design. Features such as support for 64-bit Dual AMD Opteron 200 Series Processors, Registered DDR400 memory, strategically-positioned PCIe x16 and PCI-X slots, dual Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, built-in video controller, and Serial ATA-II ports all provide the ultimate server package for any IT infrastructure requirements.

"NVIDIA is pleased that Tyan has selected our NVIDIA nForce Professional MCPs for their new line of server and workstation platforms," said Drew Henry, general manager of platform products at NVIDIA. "Tyan's Thunder line, the first PCI Express products for AMD Opteron processors, provide professionals compelling solutions for building high-performance, fully featured platforms."

"The introduction of the Thunder K8WE (S2895) and Thunder K8SRE (S2891) herald a new level of scalable, high-end solutions," stated Don Clegg, Vice-President of Marketing and Strategic Programs at Tyan. "Tyan and NVIDIA have partnered to deliver the next generation of workstation and server platforms designed to meet or exceed customer expectations on performance."

The Thunder K8WE (S2895) and Thunder K8SRE (S2891) are now sampling in limited quantities, and will reach mass production in Q2 of this year.