Engineered for High-Speed, Scalable PCIe Gen5 NVMe and GPU Expansion   Unified MCIO Architecture Across HighPoint’s Entire PCIe Gen5 Switch & NVMe Adapter Family HighPoint’s MCIO Connectivity Architecture , based on SFF-TA-1016 / SFF-9402  standards, serves as a unified, high-performance expansion platform for NVMe storage and high-speed PCIe devices. HighPoint’s integration of MCIO (Mini CoolEdge I/O)  connectors into every Gen5 NVMe and PCIe series Switch Adapter enables customers to build flexible, modular, and scalable Gen5 infrastructure . The versatile connectivity architecture enables a single adapter to support NVMe SSDs, GPU accelerators, and a wide range of other PCIe devices using industry standard cabling. MCIO’s superior signal integrity, compact design, and support for up to PCIe Gen5 32GT/s per lane  make it the new industry standard for next-generation Enterprise, AI, and Edge platforms. HighPoint PCIe Switch & NVMe Adapter Family NVMe Switch Pro/RAID Adapters Model PCIe Gen Device Ports Description Rocket 7628A 5.0 4x MCIO x8 High-performance PCIe Gen5 NVMe RAID Adapter supporting up to 8 NVMe devices (2 per MCIO). Rocket 7624A 5.0 2x MCIO x8 Compact dual-port variant optimized for Edge AI and embedded applications. NVMe Switch Connectivity Adapters Model PCIe Gen Device Ports Description Rocket 1628A Gen5 4x MCIO x8 PCIe Gen5 Switch Adapter for direct host-to-device or host-to-enclosure NVMe connectivity. Rocket 1624A Gen5 2x MCIO x8 Dual-port Gen5 connectivity adapter for compact systems or embedded solutions. MCIO Cabling Solutions for HighPoint Gen5 Adapters HighPoint provides a versatile set of certified MCIO Gen5 cabling solutions to connect a wide range of devices — from internal NVMe SSDs to UBM backplanes and PCIe expansion cards. Cable Model Description Supported Devices Key Applications CIO8-8639-110 MCIO x8 (Host) to Dual SFF-8639 (Device) Directly supports to up to 2× U.2/U.3 NVMe SSDs (x4 lane per device) Internal enterprise or workstation storage CIO8-1002-110 MCIO x8 (Host) to Dual SFF-8639 (E3.S Device) Directly supports to up to 2× E3.S NVMe SSDs High-density Edge and datacenter applications CIO8-CIO8-110 MCIO x8 (Host) to MCIO Backplane Cable Up to 8x NVMe or PCIe devices via UBM or MCIO backplanes Modular rackmount or system integration use Scalable Connectivity Solutions Rackmount or Storage Enclosure Integration Each Rocket 7628A / 1628A features 4x MCIO x8 connectors. When connected to a 4x MCIO x8 UBM Backplane, the system can support up to 32x NVMe devices (4 connectors; × 8 drives per connector). Ideal for large-scale storage servers, AI/ML data collectors, or edge computing enclosures. PCIe Expansion for GPU / DPU / FPGA Integration When paired with the HighPoint MCIO-PCIEX16-G5 Expansion bridge card, Rocket series PCIe Gen5 Switch Adapters can support industry-standard PCIe devices such as: GPUs (e.g., NVIDIA RTX / L40 / H100) NICs or DPUs FPGAs or AI accelerators Enables direct peer-to-peer (P2P) or GPU-Direct Storage data paths for latency-sensitive workloads. Key Benefits of HighPoint MCIO Connectivity Universal Compatibility: Standardized across all Gen5 HighPoint NVMe and Switch Adapters for seamless scalability. Dedicated Bandwidth: Each MCIO x8 port provides up to 64GB/s (Gen5 x8)  independent bandwidth. High Signal Integrity: Designed for full PCIe Gen5 32GT/s with minimal signal loss over 1-meter cabling. Thermally & Spatially Efficient: Compact connector profile ideal for dense rackmount and embedded systems. Modular Expansion Support: Compatible with UBM backplanes, E3.S trays, GPU cards, and PCIe expansion enclosures. Learn More Rocket 7628A / Rocket 7628U PCIe Gen5 x16 to 4-MCIOx8 NVMe RAID Adapter https://www.highpoint-tech.com/nvme-raid-adapter/gen5/rocket-7628a Rocket 1628A PCIe Gen5 x16 to 4x MCIOx8 NVMe Switch Adapter https://www.highpoint-tech.com/nvme-switch-adapter/gen5/rocket-1628a Rocket 7624A PCIe Gen5 x16 NVMe RAID Adapter https://www.highpoint-tech.com/nvme-raid-adapter/gen5/rocket-7624a Rocket 1624A PCIe Gen5 x16 NVMe Switch Adapter https://www.highpoint-tech.com/nvme-switch-adapter/gen5/rocket-1624a MCIO-PCIEX16-G5 MCIO to PCIe Expansion Bridge Card https://www.highpoint-tech.com/mcio-pciex16-gen5-expansion-bridge-card In   Summary   HighPoint MCIO Connectivity Solutions are engineered to operate as robust “backbones” for PCIe Gen5 storage and connectivity ecosystems.From RAID adapters to switch connectivity cards, every HighPoint Gen5 solution leverages the same MCIO foundation — system integrators, OEMs, and solution providers to configure scalable, high-bandwidth, and thermally optimized expansion platforms tailored for next generation AI, Edge, and data-intensive applications.

