HighPoint Rocket 7638D: 1st PCIe5 GPU-Direct NVMe adapter eliminates CPU bottlenecks, maximizes NVIDIA GPUs for AI/ML workflows with 2PB NVMe Sep 2025 Download HighPoint Unlocks NVIDIA GPU Power: Introduces Industry’s First Hardware Architecture for GPU-Direct NVMe Storage Fremont, CA – September 2025 - HighPoint Technologies, a leader in high-performance storage solutions, has announced the launch of the Rocket 7638D, a revolutionary PCIe Gen5 switch adapter engineered to solve the most critical bottleneck in modern AI/ML workflows: data starvation. The adapter’s groundbreaking hardware architecture provides a foundational platform for GPU-Direct NVMe storage, enabling NVIDIA GPUs to directly access massive datasets without the performance penalties of CPU bottlenecks. The Rocket 7638D is designed to help AI professionals maximize their return on investment by ensuring their GPUs are always at full utilization, accelerating model training, inference, and data preprocessing to unprecedented speeds. The Paradigm Shift: From Conventional to Direct For decades, the path from storage to compute has been a bottleneck. Data has had to travel from an NVMe drive, through the host CPU, and into the GPU's memory—a slow, inefficient process that wastes valuable compute cycles. The Rocket 7638D shatters this conventional model. It is the first 48-lane Gen5 PCIe switch adapter engineered with a dedicated x16 Gen5 pathway for both an external GPU and NVMe storage from a single slot. This architecture creates a direct, peer-to-peer data channel that bypasses the host CPU entirely. The result is a transformative leap in performance. By eliminating latency and reducing CPU overhead, the Rocket 7638D ensures that precious GPU compute cycles are no longer wasted on I/O. HighPoint’s innovative hardware architecture provides a direct data path that, when paired with a compatible third-party software solution, enables a full GPU Direct Storage (GDS) stack. For deep learning, this translates directly to faster epochs, reduced model training time, and a significant boost in inference throughput, providing a competitive edge for any data-intensive application. This ensures that powerful GPUs and other accelerators are not sitting idle, but are constantly processing data at their maximum potential, dramatically accelerating workflows and increasing overall system efficiency. Simple, Intuitive, and Professional Despite its advanced capabilities, the Rocket 7638D has been engineered to streamline installation, deployment and field service. The hardware is natively supported by all major operating system platforms, eliminating the need for additional software or complex driver installation. This plug-and-play functionality allows AI/ML, HPC, and Scientific Imaging professionals to quickly install the card and begin building a GPU-accelerated storage solution. For peace of mind, HighPoint's user-friendly MPT utility enables administrators to quickly view firmware information, monitor PCIe bus speed, and check the health of the adapter’s switch chipset in real time. Key Innovations at a Glance Revolutionary Hardware Architecture: The Rocket 7638D is the first PCIe Gen5 switch adapter to provides the foundational hardware for a GPU-direct NVMe storage solution. Dedicated Bandwidth for Maximum GPU Utilization: Our proven PCIe Switching Technology dynamically allocates 48 lanes of Gen5 bandwidth, guaranteeing dedicated x16 pathways to both the GPU and NVMe storage. This eliminates the I/O bottleneck, ensuring your GPU is never starved for data. Uncompromised CDFP-CopprLink Connectivity: Ensures reliable, high-bandwidth GPU-to-host data transfers, supporting NVIDIA's most powerful GPUs and external enclosures for flexible deployment. Flexible Dual-MCIO 8i Ports: The Rocket 7638D dual MCIO 8i ports are capable of supporting up to 16 NVMe drives for a staggering 2 Petabytes of storage. This high-density adapter is purpose-built to handle the largest AI datasets, from petabytes of scientific imaging data to vast training sets for large language models (LLMs). Broad Platform Compatibility: Works with Intel, AMD, and ARM platforms Optimized for AI Workflows: Provides a hardware platform for GPU Direct Storage (GDS), reducing CPU overhead, lowering latency, and accelerating data preprocessing. FRU (Field Replaceable Unit): VPD stored by each adapter enables service providers to easily procure replacements with the correct firmware/hardware combination. A Paradigm Shift in GPU-Accelerated Storage In essence, the Rocket 7638D is the missing link for any NVIDIA-accelerated workflow. It’s innovative hardware architecture fundamentally changes the relationship between compute and storage. By unlocking the full potential of your GPU hardware and enabling the fastest possible data pipelines, the Rocket 7638D ensures your ROI is fully realized. Learn More HighPoint Rocket 7638D external PCIe Gen5 Switch Adapter Unleashing AI Performance with HighPoint’s Rocket 7638D: Direct GPU-to-NVMe Data Pathways mean Faster Training and Inference Shared PCIe Bandwidth Bottlenecks: Why More Lanes Don’t Always Mean More Performance Introduction Exploring PCIe Expansion Technology: What External PCIe Expansion Solutions are available in today’s marketplace? About HighPoint Technologies HighPoint Technologies, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance storage and connectivity solutions. Backed by 30 years of industry experience, we specialize in pioneering PCIe connectivity and storage expansion technologies, including NVMe, SAS/SATA, USB, and Thunderbolt. Our unwavering commitment to innovation has enabled us to deliver reliable, high-density solutions that meet the evolving demands of today's marketplace. Our Expertise & Solutions Powered by proven PCIe switching technology, our product portfolio includes scalable NVMe Switch and RAID AICs & Adapters, PCIe expansion platforms, and external storage and GPU connectivity solutions. We leverage decades of combined software and hardware expertise to engineer solutions that deliver exceptional performance and reliability for mission-critical applications. Target Markets & Applications Our technology is employed by enterprises and professionals across the globe to address today’s most demanding applications. HighPoint solutions are the foundation for data-intensive workloads in AI/ML/LLM, data centers, edge servers, and high-performance workstations, supporting both x86 (AMD/Intel) and ARM platforms. For more information, please visit HighPoint Technologies .