As PCIe Gen5 platforms are increasingly deployed into standardized computing environments, many professionals in AI, HPC, scientific research, and   media production assume that modern motherboards, many of which provide hundreds of PCIe lanes, are unlikely to encounter bandwidth issues. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception . While Gen5 technology has provided a massive boost in throughput per lane, shared PCIe bandwidth bottlenecks remain a critical challenge for many platforms . It’s not a matter of determining the raw number of available lanes or physical PCIe slots—in truth, it’s really about how these resources are managed and   allocated to the various high-speed devices that are installed into the system.   A Problem of Allocation   Even high-end server CPUs have a finite number of PCIe lanes. And, these lanes must be distributed amongst hosted GPUs, accelerators, NVMe storage, NICs, and various other PCIe devices. A typical system might dedicate a full x16 slot for use with GPUs. However, installing   additional devices may result in lane bifurcation; essentially splitting the bandwidth. For example, in order to accommodate a second GPU or high-speed NIC card, the system may reduce the GPU’s slots lane count from x16 to x8, instantly cutting available bandwidth in half. Installing multiple Gen5 NVMe SSDs can exacerbate the issue, each is capable of consuming x4 lanes of bandwidth, which can quickly saturate available lanes during sustained operation. In short, competing devices force trade-offs that can potentially deprive GPUs or NVMe storage of the resources they need during peak loads. Data intensive workflows such as AI training or 8K   video editing may experience delays, stutters, or underutilized hardware.   The Role of the Chipset   Another critical factor often overlooked is the host platform’s primary chipset. Not all PCIe devices interface directly with the CPU’s lanes; instead, many are routed through the system chipset - and this chipset typically connects to the CPU over a single PCIe Gen5 x4 (or x8) uplink . All of the system’s built-in NVMe ports, USB controllers, and secondary devices share this link. In situations where multiple NVMe devices and PCIe peripherals issue I/O requests simultaneously, the uplink quickly becomes a bottleneck, throttling performance. In other words, even if your motherboard is equipped with dozens of PCIe slots, it is a strong possibility that only a handful will have dedicated bandwidth at their disposal.   Examples of a Real-World Bottleneck   Imagine running a Gen5 x16 GPU   for AI training alongside four Gen5 NVMe drives (4x4 = 16 lanes )  for high-speed dataset streaming. On paper, the system has enough lanes. In practice, if two NVMe drives are routed through the chipset, they’re limited to the chipset   uplink speed (Gen5 x4 ≈ 16GB/s). Meanwhile, the GPU may drop from x16 to x8 if another slot is populated. The End Result : Your GPU is starved of data ,  and your NVMe drives can’t operate at full speed—bottlenecking the entire workflow .     Why PCIe Switch Adapters Solve This   A dedicated PCIe switch adapter,   such as the HighPoint Rocket 7638D, removes shared bandwidth contention from the equation by intelligently allocating lanes : A Full x16 lanes of Gen5 bandwidth is allocated to the GPU  (64GB/s!). A full x16 lanes of Gen5 bandwidth is allocated t NVMe storage  via high-speed MCIO ports. A full x16 lanes of Gen5 bandwidth is allocated to the upstream port  (connection to the motherboard). The architecture provides x48-lane of internal bandwidth, which ensures no chipset uplink bottleneck. This innovative architecture guarantees both GPU compute and NVMe storage can operate at maximum potential simultaneously, with no compromise. Learn More   Key Takeaways   · More PCIe lanes on a motherboard ≠ guaranteed performance. · Bottlenecks come from lane allocation, bifurcation, and chipset routing . · Gen5 transfer speeds magnify the importance of signal integrity and lane management . · Dedicated PCIe switch adapters provide direct, independent pathways  for high-bandwidth devices.   In summary   The shared PCIe bandwidth bottleneck  is one of the most misunderstood challenges in modern computing. While Gen5 platforms provide unprecedented throughput, bandwidth sharing between GPUs, NVMe storage, and other peripherals still creates serious performance constraints . For industries where every second counts— AI model training, HPC simulations, scientific imaging, and media production —solutions like the HighPoint Rocket 7638D  are essential. By delivering dedicated Gen5 x16 pathways  for both GPU and storage, it ensures that no resource is underutilized  and workflows remain seamless, scalable, and future-proof . Learn More HighPoint Rocket 7638D external PCle Gen5 Switch Adapter HighPoint Unlocks NVIDIA GPU Power: Introduces Industry’s First Hardware Architecture for GPU-Direct NVMe Storage Unleashing AI Performance with HighPoint’s Rocket 7638D: Direct GPU-to-NVMe Data Pathways mean Faster Training and Inference FAQ Q1: What causes a shared PCIe bandwidth bottleneck? When multiple devices compete for limited CPU lanes or share a chipset uplink, performance drops. Q2: Does PCIe Gen5 eliminate bandwidth bottlenecks? No. While Gen5 increases per-lane speed, bottlenecks persist due to lane allocation and chipset routing. Q3: How can I avoid PCIe bottlenecks? By using a dedicated PCIe switch adapter like Rocket 7638D, which provides full Gen5 x16 bandwidth to both the GPU and NVMe storage.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) workloads require that the host platform perform a balancing act between addressing computational demands of the GPU and providing rapid access to high-speed storage. As models grow larger and datasets expand into terabytes or even petabytes, traditional workstation and server platforms struggle to keep GPUs fully fed with data. The resulting bottleneck leaves the GPUs sitting idly by as they wait for data, reducing efficiency and slowing down training and inference cycles. The HighPoint Rocket 7638D PCIe Gen5 Switch Adapter addresses this challenge by providing a dedicated Gen5 x16 data pathway between the hosted GPU and NVMe storage. The adapter’s unique architecture eliminates bandwidth contention, providing a seamless, high-speed pipeline for data-hungry AI workloads.   The Problem: Shared PCIe Bandwidth Bottlenecks   Despite the proliferation of physical PCIe sots, modern platforms often force hosted GPUs and NVMe storage to share same PCIe lanes, which inevitably leads to a performance bottleneck. When large datasets are continuously read or written, the storage I/O will find itself in competition with GPU compute traffic. This creates latency, lowers throughput, and limits GPU utilization — critical drawbacks when training large-scale AI models or running real-time inference. Learn More   The Solution: HighPoint’s Rocket 7638D   The Rocket 7638D proven PCIe Gen5 switch architecture provides x48 lanes of internal bandwidth. And, unlike traditional adapters, this bandwidth can be allocated as needed: Up to x16 dedicated lanes for external GPU expansion via CDFP-CopprLink connectivity Up to x16 dedicated lanes for NVMe storage via the dual MCIO 8i ports The remaining x16 lanes can be allocated to the upstream port; the adapter’s direct interface to the host platform and the CPU. This flexible architecture effectively eliminates performance bottlenecks, guaranteeing that both the GPU and NVMe storage receive a full 64GB/s of Gen5 bandwidth, simultaneously. Ideal for Resource and Storage Intensive AI/ML Workflows   The Rocket 7638D’s groundbreaking design makes it an ideal solution for applications that benefit from high-performance GDS (GPU Direct Storage), enabling the GPU to interface directly with NVMe media, thereby bypassing the host CPU. The resulting reduction to CPU overhead, minimized latency and increased bandwidth can significantly accelerate AI and ML workloads.   Model Training : Larger datasets stream from NVMe storage directly to GPUs without delays, accelerating epochs and reducing total training time.   Inference Pipelines : Facilitates real-time data ingestion and fast GPU response, critical for AI in finance, autonomous driving, and healthcare diagnostics.   Data Preprocessing : Parallelized GPU compute and NVMe transfers enable high-speed data augmentation and preparation.   Scalable AI Infrastructure : Supports multi-GPU nodes by ensuring each GPU has dedicated bandwidth without sacrificing NVMe performance.   Why Connectivity Matters: HighPoint’s CDFP-CopprLink Advantage   At Gen5 speeds, signal integrity is paramount. The Rocket 7638D leverages HighPoint innovative Gen5 PCI-SIG CopprLink certified cabling solution to provide a robust, enterprise-grade connection between the host platform and external GPU. This guarantees reliable data transfers at full x16 Gen5 bandwidth where even minor signal degradation could otherwise result in performance loss or exacerbate the threat of latency.   Platform-Agnostic Integration   The Rocket 7638D is fully compatible with x86 Intel/AMD and ARM platforms, making it adaptable for a wide range of AI clusters and edge deployments. Native NVMe driver support across all major operating systems streamlines integration and upgrade projects, enabling existing platforms to reap the rewards of direct GPU to NVMe storage interchange while mitigating the risk of hardware compatibility and avoiding the installation and configuration of proprietary software   In summary   For organizations investing in AI infrastructure, HighPoint’s Rocket 7638D External PCIe Gen5 Switch Adapter is major game changer. By removing data bottlenecks and delivering dedicated PCIe Gen5 bandwidth pathways for the GPU and NVMe storage, it ensures that high-value computational resources are never underutilized. The result: faster model training, smoother inference, and a scalable foundation for the next generation of AI workloads.   Learn More HighPoint Rocket 7638D external PCle Gen5 Switch Adapter HighPoint Unlocks NVIDIA GPU Power: Introduces Industry’s First Hardware Architecture for GPU-Direct NVMe Storage Shared PCIe Bandwidth Bottlenecks: Why More Lanes Don’t Always Mean More Performance Introduction FAQ Q1:What is the Rocket 7638D? An external PCIe Gen5 x16 Switch Adapter with dedicated GPU and NVMe lanes to eliminate bandwidth bottlenecks. Q2: How does Rocket 7638D improve AI training? It provides direct GPU-to-NVMe data pathways, ensuring faster dataset streaming and higher GPU utilization. Q3: Why not just use motherboard PCIe lanes? Shared PCIe bandwidth causes bottlenecks due to bifurcation and chipset uplinks. Rocket 7638D eliminates this issue with a dedicated PCIe switch.

HighPoint Manufactures the industry Most Comprehensive 8-Port Count NVMe RAID & HBA Controller Family HighPoint manufacturers high-port count HBA solutions for every application and platform. All PCIe Generations (PCIe 3.0 and 4.0) and NVMe form-factors are supported (M.2, E1.S, U.2/U.3), a variety of connectivity configuration are available (internal, external and hybrid), and two distinct product lines (RAID HBAs and connectivity HBAs) have been released. HighPoint’s 8-Channel NVMe HBAs utilize the state-of-the-art PCIe switch technology to maximize transfer performance for each device port. Our Gen4 controllers features a 48-lane PCIe 4.0 switch chipset that ensures a dedicated x16 lanes of upstream bandwidth are available at all times. And importantly a dedicated x4 lanes are allocated to each NVMe channel. This combination ensures that the full 28GB/s of real-world transfer bandwidth is always on tap. HighPoint currently manufactures three PCIe Gen4 NVMe RAID HBAs capable of directly hosting up to 8 NVMe SSDs. However, each model was designed for a specific class of NVMe media and target application. Product Matrix 8x Port (E1.S & M.2) NVMe Host RAID Controller Matrix Product Model SSD7749E SSD7749M SSD7540 SSD7140A Host Bus Bandwidth PCIe 4.0 x16 PCIe 4.0 x16 PCIe 4.0 x16 PCIe 3.0 x16 Port Type E1.S M.2 M.2 M.2 # of Device 8 8 8 8 Device Form factor 9.5mm, 15mm 22110 2242/2260/2280 2242/2260/2280 Device Storage Class Data Center Data Center Client Client Controller Form factor Dual-Width, Full-Height Dual-Width, Full-Height Single-Width, Full-Height Single-Width, Full-Height Cooling Solution Dual-Width, fully enclosed aluminum casing with heatsink and dual low-decibel fans Dual-Width, fully enclosed aluminum casing with heatsink and dual low-decibel fans Full-length anodized aluminum heat sink with integrated cooling fans & thermal padding Full-length anodized aluminum heat sink with integrated cooling fans & thermal padding Cabling Options n/a n/a n/a n/a 8x Port (M.2) NVMe Connectivity HBA Matrix Product Model Rocket 1508 Rocket 1108 Host Bus Bandwidth PCIe 4.0 x16 PCIe 3.0 x16 Port Type M.2 M.2 # of Device 8 8 Device Form factor 2242/2260/2280 2242/2260/2280 Device Storage Class Client Client Controller Form factor Single-Width, Full-Height Single-Width, Full-Height Cooling Solution Full-length anodized aluminum heat sink with integrated cooling fans & thermal padding Full-length anodized aluminum heat sink with integrated cooling fans & thermal padding Cabling Options n/a n/a 8x Port (2.5” U.2/U.3) NVMe Host RAID Controller Matrix Product Model SSD7580B SSD7180 SSD7184 Host Bus Bandwidth PCIe 4.0 x16 PCIe 3.0 x16 PCIe 3.0 x16 Port Type U.2 (SFF-8654) U.2 (SFF-8643) U.2 (SFF-8643/8644) # of Device 8 8 8 Device Form factor 2.5” U.2/U.3 2.5” U.2/U.3 2.5” U.2/U.3 Device Storage Class DC/Enterprise DC/Enterprise DC/Enterprise Controller Form factor Single-Width, Full-Height Dual-Width, Full-Height Dual-Width, Full-Height Cooling Solution Full-length anodized aluminum heat sink with integrated cooling fans & thermal padding Full-length anodized aluminum heat sink with integrated cooling fans & thermal padding Full-length anodized aluminum heat sink with integrated cooling fans & thermal padding ​Cabling Options SFF-8654 to SFF-8639/8643/8611 SFF-8654 to SFF-8639/8643/8611 SFF-8654 to SFF-8639/8643/8611/SFF-8644 8x Port (2.5” U.2/U.3) NVMe Connectivity HBA Matrix Product Model Rocket 1180 Host Bus Bandwidth PCIe 3.0 x16 ​Port Type U.2 (SFF-8643) # of Device 8 Device Form factor 2.5” U.2/U.3 Device Storage Class DC/Enterprise Controller Form factor Dual-Width, Full-Height Cooling Solution Full-length anodized aluminum heat sink with integrated cooling fans & thermal padding Cabling Options SFF-8654 to SFF-8639/8643/8611 SSD7540 8x M.2 NVMe RAID Controller The SSD7540 is an 8-Channel PCIe 4.0 x16 M.2 NVMe RAID HBA. It is capable of directly hosting up to 8 2240/2260/2280 form-factor M.2 SSDs in one or more RAID 0, 1 or 10 arrays and single disk configurations, at speeds up to 28GB/s. The SSD7540 was designed to support off-the-shelf client-class M.2 SSDs, such as Samsung’s 980 PRO and KIOXIA’s XG8 series, and is an ideal solution for high-performance applications and data acquisition workflows such as an HD Video Capture platform, Security System or digital media workstation. The SSD7540’s single-width form factor enables it to be easily installed into most industry standard server and workstation platforms with a free PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. SSD7749E 8x E1.S NVMe RAID Controller The SSD7749E is our fastest NVMe RAID solution to date. It can support up to 8x 9.5MM or 4x 15mm DC high-endurance, high-capacity (datacenter) class E1.S NVMe SSDs in one or more RAID 0, 1 or 10 arrays and single disk configurations. It was designed specifically to address the stringent performance, reliability and capacity requirements of high-end industrial and scientific workflows, including AI Server and Workstation applications. A single SSD7749E HBA is capable of delivering up to 28 GB/s of sustained transfer performance. Customers that demand an even higher performance threshold can link a pair of SSD7749E HBAs using HighPoint’s Cross-Sync RAID technology to double storage capacity and deliver an astounding 55GB/s of transfer bandwidth. Like the SSD7749M, the HBA’s dual-width form factor enables it to provide a purpose-built cooling solution designed to eliminate thermal throttling, and provide a service-friendly tool-less loading system for high-end E1.S media. SSD7749M 8-Channel 22110 NVMe RAID Controller The SSD7749M is an eight-channel 22110 M.2 NVMe RAID HBA designed for use with PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 server and workstation platforms, and is capable of supporting up to 8xDC (datacenter) class M.2 NVMe SSDs in one or more RAID 0, 1 or 10 arrays and single disk configurations. The dual-width form factor was adopted in order to implement a purpose-built cooling solution designed thermal throttling, and accommodate a novel tool-less loading system for 22110 form-factor NVMe media. The SSD7749E is an ideal storage solution for High-End Media Workstations, Business servers and Edge Computing applications that demand an M.2 based storage solution with enterprise class features, such as PLP (power loss protection), designed to accommodate demanding 24/7 workflows while provide a high level of sustained write performance. Cross-Sync RAID technology enables a pair of SSD7749M HBAs to leverage up to 32x lanes of host bandwidth to deliver 55GB/s of sustained transfer performance. Learn More: NVMe AICs NVMe RAID AICs

HighPoint RocketU 1400 Series HBAs deliver unmatched performance and flexibility for modern applications that demand uncompromised performance and connectivity. HighPoint’s Rocket 1400 series of 20Gb/s USB HBAs are the industry’s fastest and most flexible USB 3.2 connectivity solutions. The RocketU 1488C and 1444C are of hosting up to eight industry-standard USB 3.x devices at speeds up to 20Gb/s. They are ideal connectivity platforms for professional industrial applications that utilize multiple high-fidelity capturing devices (such as HD cameras or sensors), and/or high-speed storage devices (such as USB drives, SSD/NVMe media or storage enclosures).   The secret behind the RocketU 1400C’s class-leading power and versatility is HighPoint’s industry-proven USB 20G PCIe 3.0 x16 PCIe Switching Architecture, which leverages Broadcom PCIe Switch ICs and dedicated per-port USB 3.2 controllers. The following article takes a closer look at hardware behind these revolutionary 20G USB HBAs, and the applications that stand to benefit from the dedicated per-port-performance and resources only HighPoint can provide. Technical Breakdown: HighPoint’s USB 20G PCIe 3.0 x16 PCIe Switching Architecture   HighPoint’s innovative approach to USB connectivity delivers a guaranteed 20Gb/s of transfer bandwidth for USB 3.x compliant drives and peripherals, and ensures these devices can continuously operate at maximum throughput without taxing system resources or interfering with neighboring USB connections. In addition, the dedicated ASMedia USB 3.2 controllers enable each port to deliver up to 7.5W of power for device operation or charging purposes. RocketU 1488C   The 8-Port RocketU 1488C PCIe Switching Architecture leverages Broadcom’s x48-lane PCIe Gen3 PLX8749 Switch IC and eight ASMedia ASM3242 USB3.2 controllers to ensure each USB Type-C port delivers 20Gb/s of transfer bandwidth. A full x16 lanes are dedicated to the upstream port (connection to the host platform), with x32 lanes allocated to the downstream connections (USB device ports in this case). x4 lanes are assigned to the ASM3242 IC associated with each Type-C port. RocketU 1444C The quad-port RocketU 1444C utilizes a similar architecture. The design leverages Broadcom’s PLX8747 Switch IC, which also provides x48 internal PCIe Gen3 lanes. Like the 8-port model, x16 lanes are allocated to the upstream port, while x32 lanes are available for the downstream connections.   