HighPoint’s RocketAIC 7608AW-64T delivers 64TB Gen5 NVMe, 60GB/s throughput, advanced cooling, and real-time analytics— redefining single-slot PCIe storage performance. Dec 2025 Download HighPoint Launches RocketAIC 7608AW — Industry’s Fastest & densest 64TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe Storage AIC Fremont, CA – December 2025 — HighPoint Technologies, a global leader in advanced PCIe storage architectures, announces the RocketAIC 7608AW-64T , a groundbreaking PCIe Gen5 NVMe AIC SSD engineered to push single-slot storage systems into an entirely new performance class. Delivering nearly 60GB/s of sustained real-world transfer throughput and consolidating 64TB of high-speed Gen5 NVMe media into a single expansion card, the RocketAIC 7608AW-64T delivers a turnkey, zero-integration overhead storage solution for organizations that require uncompromising performance density. Purpose-built for next-generation industrial, AI/ML, scientific, M&E, and high-throughput workload environments, the RocketAIC architecture converges high-speed switching, thermal engineering, intelligent management, and direct NVMe integration into a compact, self-contained platform that installs like a standard PCIe device—but behaves like a complete storage subsystem. High-Bandwidth Switching Architecture: 48 Lanes of PCIe Gen5, Zero Bottlenecks At the core of the RocketAIC 7608AW-64T is HighPoint’s Gen5 PCIe switching architecture , powered by Broadcom’s PEX89048 x48-lane switch IC , engineered to maximize the speed and responsiveness of all hosted NVMe devices—regardless of load or workload distribution. Architecture Breakdown: · 48 lanes of internal PCIe Gen5 bandwidth · x16 lanes routed to the host interface for maximum upstream bandwidth · 8 independent x4 Gen5 device channels —one for each installed NVMe SSD · Non-blocking switch fabric ensures each SSD operates at full Gen5 x4 performance · Internal latency minimized through optimized routing paths and signal integrity tuning This architecture ensures that peak performance is not a synthetic benchmark scenario—it is available in real-world workloads that involve sustained ingestion, massive sequential writes, and high-frequency parallel read operations. Real-World Throughput The switch architecture enables the RocketAIC platform to deliver up to 64GB/s of aggregate bandwidth , with the RocketAIC 7608AW-64T consistently achieving 58–60GB/s in sustained cross-channel transfer workloads. Precision Thermal Engineering for Gen5 NVMe PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSDs are thermally demanding, and throttling can appear within seconds under 100% load. The 7608AW-64T solves this at the hardware level. Thermal Design Highlights: · Direct SSD-to-heatsink contact interface with optimized pressure zones · Active, high-static-pressure cooling module engineered specifically for Gen5 thermals · Dedicated airflow tunnel ensuring equal cooling distribution across all SSDs · Smart fan control governed by thermal sensors on both the AIC PCB and the SSD array This ensures that all eight Samsung 9100 Gen5 NVMe drives run within optimal temperature windows during extended write sessions, eliminating performance oscillation and reclaiming full device bandwidth that is lost to throttling in conventional designs. Active Sensor Logging: Real-Time NVMe Analytics RocketAIC and Rocket 7600-series adapters employ HighPoint’s Active Sensor Logging engine , a real-time telemetry and historical data capture system designed for environments where predictable, sustained performance is mission critical. Telemetry Tracked: · Per-SSD temperature & power consumption · AIC fan speed · PCIe slot power draw · Channel-level thermal trends The system captures up to five working days of rolling data and presents it via intuitive line-graph telemetry charts in the HighPoint management suite. All data can be exported for offline analysis or long-term workflow profiling. Operational Advantages · Identify cooling inefficiencies before thermal throttling begins · Detect aging SSDs through abnormal electrical signatures · Accelerate root-cause analysis and reduce troubleshooting scope · Maintain optimal RAID array performance during continuous 24/7 loads This level of visibility is critical in labs, imaging systems, AI data pipelines, and industrial environments where workloads must remain deterministic. Intuitive Management, Flexible RIAD Technology & Seamless Platform Integration The RocketAIC 7608AW-64T integrates with HighPoint’s unified NVMe Management Suite , enabling administrators to configure RAID arrays, view telemetry, monitor health, adjust cooling profiles, and export logs. Supported Modes & Features: · RAID 0, 1, 10, JBOD / Passthrough · Optional Boot-RAID for Linux and Windows · SafeStorage SED encryption for secure media handling · Rapid RAID reconfiguration for workload-specific tuning This allows the card to transition seamlessly from workstation environments to server, lab, and high-throughput automation infrastructure. Built for today’s most demanding AI, ML and HPC Workloads Workloads The RocketAIC 7608AW-64T is optimized for workloads that require extreme storage bandwidth, minimal latency variance, and predictable thermal behavior, including: · AI/ML dataset staging · Multi-camera machine vision and industrial inspection · 8K/12K RAW video acquisition & finishing · HPC/Scientific data ingestion · Real-time analytics pipelines · Large-scale simulation and modeling · High-frequency sustained ingest (telemetry, sensor arrays, microscopy) In Summary With unmatched performance, massive capacity, and intelligent real-time management, the RocketAIC 7608AW-64T delivers the simplicity of a turnkey device with the capability of an entire storage subsystem. Whether deployed for AI, imaging, scientific research, or advanced media production, it provides a new standard for single-slot NVMe acceleration—powerful, efficient, and ready for the next generation of high-speed workflows. Shipping and Availability: The Rocket 7608AW-64T is available direct from HighPoint’s eStore and can be shipped worldwide. RocketAIC 7608AW-64T – 64TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe Drive https://www.highpoint-tech.com/rocketaic/ra7608aw https://www.highpoint-tech.com/product-page/ra7608aw About HighPoint Technologies HighPoint Technologies stands as a global leader in PCIe connectivity solutions and a premier manufacturer of high-performance, high-density NVMe Switch and RAID AIC & Adapter solutions. With a rich history spanning nearly three decades, our dedication to delivering innovative, reliable, and high-performance storage solutions has consistently set us ahead in the marketplace.

Enterprise-grade Rocket 7628A/7628U PCIe Gen5 x16 NVMe RAID: supports 32 NVMe SSDs, 60GB/s throughput, Broadcom PEX89048, ideal for HPC, AI/ML, Big Data in edge/datacenter. Rocket 7628A / Rocket 7628U Datasheet Copy link PCIe Gen5 x16 to 4-MCIOx8 NVMe RAID Adapter Key Features: 4x MCIO 8i (SFF-1016) Ports (dedicated x8 lanes per port) No. of Devices: Up to 8 Direct, Up to 32 via backplane Bus Interface: PCIe 5.0 x16 RAID Adapter: RAID 0, 1, 10 & Single-Disk For Linux & Windows Supports x86 Intel/AMD & ARM Platforms Enterprise & Datacenter Class: U.2, U.3 & E1.S NVMe SSDs Contact Us Overview Specifications Downloads Resources Product Line Buy Now Product Model Rocket 7628A (R7628A) & Rocket 7628U(R7628U) Hardware Features Bus Interface PCIe 5.0 x16 Number of Channel / Port 8x Device Channels / 4x MCIO Ports (Dedicated PCIe 5.0 x8 per MCIO) Connector Type MCIO (SFF-1016 8x) Connector Pinout Definition SFF-9402 Compliant Number of devices 8 Data Port Reconfiguration (Downstream Configuration: 1x16 /2x8 /4x4 /8x2 /16x1 ) Yes SSD Form Factor U.2, U.3, E3.S (via cabling accessories) SRIS and REFCLK Support TBA; please contact Sales for more information Downstream port containment Yes Read tracking Yes Flexible, Enterprise Grade PCIe Gen5 x16 NVMe RAID Solution for Edge Server & Datacenter Platforms The Rocket 7628A / Rocket 7628U was designed for professional Server and Edge Datacenter environments that require uncompromised storage performance, enterprise reliability and endurance, and the flexible scalability of proven RAID technology. The four MCIO 8i ports can directly support up to 8 U.2, U.3, E1.S or E3.S NVMe SSDs, or up to 32 devices via backplane connectivity, configured into as many as 4 separate RAID 0, 1 or 10 arrays or mixed configurations of single SSDs and arrays. The seamless integration of Broadcom’s PEX89048 Switch IC, unparalleled device connectivity, enterprise endurance and reliability, and flexible RAID & Storage technology make the Rocket 7628A / Rocket 7628U ideal choice for today's most data-intensive applications such as high-performance computing (HPC), AI and ML workloads, Big Data Analytics, Cloud computing Services and media-intensive applications. Key Features: 4x MCIO 8i (SFF-1016) Ports (dedicated x8 lanes per port) Supports Enterprise and Datacenter Class U.2, U.3, E3.S & E1.S NVMe media Leverages Broadcom’s 48-lane PEX89048 PCIe Switch IC: • Ensures the fastest, densest downstream connectivity possible • Optimizes signal integrity & stability, and minimizes latency Designed to maximize performance & connectivity density per PCIe 5.0 x16 Slot: Achieves up to 60GB/s with support for 32 devices HighPoint’s Pro-Series Storage Suite • RAID Solution: 0, 1, 10 & Single-Disk • Intelligent