Each Type-C port features a dedicated ASMedia ASM3242 USB 3.2 controller and x4 lanes of bandwidth. Use Cases and Applications High-Resolution Image and Video Acquisition: The performance, ultra-low latency and 4-8 independent device ports are ideal for machine vision systems, microscopy, and other high-resolution imaging applications that rapidly capture and process data from multiple high-definition cameras or sensors.   Real-Time Data Acquisition and Control: The compact form factor, uncompromised 20G bandwidth and high port count benefit industrial workloads that depend on automation and robotics, where seamless communication and real-time data capture are vital.   High-Speed Data Storage and Transfer: The Rocket 1400 series massive performance bandwidth is perfect for fast backup or data migration solutions, enabling swift, large-scale data transfers across multiple drives or external storage devices.   Edge Computing: The compact form factor and uncompromised 20G per-port performance is ideally suited for edge computing applications that must rapidly process incoming data from multiple sensors/cameras or I/O requests such as IoT data aggregation and analysis.   Medical Imaging and Analysis: The uncompromised transfer bandwidth is essential for handling large files and high-throughput data from diagnostic equipment, ensuring smooth transition of critical assets for imaging and analytical procedures.   Automotive and Aerospace: High-performance multi-port USB connectivity solutions are ideal for data-intensive simulation and testing applications that require real-time feedback for immediate analysis.   Scientific Research: The massive transfer bandwidth, low-latency and 4 to 8 independent device ports are ideal for laboratory or field-based workflows that process data ingested by multiple high-speed capture devices. In Summary HighPoint’s RocketU 1400 series HBA’s are engineered to satisfy the rigorous demands of high-performance computing environments, where bandwidth maximization, instant response time, and hassle-free integration are critical. The compact, robust, industrial grade add-in-card solutions are natively supported by all modern operating system platforms and can be easily integrated into any workstation or server with a free PCIe 3.0/4.0/5.0 x16 slot. HighPoint’s dedicated per-port 20G architecture is ideal for industrial, scientific and media applications that require high-performance, high-port count USB connectivity, enabling customers to experience unfettered access to a variety of USB-based devices and storage solutions, with plug-and-play setup and serviceability. Learn More

In order to ensure your PCIe Gen5 NVMe storage performs optimally you will need to make sure the host platform is configured properly, and that you are properly testing the storage configuration. This blog will examine 3 critical factors associated with PCIe Gen5 NVMe Storage: 1) Memory (system RAM) 2) System/Mainboard BIOS Settings 3) Benchmark Utility Settings/Test Scripts These are of key importance, and apply to desktops, workstation and server platforms. However, but specific chipsets and motherboard combinations may have unique requirements. System Memory   PCIe Gen5 storage media benefits from high-performance memory (system RAM). As a general rule, you will want to install as much memory as your budget allows for. The type of memory used, and how this memory is configured varied from system to system. We recommend consulting the motherboard/platform user guide for a list of supported memory-modules. Selecting the right type of memory can have a major impact on system performance. Dual-channel memory for example, is recommended for workstations or platforms with single CPUs, as it can optimize available bandwidth and transfer speed. (two modules installed into two memory lanes) can optimize bandwidth and improve transfer speeds. In addition, some systems may provide various BIOS settings associated with system memory. Motherboard BIOS Settings   Although PCIe Gen5 NVMe media is now widely available, it is not yet considered mainstream, as its most commonly used for specialized professional applications rather than those associated with consumers or SMBs. As a result, most Gen5 computing platforms are often paired with PCIe Gen4 NVMe media by default, and their BIOS configurations will reflect this. When prepping a system for Gen5 storage media, it’s important to check the platform’s BIOS configuration menu to ensure Gen5 related settings are enabled and optimized. As the ideal configuration varies from system to system, be sure to consult your platform/motherboard’s user guide. PCIe Gen5 connectivity may be limited to specific slots, or even certain types of PCIe devices. Some general settings are outlined below: Memory Related Settings: As touched upon earlier, several memory settings may be provided by the system’s BIOS Configuration Menu: NUMA (non-uniform memory access): This setting may also be presented along the line of “NUMA nodes per socket”. Although this setting can affect performance for any platform, the default NUMA settings for some motherboards may not be ideal for NVMe storage configurations. If the option is present, you may need to manually set the system to operate in NPS4 mode.   Memory Frequency: Memory frequency settings can have a big impact on performance. 5600 Hz is recommended for Desktops while 4800Hz is ideal for Server and Workstations. Other Settings  PCIe MPS (Max Payload Size) can affects sequential performance. As a general rule, lowering the Max Payload Size improves compatibility with PCIe devices, but may result in performance loss. In most cases, it can be left in the default configuration, but using the maximum of 4096 is recommended for modern PCIe devices. If 4096 is not the system’s default setting, you want to consider checking the system/motherboard user guide for recommendations.   VT-d : VT-d (short for "virtualization for technology direct I/O access") is associated with some Intel-based server and workstation motherboards. Though its primary purpose is for virtualization platforms (it enables direct access to the host hardware from a virtual machine), it can have an adverse effect on transfer performance in some instances. If you are experiencing sub-par performance, try disabling the VT-d setting.   Power Management : While often overlooked, Power Management related BIOS settings can have a big impact on performance, especially if the system has been configured to operate in a “Green” Power Savings mode. In fact, many systems are now shipped with these modes enabled. If your platform’s BIOS menu provides Power Management settings, make sure to prioritize system performance over efficiency. Optimize Queue Depth and Thread Count for Accurate NVMe Benchmark Performance Performance Benchmarks such as CrystalDiskMark (CDM) can be used to test storage media by simulating a wide range of workloads. However, such utilities may not be configured to test NVMe storage devices by default. In many cases, adjustments are required. The most common are Queue Depth and Thread Count. Queue Depth: By and large, NVMe storage media has been designed to execute a huge number of concurrent tasks, especially when compared to SAS/SATA SSDs or hard disks. The Queue depth of and NVMe SSD (the number of I/O requests a device can handle at one time) is measured in the tens of thousands, as opposed to tens or hundreds for a SAS or SATA drive. As a general rule, increasing queue depth will result in higher performance, as the test will be simulating denser workloads associated with NVMe storage applications. Real-World Applications: Thread Count: As PCIe-devices, NVMe’s multi-threaded architecture was designed to work in conjunction with modern multi-core CPUs, enabling parallel I/O processing across multiple threads (A.K.A tasks or jobs). This approach eliminates bottlenecks inherent in single-threaded protocols like SATA, ensuring benchmarks reflect the true capabilities of NVMe storage. Properly configuring the number of threads (often represented as “workers” or “jobs”) is essential to unlock accurate performance measurements for NVMe storage. HighPoint publishes benchmark reports and guidelines for their various NVMe products, including Rocket7600 and 1600 series Gen5 AICs and Adapters. Contact us for more information HighPoint publishes various test scripts and setting recommendations for tested NVMe media with various benchmarking tools including FIO (Flexible I/O Tester), Iometer, and CDM. For more information and sample scripts, please contact our Support Department Learn More

HighPoint NVMe Switch AIC & Adapter Powered By Broadcom MPT & Native OS Drivers HighPoint’s NVMe Switch Series PCIe AICs and Adapters leverage Broadcom’s industry leading PCIe switch technology to deliver unmatched storage performance and reliability. Designed to satisfy today’s most data-intensive applications, our Gen5 and Gen4 NVMe switch solution have been engineered to ensure each hosted NVMe SSDs delivers maximum transfer throughput in even the most challenging workloads and provide native NVMe connectivity for mainstream Linux and Windows based operating systems . One of the key factors behind the Switch Series’s impressive performance capabilities is Broadcom’s MPT driver. Natively supported by Windows and Linux based operating system, the MPT Driver manages I/O requests between the PCIe Switch Chipset and NVMe storage devices. The following article explores how the MPT driver interacts with the host OS’s native NVMe drivers to maximize data transfer throughput.   Native OS Compatibility for Seamless Integration   Native support streamlines service and maintenance sessions as support for the hardware is already embedded directly into the OS itself. HighPoint NVMe Switch solutions utilize two device drivers; Broadcom’s MPT driver, and the native NVMe drivers. Both drivers have been incorporated into all mainstream Windows and Linux operating systems. As such, HighPoint Switch series AICs and Adapters will be automatically recognized by these platforms; no additional software is required. Likewise, any SSD hosted by the AIC or Adapter will be recognized as an ordinary, physical drive by the operating system.   Communication Breakdown – how the NVMe Device Drivers work   As previously discussed, HighPoint NVMe Switch Solutions leverage two distinct drivers – the Broadcom MPT driver, and the native NVMe drivers provided by the OS. Broadcom’s MPT driver manages communication between the PCIe Switch chipset and the host system. The Native NVMe driver handles direct interaction with the NVMe storage devices (the SSDs). These two drivers interact seamlessly with another, and facilitate low-latency, highly efficient data transfer; ideal for a wide range of demanding applications including AI and ML workloads, high-speed data ingestion and processing, and large-scale storage systems such as an enterprise server or Edge Data Center.   An overview of how these drivers interact is outlined below:   1. NVMe Device to Broadcom MPT Driver : The NVMe device (SSD) communicates with the PCIe Switch chipset, which forwards the requests to the Broadcom MPT Driver.   2. MPT Driver to Native NVMe Driver : The MPT driver routes the request to the native NVMe driver, which interacts directly with the NVMe device.   3. Native NVMe Driver to Operating System : The Native NVMe driver processes the read/write requests to the NVMe media, translating them for the OS's storage subsystem.   4. Response Flow : The process reverses, with the OS sending the response back through the native NVMe driver, MPT driver, and PCIe switch to the NVMe device.   Learn More HighPoint’s Industry-Proven PCIe Switching Architecture PCIe Gen5 NVMe Switch AICs & Adapters PCIe Gen4 NVMe Switch AICs & Adapters

The Ultimate Solution for Data-Intensive Workloads In the 21st century, data has become the new premium currency, fueling innovation and dictating the pace of progress across industries worldwide. As organizations generate and process more data than ever before, the demand for large-scale, high-speed storage solutions has skyrocketed. HighPoint’s RocketStor 654x series of external NVMe RAID enclosures were designed specifically to address these demands. The following article explores the innovative hardware architecture and unique feature set than makes this all possible. Maximized Performance with Dual 48-Lane PCIe Gen4 Switches   Dual 48-lane PCIe Gen4 Switch ICs enable RocketStor 654x series enclosures to accommodate nearly ½ Petabyte of storage capacity at speeds up to 28GB/s. Device Side (External Enclosure ) Host Side (Low-Profile PCIe 4.0 x16 Adapter) Dedicated PCIe Gen4 Switch chipsets have been integrated into both the enclosure (device side), and low-profile adapter (host side). This innovative hardware architecture eliminates the risk of a performance bottleneck, enabling the adapter switch IC to handle all upstream bandwidth while the enclosure switch IC handles the downstream bandwidth. x4 lanes of dedicated PCIe Gen4 bandwidth is allocated each drive tray to maximize the performance potential of each U.2 or U.3 SSD. The RocketStor 654xAW offers exceptional versatility, making it the go-to solution for a wide array of data-intensive applications. The performance-focused Switching Architecture combined with the ability to accommodate up to eight 2.5” enterprise and datacenter class NVMe media up to 61.44TB in capacity enable administrators to tailor NVMe storage for diverse workloads.   Unlike most client-class NVMe media, Enterprise and Data Center class SSDs are often engineered to accommodate specific workloads, and are generally classified by their performance characteristics. In addition, these type of SSDs are designed to operate for extended periods of time, and have very high endurance ratings, usually expressed as DWPD (disk-writes per day) as opposed to TBW (total bytes written) that is commonly associated with client-class media. Some of the more common types of Enterprise/Data Center NVMe SSDs are discussed below. SSDs tailored for mix-use are suitable for a wide range of tasks, and are capable of delivering solid sequential and random read/write performance. Example use cases include SMB servers, high-performance workstations and virtualization platforms.   SSDs designed to maximize Sequential Transfer speed are ideal for applications that must rapidly ingest and/or process large volumes of data, such as AI or Machine Learning platforms, and media post production workstations. These type of applications often favor storage tuned to deliver maximum sustained write performance.   SSDs designed to maximize Random transfers are an excellent choice for platforms designed to address the needs of many simultaneous users, such as an enterprise file server, content delivery network (CDN), and media/asset libraries. These applications benefit from storage tuned for random access, with a focus on random-read performance, and high endurance ratings. The ability to support such a diverse range of storage media enable RocketStor 654x series enclosures to rapidly adapt to evolving workflows and accommodate a wide spectrum of high-demand computing environment such as data centers, financial services, content creation, and scientific research. In these industries, reliability and speed are paramount, and the RocketStor 654xAW ensures organizations can handle vast amounts of data with ease, maintaining peak performance across multiple tasks and workloads. Seamless Storage Expansion   RocketStor 654x series are available with up to 8 independent and removable 2.5” drive trays, each of which is capable of supporting enterprise and datacenter grade NVMe media, including today’s densest 61.44TB drives. This enables a single enclosure to support an astounding ½ Petabyte of blazing fast NVMe storage in an ultra-compact external device that stands only 4.84” tall! The state of the PCIe Switch architecture, CDFP Hot-Plug support, and HighPoint’s proven RAID technology and intuitive management suite provide true NVMe hot-swap capability. The ability to add, remove or replace U.2 and U.3 media on the fly is an invaluable asset for any professional application, and can dramatically simplify storage expansion, upgrade and service workflows. In Summary RocketStor 654x enclosures are engineered to accommodate nearly ½ Petabyte of today’s leading 2.5" NVMe Enterprise and Data Center class storage devices. Armed with industry leading dual PCIe Switch architecture, a robust compact external form-factor, and up to eight removable hot-swappable drive bays, RocketStor 654x series enclosures deliver the performance, flexibility and reliability needed to support a diverse range of computing environments and application-specific workloads, from high-performance media workstations and virtualization platforms to cloud storage servers, content delivery networks and enterprise data centers. Learn More Blogs and Videos