Pro-Active Cooling Solution • Storage Active Sensor Logging & Analysis Suite • SafeStorage SED Solution • Incorporates customizable Firmware Solutions Robust, flexible & scalable; Tailor speed & capacity for the deployment & infrastructure requirements of each Application/Workflow Hot-Swap/Hot-Plug Support Proven, Comprehensive cabling solutions designed for direct-to-device and industry standard backplane connectivity Cross-Sync RAID Technology: Cross-Sync enables administrators to create arrays using up to 16 SSDs and as many as four Adapters installed into a single system. Supports Bootable RAID Volumes Supports x86 Intel/AMD & ARM Platforms POC Request Form Meeting Request Form Powered by Industry Proven PCIe Switching Technology HighPoint NVMe RAID Adapters are engineered to maximize the potential of each available PCIe x16 slot to deliver peak performance and superior storage connectivity. Each solution leverages Broadcom’s industry-leading x48-Lane PCIe Switch ICs to optimize signal integrity, minimize latency and provide the fastest, densest downstream port connectivity possible in a single-slot device. Learn More... Engineered for Scalable Storage Infrastructures The Rocket 7628A / Rocket 7628U is engineered to accommodate the diverse needs of Enterprise and Edge Server and Datacenter computing environments. Industry proven RAID technology and flexible, configurable firmware packages enable the adapter to support a broad range of storage and device configurations for integration into next-generation hardware environments. Key Features & Advantages: Configurable PCIe Lane Counts enable customers to optimize data flow and/or transfer performance to facilitate seamless integration of NVMe media into various storage architectures and workloads. Compliant with Industry Backplane Specifications: The adapters support UBM (Universal Backplane Management), VPP (Virtual Pin Port) and real-time storage health and connectivity monitoring to ensure full compliance with industry standard backplane specifications for superior reliability. Comprehensive Storage Communication Interfaces: With support for SMBus, I2C, and advanced Out-of-Band protocols like MCTP and SMC, HighPoint NVMe Switch Adapters provide extensive communication options to enhance storage administration across a diverse range of hardware environments. All-In-One RAID and Storage Management Solutions Empower NVMe Storage with HighPoint's Industry-Proven RAID Technology HighPoint’s industry-proven NVMe RAID technology provides unparalleled flexibility, enabling administrators to easily craft, maintain and scale RAID storage to address the unique requirements of each target application and workflow. Host up to four RAID arrays including bootable volumes Mix individual SSD configurations with RAID arrays Optimize for Performance, Redundancy or a mix of both. RAID Modes Tailored for Every Application RAID 0 (Striping) - Also known as a “stripe” array, this mode delivers Maximum Performance and capacity by linking multiple NVMe SSD's together to act as a single storage unit. RAID 1 (Mirroring) - This mode creates a hidden duplicate of the target SSD, and is ideal for applications that require an extra layer of data security, such as a bootable volume. RAID 10 (Security & Speed) - RAID 10 offers a “best of both worlds” by leveraging striping with mirroring technology; two RAID 1 arrays are striped together to maximize performance. RAID 10 is capable of delivering read performance on par with RAID 0. Advanced RAID Features Unlock Advanced RAID Capabilities with HighPoint Storage Technology. Bootable RAID Support: Maximize performance and capacity with RAID 0 striping or mitigate the threat of downtime with RAID 1 mirroring Online RAID Roaming: Move RAID configurations between Highpoint AICs or Adapters without reconfiguration Cross-Sync RAID Technology: Combine up to 16 SSDs across as many as four AICS into a single unified RAID volume for unapparelled performance and capacity. Comprehensive Management Tools HighPoint NVMe RAID Adapters include robust management and monitoring utilities for administrators of all skill levels: The WebGUI is an intuitive Web-based graphical user interface. CLI (Command Line Interface) : streamlined tool for expert administrators. UEFI-HII Tool： Configure arrays using the system's BIOS Interface Intelligent 1-Click Self-Diagnostic & Logging Solution: Simplify troubleshooting with automated logs and direct support access. HighPoint NVMe RAID Technology: Your Solution for Performance and Reliability Take control of your NVMe storage with HighPoint’s innovative RAID technology. From advanced features to comprehensive management tools, our RAID technology delivers the flexibility, scalability, and