In today’s information age, the demands of data-intensive applications seem to grow exponentially with each passing year. The need for faster, denser storage continuously drives growth in data centers, edge platforms, and other advanced computing environments. As workloads continue to grow in scale and complexity, being able to maintain consistent transfer speed without compromising capacity or reliability becomes a major challenge. This is most readily apparent in Edge Applications such as AI Datasets, Media Servers, and CDN environments, where even a minor bottleneck can severely response time and hamper general system efficiency. Solving this is paramount in order to ensure seamless operation and throughput. Host-to-Device PCIe Gen4 x16 Bandwidth, Guaranteed   The RocketStor 654x series was developed to address these concerns. Built for maximum compatibility, the enclosures are engineered to deliver dedicated PCIe Gen4 x16 bandwidth from host to device, and can be connected to almost any x86 based system with an available x16 slot. The external form factor offers several distinct advantages over add-in-card solutions, and is ideal for computing platforms that lack the interior space for 2.5” NVMe media. The compact chassis’ stand less than 5 inches in height, yet are capable of hosting up to 8 enterprise/datacenter grade NVME drives. The chassis features an integrated PSU and dedicated NVMe cooling system which offsets power consumption and heat management from the host platform. The sleek low-profile adapter provides the external connection, and is compliant with a wide range of riser cards. Performance is further enhanced by the solution’s unique hardware architecture, which employs dual PCIe switch chipsets. Each switch chipset provides x48 lanes of bandwidth, and are strategically integrated into both the adapter (host side) and the enclosure (device side) to eliminate the risk of bottlenecks. The adapter’s chipset efficiently manages the upstream bandwidth, while the enclosure’s switch handles the downstream traffic. This design ensures each individual drive tray receives x4 lanes of dedicated Gen4 bandwidth, guaranteeing maximum performance for every hosted U.2 or U.3 SSD. Superior Host-to-Device Connectivity   When comparing the RocketStor 654x series to other external storage solutions on the market, there is simply no competition. With real-world performance reaching over 28,000 MB/s, no other external solution matches its combination of speed and reliability. The robust data cable used by the RocketStor 654xAW series not only maximizes the performance of all connected drives but also supports transfer speeds of up to 400Gbps. For applications where speed and reliability are critical, such as AI/ML workflows, DataLakes, rapid Data Ingestion & Data Processing, and backup/restoration, RocketStor 654x enclosures are the definitive choice, delivering unparalleled storage performance, efficiency and stability, even under the most demanding conditions. Advanced CDFP Connectivity: Brand new to the RocketStor 654x series is the advanced 400Gbps CDFP connectivity, which links the adapter (host side) to the enclosure (device side). Engineered for compatibility with Gen4 and beyond, this connection provides a robust, future-proof solution for high-speed data transfer. Future Proof Your Platform with Seamless Scalability & Data Security The RocketStor 654x series is tailored for applications that require both high performance and substantial storage capacity, particularly in workstation and server environments that lack internal spacing for additional storage. In workstations, it supports demanding tasks such as 3D rendering, video editing, and large-scale simulations, where rapid data access and processing are critical for enhancing productivity and meeting tight deadlines. In server environments, the RocketStor 654x series is designed to support the capacity and sustained performance that applications like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) demand. Real-World Applications: In Summary: By now, it should be clear that the RocketStor 654xAW series is the premier choice for users seeking an external solution that demands high-speed connectivity through its dedicated Gen4 x16 bandwidth and innovative CDFP connector technology. Designed to handle high-capacity applications and vertical performance workloads injunction with choice of NVMe Media ( Read-Intensive, Mixed-Mode or Write-Intensive), it is evident that these enclosures are ideally suited for any data-intensive tasks. With robust features and a future-proof design, the RocketStor 654xAW guarantees seamless data transfers and reliable access to critical information, making it an essential tool for organizations looking to enhance efficiency and performance in their data storage solutions. Learn More Blogs and Videos

HighPoint’s breakthrough achievement of fitting 16x M.2 drives into a single-sided PCIe AIC has been garnering a great deal of attention since its introduction in late August of 2024. And the reasons are obvious. Featuring 16 fully independent M.2 device channels, and armed with HighPoint’s proven PCIe Gen4 Switch Architecture and NVMe RAID stack, SSD7749M2 RAID AICs are capable of supporting an unprecedented 128TB of M.2 NVMe storage from a single PCIe x16 slot. The compact add-in-card can be seamlessly installed into any x86 platform capable of hosting standard dual-width GPUs. These attributes are essential for high-performance workstation and server environments, especially those designed to accommodate AI/ML driven workflows and professional media applications. The following article explores some of the SSD7749M2’s unique attributes in greater detail, highlighting the AICs exclusive ability to host 16 2280 M.2 SSDs via a single PCIe connection. Complete Turnkey Solution: More than just the sum of its Parts   The SSD7749M2 is more than just 16 M.2 connectors and a collection of server grade components routed to a PCIe switch IC. Every inch of the unique PCB design, from the inventive SSD loading system and advanced cooling solution, to its proven PCIe Switching Architecture, was purpose engineered to maximize the storage capacity, performance and reliability of M.2 media. The secret behind the SSD7749M2’s massive capacity potential is HighPoint’s innovative dual-sided M.2 loading system. Instead of plugging in M.2 media directly to M.2 ports affixed to board surface, each SSD7749M2 is equipped with eight tool-less removable drive tray; each of which can host two M.2 SSDs, up to form-factor 2280, front to back. This unique architecture results in an impressively slim hardware profile, sized similarly to a high-end GPU. Despite the shared connection, each of the 16 device channels operates independently and enable the SSD7749M2 to support a class-leading 128TB storage capacity. And the future looks even brighter – recent advancements promise to double M.2 capacity limitations to 16TB in the coming months. The potential of 256TB of blazing fast NVMe storage per PCIe slot is bound to open new avenues for M.2 technology! Complete Turnkey Solution: More than just the sum of its Parts   The SSD7749M2 is more than just 16 M.2 connectors and a collection of server grade components routed to a PCIe switch IC. Every inch of the unique PCB design, from the inventive SSD loading system and advanced cooling solution, to its proven PCIe Switching Architecture, was purpose engineered to maximize the storage capacity, performance and reliability of M.2 media. The secret behind the SSD7749M2’s massive capacity potential is HighPoint’s innovative dual-sided M.2 loading system. State-of-the-Art Three—Pronged Cooling Solution Enhances NVMe Reliability and Performance The SSD7749M2’s unique cooling system represents the epitome of PCIe Gen4 hardware and software design. On the hardware front, the advanced, three-pronged, dual-width NVMe cooling system, combines a full-length aluminum casing & heat sink, powerful low-decibel cooling fans, and a revolutionary SSD mounting system to enhance reliability and prevent the performance ravaging effects of thermal throttling. M.2 media is securely housed within an aluminum casing fully, effectively sealing it away from the surrounding hardware environment and designed to work in tandem with 8 dual-sided loading trays which unlike most M.2 storage solutions, arranges SSDs vertically to optimize airflow. A trio of cooling fans condense and circulate cool air throughout the casing, and eject waste heat through the ventilated PCIe bracket. On the software front, HighPoint proven temperature monitoring and alert system enables administrators to track the physical attributes and operating condition of each M.2 SSD in exhaustive detail and in real-time, including access to SMART data, endurance ratings (TBW/DWPD), temperature and voltage. Advanced administrators can configure warning thresholds and manually adjust the cooling fans to ensure hosted M.2 media perform optimally, even under the most demanding workflow.   Future Proof Your Platform with Seamless Scalability & Data Security   The 16 device channels can operate independently or cooperatively; they are equally at home hosting individual SSDs or used support many as four RAID 0, 1 or 10 volumes. Each SSD or RAID array can also be configured to function as a bootable disk, provided the host platform has UEFI/Option ROM capability. Designed with scalability in mind, SSD7749M2 AICs feature online RAID roaming capability – SSDs/arrays hosted by one SSD7749M2 can be moved to any other HighPoint Gen4 or Gen5 RAID AIC, completely worry free and without any special procedures or conditions - the volumes and arrays will be automatically recognized and should be available for immediate use. Customers that require extra layers of protection can enable SafeStorage, and enterprise grade data encryption solution for M.2 media complaint with OPAL SSC. Any data stored by a hosted SSD or array is automatically locked down whenever the devices are is unplugged from the SSD7749M2, thereby preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information. Learn More Blogs and Videos

Identifying the upstream and downstream capabilities of a PCIe device is key to determining the effectiveness of the product. This is especially true for PCIe NVMe AIC (add-in-card) and Adapters. NVMe SSDs are designed to interface directly with the system CPU via the PCIe bus. Determining whether or not an NVMe solution can fully utilize the available PCIe bandwidth, and allocate this bandwidth to where it is needed most, allows one to separate the wheat from the chaff. This article explains the functionality and architecture behind the concepts of upstream and downstream, and how they relate to an NVMe-based storage solution.   Deciphering PCIe Terminology: How to identify an NVMe Solution’s Upstream & Downstream Bandwidth   First, lets’ start with the basics; a brief overview of what Upstream and Downstream bandwidth refers to, and how this is related to a PCIe add-in-card (port types and bandwidth allocation): The illustration above represents the HighPoint’s Rocket 7628A PCIe Gen5 x16 Pro-Class RAID Adapter. It allocates x16 lanes of dedicated Upstream Bandwidth, and x4 lanes of Downstream Bandwidth to each of the four MCIO 8i ports. This distribution is ideal; the upstream and downstream bandwidth is perfectly in sync, and x4 lanes are allocated to each SSD (which ensures the product can deliver maximum throughput).   A) Upstream Port (USP):   The PCIe Switch USP is used to interface with the host computing platform’s PCIe root complex (which serves as a sort of bridge between the CPU, memory and PCIe bus). The bandwidth allocated to this port is referred to the as the Upstream Bandwidth , and is generally denoted by an “x#” value, such as x8 or x16.   B) Downstream Port (DSP):   DSPs interface with the PCIe endpoint devices. The bandwidth allocated to the DSPs is referred to as Downstream Bandwidth . In the context of an NVMe AIC, this refers to the NVMe SSDs.   Bandwidth Allocation :  How the PCIe switch allocates bandwidth (X# of electrical lanes) to the NVMe devices (SSDs in the case of an NVMe AIC). In order to avoid a performance bottleneck when all devices are accessed, the total bandwidth allocated to the DSPs should not exceed what is allocated to the USP.   How does an AIC Distribute Bandwidth?   Ok, so we now understand that the product’s Electrical Lane bandwidth should correspond with its Upstream bandwidth. How do we determine how this bandwidth is distributed Upstream to the system, and Downstream to each NVMe SSD.   Identifying Upstream : In terms of an PCIe NVMe AIC, Upstream refers to the maximum electrical lanes the card can output to the system. Most AICs denote this by the “x#” value assigned to the product description, such as the forementioned Rocket 7628A “Gen5 x16”. HighPoint makes this easy for customers – our products deliver exactly what is stated by the product name. For a non-HighPoint solution, this is not always the case, as they may be simply referring to the card’s mechanical requirement (type of slot it will fit into). If in doubt, check the published specifications.   Identifying Downstream : As mentioned previously, in regards to an NVMe AIC, “Downstream” refers to how bandwidth is distributed to each of the AIC’s NVMe ports. Ideally, the NVMe AIC solution would be capable of allocating x4 lanes per device port. This applies to NVMe media of any generation, and enables the SSD to reach the theoretical maximum throughout.   The Upstream and Downstream capabilities of a give NVMe AIC is determined by two things; the AIC’s PCIe Switch Chipset,  and AIC’s hardware architecture (how it makes use of the Switch Chipset, if present). What is a switch chipset?  A PCIe Switch chipset is chip or set of chips designed to allocate bandwidth (total number of PCIe lanes) to each “port”. Any true professional-grade, high-performance PCIe NVMe storage solution will be equipped with dedicated PCIe Switch. When discussing PCIe Switch Chipsets, “port” can refer to an individual device port or the device itself (AIC in this case), as switch chipsets are employed by any number of computing devices (such as a motherboard, AIC/Adapter or backplane). For the purposes of this article, “port” refers to the AIC or Adapters Upstream Port (connection to the computer) and Downstream ports (NVMe device ports).   You can determine much about the capabilities of the AIC if you can identify it’s PCIe Switch chipset. The two major players in the PCIe Switch chipset market are ASmedia and Broadcom. HighPoint NVMe solutions employ Broadcom Switch ICs.   Broadcom PEX88049   Industry’s Fastest & Most Flexible PCIe/NVMe Architecture : HighPoint PCIe Gen5 NVMe solutions employ the latest iteration of our proven High-Performance PCIe Switching Architecture, which utilizes Broadcom’s PEX89048 Switch IC. This architecture provides each AIC or Adapter with 48-lanes of internal Gen5 host bandwidth; x16 lanes of which are allocated to the upstream port, with x4 lanes dedicated to each downstream port. The is what enables our Gen5 solutions to deliver a class leading 64GB/s of transfer bandwidth, and over 60GB/s of real-world transfer performance.   Conclusion   By now, it should be clear that to truly determine the Upstream/Downstream capability of an NVMe AIC or AIC drive, you must consider the number of NVMe SSDs the target device can support, how it is able to distribute bandwidth to each of these SSDs (Downstream), and whether or not the device is able to saturate the PCIe lanes it has been allocated (Upstream). Unlike the majority of NVMe AICs, adapters and HBAs in today’s marketplace, HighPoint NVMe solutions are engineered to take full advantage of x16 lanes of host bandwidth, and actively work to ensure none of it is wasted. Due to our unique hardware architecture, which integrates Broadcom’s leading PEX Series Switches, SSD and Rocket Series NVMe AICs, Adapters, Enclosures and AIC SSDs allocate the maximum possible host bandwidth to each NVMe device port, and deliver 60+GB/s (60,000MB/s) of real-world transfer throughput; the maximum possible via a single PCIe 5.0 slot!   Learn More about HighPoint PCIe Switching Technology