reliability you need to tackle modern workloads. Field Service Feature Suite Intelligent Self-Diagnostic LEDs & Alarms: HighPoint PCIe Gen5 Adapters feature Built-In Early Warning LED Indicators and Audible Alarms. Simple color coding and light/sound patterns enable administrators to instantly assess the status of hosted M.2 media, the strength of the PCIe connection, and temperature of the PCIe switch hardware. Environmental Monitoring, Logging & Analysis Solution: HighPoint's PCIe Gen5 x16 NVMe RAID Adapters employ an innovative Performance and Troubleshooting solution that combines an active NVMe sensor suite with real-time Environmental Logging and Analysis capability. The solution has been integrated into the WebGUI Management Tool, and will automatically track and log the temperature and power consumption of each hosted SSD. FRU (Field Replicable Unit) Support: The Rocket 7628A / Rocket 7628U is a field replaceable unit (FRU); the VPD stored on each adapter enables customers and service providers to easily procure replacements with the correct firmware/driver combination. Integrated NVMe Hot-Plug & Hot-Swap Capability: Enables administrators to add or remove SSDs while the host platform remains online. Advanced Cooling Solution The Rocket 7628A and Rocket 7628U's Advanced PCIe Gen5 NVMe Hardware Cooling Solution is comprised of full-Length Aluminum heat exchanger equipped with an innovative copper piping system designed to rapidly whisk waste heat away from the PEX 89048 switch IC and controller componentry to promote longevity of the adapter hardware. Versatile Cabling Solutions The Rocket 7628A / Rocket 7628U is capable of interfacing with a variety of industry standard storage chassis, including internal 2.5” drive bays, Mobile Racks, and storage backplanes via a selection of certified cabling solutions. These include direct to SSD connections such SFF-8639 (U.2/U.3 SSDs), and SFF-TA-1002 (E1.S/E3.S SSDs). Options for backplane/mobile rack connectivity include MCIO, SFF-8654, and SFF-8643. On the software side, Rocket 7628A / Rocket 7628U Adapters leverage our proven SHI (Storage Health Inspector) solution. SHI utilizes SMART technology to log & report the physical characteristics of each SSD, such as temperature, voltage and endurance (Total Bytes Written / Disk Writes per Day). HighPoint SafeStorage SED Solution Rocket 7628A / Rocket 7628U Adapters are protected by SafeStorage - a state-of-the-art data encryption solution for OPAL SSC compliant SED drives and arrays. Stored data is automatically locked down whenever storage is unplugged from the AIC, effectively preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information should physical disks be misplaced or stolen. Applications & Use Cases The Rocket 7628A / Rocket 7628U is engineered to accommodate Enterprise and Edge computing environments built to accommodate today’s most data-intensive AI applications, ML solutions, Scientific and Engineering workflows and Professional Media platforms. The Rocket 7628A and Rocket 7628U's four MCIO 8i ports are capable of supporting up to 32 enterprise/datacenter class NVMe drives and nearly 2 Petabytes of storage capacity. State-of-the art PCIe Gen5 Switch Architecture, powered by Broadcom's PEX 89048 Switch IC, enables the adapter to allocate up to x4 lanes of dedicated bandwidth to each SSD and deliver a class-leading 60GB/s of real-word transfer throughput form a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot. Industry-leading NVMe RAID technology with advanced management and monitoring features administrators to seamlessly configure scale and service NVMe storage to satisfy the performance, capacity or endurance requirements of mission critical enterprise applications and workloads. Cloud Computing Services Use Cases: Cloud Service Applications Benefits: Speeds up to 12 million IOPS, support for up to 32 enterprise-class NVMe drives, flexible RAID technology, and a wide selection of certified cabling solutions are ideal for Cloud Computing Services including Online Storage and Virtual Machine hosting. Edge Computing Use Cases: Edge Server & Datacenter Environments Benefits: Blazing performance, instant access time and flexible RAID configurations are ideal edge server and datacenter applications. Medical & Scientific Use Cases: EMS (electron microscopy), MRI/CT scan storage, electronic health records (EHR), & medical research databases Benefits: Massive bandwidth & capacity support HD imaging systems, rapid access to large files & patient data to enhance diagnostic & research Database Management Systems (DBMS) Use Cases: Large-scale databases, online transaction processing (OLTP), & data warehousing Benefits: Enhances I/O performance and reduces latency, leading to faster query processing. Big-Data Analytics Use Cases: Applications that process immense volumes of data such as real-time analytics and business intelligence applications Benefits: Rapid access to massive datasets, results in faster analytics and insights generation. POC Request Form Meeting Request Form Rocket 7628A, Rocket 7628U,R7628A,R7628U,R7628 PCIe Gen5 Solutions Product PCle Ports # of Devices Hot-Swap SSD FF Rocket 7624A PCIe 5.0 x16 2x MCIO 8x Up to 4 Yes Direct Connect U.2/U.3; Backplane Connection: ESDFF devices such as U.2/U.3/E1.S Rocket 7628A / Rocket 7628U PCIe 5.0 x16 4x MCIO 8x Up to 32 Yes Direct Connect U.2/U.3/E3.S; Backplane Connection: ESDFF devices such as U.2/U.3/E1.S/E3.S PCIe Gen4 (2nd-Gen) Solutions Product PCle Ports # of Devices Hot-Swap SSD FF Rocket 7528D / Rocket 7528U PCIe 4.0 x16 4x SlimSAS (SFF-8654 8x） Up to 32 Yes Direct Connect U.2/U.3; Backplane Connection: ESDFF devices such as U.2/U.3/E1.S PCIe Gen4 Solutions Product PCle Ports # of Devices Hot-Swap SSD FF SSD7580B PCIe 4.0 x16 4x SFF-8654 Up to 8 Yes Direct Connect U.2/U.3; Backplane Connection: U.2/U.3 SSD7580C PCIe 4.0 x16 4x SFF-8654 Up to 8 Yes Direct Connect U.2/U.3; Backplane Connection: U.2/U.3 PCIe Gen3 Solutions Product PCle Ports # of Devices Hot-Swap SSD FF SSD7180 PCIe 3.0 x16 8x MiniSAS Up to 8 N/A Direct Connect U.2/U.3; Backplane Connection: U.2/U.3 SSD7120 PCIe 3.0 x16 4x MiniSAS Up to 4 N/A Direct Connect U.2/U.3; Backplane Connection: U.2/U.3 SSD7184 PCIe 3.0 x16 4x Int. & 4x Ext. MiniSAS Up to 8 N/A Direct Connect U.2/U.3; Backplane Connection: U.2/U.3 Software & Drivers (RAID Management & Driver, UEFI Tool) Product Documents (RAID Management & Driver Guide, Datasheet, QIG) Compatibility Guideline (System, Motherboard, Drive) NOTE: Please email to GeneralSales@highpoint-tech.com for more information about upgrading to latest software and documents. News Blogs Videos Optimizing Gen5 Storage Performance for Your Gen5 Computing Platform Exploring the Powerhouse: A Deep Dive into PCIe Switch Chipsets Optimizing Performance with HighPoint’s Intelligent, Proactive Gen5 Cooling Solution. Why Choose an NVMe Adapter? What is NVMe AIC/Adapter? Everything You Need to Know Importance of Cabling for NVMe Storage Configuration Mastering NVMe Hot-plug: Navigating Challenges and Ensuring Safe Removal The End of the Spindle Drive Era in Virtualization HighPoint’s NVMe RAID Architecture – The Seamless Upgrade The HighPoint NVMe RAID Portfolio – From Gen3 to Gen5 Architecture of the Edge: Redefining Connectivity with HighPoint Gen5 PCIe Switching HighPoint Accelerates the Post-VMware Era: Dual-Track NVMe Solutions Optimized for Microsoft Hyper-V, S2D, and Proxmox Enterprise Clusters Hardware RAID vs. Hardware-Accelerated NVMe RAID Architecture: A Deep Dive HighPoint and ICY DOCK Announce New Collaboration for Gen5 Enterprise Storage HighPoint Announces TAA Compliant NVMe Solutions: Securing the Supply Chain for Federal and Enterprise Storage HighPoint Announces Full Validation of PCIe Gen5 NVMe Storage Expansion Adapters with ScaleFlux CSD5310 Series Enterprise SSDs Why HighPoint NVMe RAID Technology Focuses on 0, 1 and 10 HighPoint MCIO Connectivity Solutions: Engineered for High-Speed, Scalable PCIe Gen5 NVMe and GPU Expansion HighPoint Unveils NVMe Boot RAID AIC Family: The Ultimate Alternative to Intel VROC Introducing HighPoint's Gen5 NVMe Switch & RAID AICs and Adapters HighPoint NVMe Switch Adapters and Systems from our Partners FAQ Q. HighPoint RAID Partition Loss Caused by Windows 11 24h2 Installation Bug Rocket 7628A Buy Now Rocket 7628U (TAA Compliant) Buy Now

The PCIe Gen5 era has fundamentally changed the power requirements for high-performance computing. While many external enclosures rely on standard power supplies that deliver between 400 and 850W, this range of capacity is no longer sufficient for today's flagship GPUs and accelerator cards. For mission-critical AI training, simulations and other HPC workflows, the only way to ensure unconstrained performance is with the dedicated 1300W PSU support found in the RocketStor 8631D. The Hidden Danger: Transient Power Spikes The maximum TDP (Thermal Design Power) rating of a high-end accelerator might be presented as 600W. However, the true challenge lies in transient power spikes. During intense computational phases—the precise moments when your device is pushing its limit—it can draw significantly more power for a few milliseconds. If your power supply unit (PSU) is undersized, these transient spikes can lead to a variety of critical issues: 1. Voltage Sag: If the device attempts to draw more power than what the PSU can provide, a voltage dip or sag will occur, resulting in instability and performance loss. 2. Performance Throttling: Repeated power sags can result in the device’s firmware aggressively throttling its output in order to prevent a crash, leading to unpredictable, non-inconsistent operation. 