Enhancing Data Integrity and Operational Efficiency with HighPoint’s Advanced Environmental Monitoring, Logging & Analysis Solution   In the rapidly evolving world of data storage, maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring data integrity are paramount. To address these concerns, HighPoint has introduced an advanced Environmental Sensor and Logging Solution for Rocket 7600 series Pro-Class NVMe RAID AIC and Adapters. 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. This type of behavioral data is especially useful for data-intensive applications that require storage capable of operating at peak I/O for extended durations, such as Research & Scientific Computing, Data Center & Cloud Computing, AI driven workflows, ML (Machine Learning) solutions, and LLM (Large Language Model) platforms. The insights gleaned by this service can be used to optimize and troubleshoot NVMe storage, and enable administrators to fine-tune configurations to maximize performance and reliability by examining SSD behavior during peak I/O. Let's explore the ins and outs of this solution and the applications that stand to benefit the most. Understanding HighPoint’s NVMe Environmental Sensor & Logging Solution The solution is comprised of a series monitoring and logging toolsets that have been integrated into the latest releases of the WebGUI (short for Web-Based Graphical Management Interface).  The tools were designed to work with each AIC/Adapters NVMe hardware sensor suite, and tracks, measures and logs the following parameters: 1. Temperature : Continuous monitoring of ambient, The AIC/Adapter PCIe Switch chipset, and SSD temperatures. 2. Power Consumption : Monitors the voltage/power consumption of the AIC or Adapter. Rocket 7608A AICs are also capable of tracking consumption of each NVMe SSD. 3. Fan Speed : Tracks the fan speed of the Rocket 7608A’s cooling system optimal cooling. This service is most useful when the system is using the default speed setting, which instructs the AIC to self-manage . The data captured by the sensors and logged by the WebGUI can help administrators determine the overall state of the storage environment and provide insights regarding ideal working conditions in order optimizing storage for performance and longevity. In addition, it can highlight potential problem areas and assist administrators devise proactive measures to counter the threat of downtime, or take immediate corrective actions to minimize the risk of hardware failure and the potential gloss of data. Key Features 1. Real-Time Monitoring : Constant tracking of environmental parameters ensures that any anomalies are detected promptly. The WebGUI provides a separate tab known as “Sensors-Information”. The sensors are polled every 60 seconds, and data is immediately logged and presented on screen in Real-Time. 2. Historical Data Logging : Detailed logs of environmental attributes are recorded in blocks of 5-Working days. This data can prove to be invaluable when diagnosing past issues and devising ways to improve performance and efficiency. 3. Easy-to-Read Graphs & Line charts : The user-friendly interface provides a holistic view of all monitored parameters. Data is presented via a selection of easy-to-read graphs and line charts  which present the temperature, power consumption and fan behavior of all connected NVMe SSDs and host AIC/Adapter. How to make use of HighPoint’s NMVe Environmental Sensor & Logging Solution   The solution was engineered to provide two primary benefits:   1) To help customers optimize storage configurations for specific workflows and applications.   Administrators can use the toolset to analyze the electrical characteristics and thermal status of each SSD, and study how these attributes can vary depending on the I/O load. For instance, during a particular test session, the logs noted that the temperature or power consumption had spiked or leveled off during a particularly heavy session of data transmission. This data could be compared to performance benchmarks conducted during the same time period. For example, if performance had suddenly dropped, a corresponding rise in temperature could indicate that thermal throttling may have played a hand.   2) To narrow the scope of troubleshooting tasks   Data logged by this solution can aid administrators identify potential faults and at-risk storage media, and then implement preventative measures to maximize the lifespan of the RAID array and maintain optimal performance.   Example Scenarios:   1) An SSD suddenly drops offline, or a redundant array (RAID 1, RAID 10) triggered a rebuild process 2) The data can be examined to help zero-in on any telltale signs of impending disk failure, such as inconsistent power consumption, or sudden rise in temperature. 3) This data could be compared to information collected by the WebGUI or CLI Event Logs, such as a SMART error codes, or SHI warning when a particular disk had crossed a temperature threshold.   Applications That Stand to Benefit the Most HighPoint’s NVMe Environmental Sensor and Logging solution is particularly beneficial for industrial and business applications which require optimal environmental conditions be maintained at all times. Here are some of the key sectors that can reap the most rewards from this innovative technology: AI / ML / LLM: Applications that employ AI, ML or LLLM technology  require storage solutions capable of rapidly ingesting and/or processing large volumes of incoming data. The historical environmental records generated by the solution enable administrators to analyze SSD behavior during peak I/O, then configure the storage to optimize transfer performance. High-Performance Computing (HPC) : HPC environments demand consistent, reliable transfer performance. Environmental factors such as the temperature and voltage of storage media can significantly impact computational accuracy and hardware longevity. The suite provides real-time insights that can help administrators plan and execute proactive measures to optimize and maintain peak performance. Financial Institutions : The suite helps to ensure the integrity and reliability of financial data storage systems. Financial institutions rely on real-time data processing and storage; maintaining the stability of the storage infrastructure mitigates the threat of downtime and data loss. Healthcare Sector : Medical data is highly sensitive and requires stringent storage conditions. Data gleaned from the solution’s comprehensive monitoring capabilities can help ensure that medical records and research data remain safe and accessible. Manufacturing and Industrial Automation : In manufacturing, precise environmental conditions must be maintained to optimize productivity. The solution can help administrators identify problem areas to address the threat of data errors and equipment failure in industrial environments. Edge Computing : Edge Computing platforms are often deployed in challenging environments settings. The solution’s monitoring and logging capabilities help field technicians analyze the behavior of storage infrastructure ensure to maintain optimal performance in stressful conditions.   In Summary The Rocket 7600 series’ innovative NVMe Environmental Sensor and Logging Solution can dramatically enhance the integrity and performance of NVMe storage infrastructure. The real-time monitoring and historical data logging capabilities, coupled with an easy-to-understand graphical interface can assist administrators and IT technicians optimize system performance, maintain consistent environmental conditions, and devise proactive strategies to mitigate the threat of hardware failure and downtime. For data-intensive and environmentally sensitive applications, this suite may prove an indispensable tool for achieving operational excellence and reliability. Embrace the future of data storage management with HighPoint's Environmental Sensor and Logging Solution and experience unparalleled efficiency and security for your NVMe storage infrastructure.   FAQs Q1: What is an NVMe environmental sensor logging suite?   A:  An NVMe environmental sensor logging suite is a hardware system designed to monitor various environmental parameters including as temperature, power consumption, and fan speed to ensure optimal operating conditions are maintained for NVMe storage. Q2: What are the benefits of monitoring fan rotation speeds?   A:  Monitoring fan rotation speeds helps can help determine how NVMe storage configurations behave over time. The Rocket 7608A, by default, will automatically adjust fan speed to ensure SSD media runs optimally. Abnormal behavior can be crossed reference with workload history to identify problem areas. Q3: Can environmental sensor logging suites prevent data loss?   A : Yes - monitoring critical environmental parameters allows for proactive management. The solution can help stave-off conditions that can lead to hardware failures and the loss of data Q4: Which industries can benefit the most from an NVMe environmental sensor and logging solution?   A:  Data centers, high-performance computing, enterprise server environments, content delivery networks, and cloud service providers, to name a few. Any industry that depends on reliable, high-performance storage infrastructure can benefit from HighPoint’s solution.