3. System Instability: In extreme cases, the enclosure may shut down, corrupting ongoing training runs or simulations. Why 850W is often Not Enough for the Latest Accelerators Cards An 850W enclosure PSU must power the GPU and the entire enclosure infrastructure; cooling fans, integrated chipset (such as a retimer or switch), and the Host Interface Card overhead). For a 600W accelerators, an 850W PSU leaves 250W of head room. This limited margin is easily consumed by transient spikes and cooling demands, forcing the GPU to throttle its performance precisely when maximum TDP is needed. The Solution: RocketStor 8631D - Over-Engineered Power Delivery The RocketStor 8631D is engineered specifically for this power challenge. By integrating a dedicated 1300W PSU, the enclosure provides a massive power buffer, ensuring: Sustained TDP: A 600W accelerator card still leaves 700W of overhead for spikes, cooling, and reliability; more than double its standard requirement! Zero Throttling: The accelerator maintains its maximum boost clocks and performance profile without risk of a voltage sag or performance throttling. Unmatched Longevity: Stable, high-quality power delivery protects your expensive Gen5 accelerators from unnecessary stress. Learn More: Rocket 8631D PCIe Gen5 x16 External CopprLink Expansion Enclosure Signal Integrity Solved: Why Astera Labs Gen5 Retimers are Mandatory for External x16 Bandwidth The Ultimate Gen5 Enclosure Checklist: Why the 8631D Outperforms Market Alternatives

Modern high-performance computing (HPC) and AI platforms are experiencing a sort of physical paradox. While the computational demands of Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI applications are expanding exponentially, the server chassis itself is effectively "shrinking." It isn’t that the racks are getting smaller—it’s the components we are now trying to stuff inside them; physical and computational resources are getting stretched too thin. We have officially hit the "Power and Thermal Wall." The "Power Wall": Why 700W is the Breaking Point In a traditional 1U or 2U server node, space is the most valuable commodity. For decades, we managed to fit CPUs, RAM, and networking devices into these compact frames. But the arrival of next-gen accelerators has changed the math. The TDP Crisis: High-end PCIe Gen5 GPU often demands upwards of 700 Watts. The Density Trap: In a compact 2U chassis, there is simply no way to move enough air to cool 1,000W+ of PSU/GPU without the fans reaching "banshee" decibel levels to even begin to combat the risk of thermal throttling. Power Delivery: Most internal server power supplies aren't designed to deliver 1000W+ of dedicated juice to expansion devices while still powering the dual CPUs and dozens of NVMe drives. The result? If you keep the accelerator inside the box, you are forced to choose between under-clocking your expensive hardware or jeopardizing the integrity of the entire hardware platform. Defining Disaggregation: Moving the Brain Outside the Body So, how do you provide 1000 plus watts of power and dedicated cooling to accelerators that may not even physically fit in your server? You disaggregate. PCIe Disaggregation is the architectural practice of decoupling the "compute" factor (the host CPU/RAM) from the "accelerator" (the GPU/FPGA PCIe devices). Instead of forcing the accelerator to live inside the server's cramped, hot, power-starved environment, we move it to a dedicated External Expansion Node. By relocating the device to dedicated external GPU/Accelerator enclosure, such as HighPoint’s RocketStor 8631D, you are providing that PCIe device with its own: Dedicated 1300W Power Supply: No more starving the host server for power. Independent Thermal Management: A complete thermal monitoring system with high-CFM fans, which are capable of adjusting speed on the fly to deal with minute-to-minute changes, all specifically designed for large-form-factor triple-width PCIe Gen5 GPus and Accelerator cards. Room to Breathe: Guaranteed full-length, triple-slot clearance and ample air flow that compact servers simply can't offer. PCIe: The "Universal Fabric" of the Disaggregated Era For disaggregation to work, the connection between the server and the external node must be transparent. It cannot add latency, and it cannot sacrifice bandwidth. This is where PCIe Gen5 becomes the "Universal Fabric." Unlike Ethernet or InfiniBand, which require complex protocol "tunneling" (and add micro-seconds of latency), a native PCIe connection via CopprLink technology allows the external GPU to behave as if it were plugged directly into the motherboard. HighPoint’s External CopprLink PCIe Architecture takes this a step further by making it Active. By using integrated Retimers, we ensure that the 64GB/s signal stays "locked" over a 2-meter distance—giving you the flexibility to place your heat-heavy GPUs exactly where you want them without losing a single drop of performance. In Summary: External Expansion is No Longer Optional The "shrinkage" of the server chassis isn't a design choice; it's a symptom of a legacy architecture reaching its breaking point. For AI startups and enterprise data centers looking to deploy the next generation of high-TDP hardware, external expansion via CopprLink technology isn't just an "add-on"—it is the only way to scale. Next in this Series: CopprLink™: The New Standardized Language of Gen5 Connectivity Ready to bypass the Power Wall? Explore HighPoint’s RocketStor 8600 Series Enclosures: RocketStor 8631D RocketStor 8631CW

The modern data center is facing a physical crisis. As AI accelerators like the NVIDIA Blackwell series push Thermal Design Power (TDP) to 700W and beyond, the area immediately surrounding the CPU can quickly become a major hotspot." For AI architects, this creates a catch-22: You need Gen5 NVMe storage as close to the CPU as possible for performance, but the heat in that zone causes instant thermal throttling. The solution is Storage Disaggregation—moving M.2 NVMe arrays away from the heat-heavy PCIe slots to the "cool zones" of the chassis using MCIO (Mini Cool Edge IO) cabling. However, at Gen5 speeds (32GT/s), this distance introduces a new enemy: Signal Decay. The 30cm Wall: Why Passive MCIO Isn't Enough In the PCIe Gen4 era, architects could "snake" passive cables across a chassis with minimal impact. In Gen5, the "Signal Window" has shrunk by 50%. A standard passive MCIO cable or riser acts like a long, dark tunnel. By the time a 32GT/s signal travels 30cm through a passive trace, it suffers from Insertion Loss and Jitter. The result? Your expensive Gen5 NVMe drives "down-train" to Gen4 speeds, or worse, suffer from silent data corruption (CRC errors) that can crash a week-long AI training cycle. Enter Active Infrastructure: The HighPoint Retimer Advantage To successfully design a remote NVMe array, the infrastructure must be Active, not passive. HighPoint’s Rocket 1604L changes the disaggregation game by placing an Advanced Retimer Engine at the end of the cable run. 1. Signal Regeneration (The "Bridge" Strategy) Instead of just allowing a degraded signal arrive at the drive, the Rocket 1604L intercepts the incoming I/O from the MCIO cable, scrubs the noise, and re-clocks a pristine, full-strength signal. Signal Regeneration enables IT architects to extend the reach of Gen5 storage up to 1 meter—enough to move storage to the front of a 2U chassis or even into a separate expansion drawer. 2. Protocol-Aware Reliability Unlike simple redriver-based solutions that just "turn up the volume" (amplifying noise along with the signal), HighPoint’s Retimer AICs are Protocol Aware, and actively participate in the PCIe link-training process. This ensures that even if the physical environment is electrically noisy, the link between the Host CPU and the Remote NVMe array remains a rock-solid 32GT/s. Architectural Benefits: Cooling and Density By utilizing the Rocket 1604L as a remote bridge via MCIO, data center architects unlock three critical advantages: Thermal Isolation: Move high-speed M.2 drives away from heat islands associated with GPU and accelerator cards. This allows the drives to maintain peak IOPS without hitting the 80°C thermal wall. The 40% Density Advantage: The Rocket 1604L is the industry's most compact Retimer AIC, measuring only 167mm in length. Its small hardware footprint enables it to be tucked into specialized mounting brackets at the front of a server, leaving the primary PCIe slots open for more GPUs or 400GbE NICs. Autonomous Monitoring: Even when the card is installed remotely, the Smart Firmware Layer provides real-time telemetry. IT Architects can monitor per-device power draw and bus lane status through the cable, ensuring the remote array is performing exactly like a local one. The Architecture in Action Upstream: Clean signal from CPU -> MCIO Cable -> Rocket 1604L (Retimer Cleans Signal). Downstream: Rocket 1604L-> 4x M.2 Slots (Delivering pristine Gen5 x4 to each). In Summary: The Rocket 1604L is the "Smart Receiver." It allows AI Architects to move storage and accelerators away from hot GPUs (Disaggregation) because it has the muscle to fix the signal loss caused by the cables required to move them. Learn More