Server Application Environment and Customer Needs
The maturity of PCIe 5.0 high-speed interface technology is driving the rapid development of related applications such as generative AI and high-performance computing. As companies’ demands for server performance become increasingly stringent, the server upgrade cycle is also accelerating. Against this backdrop, the white-box and DIY (Do It Yourself) server market is experiencing new growth opportunities, but is also facing increasingly complex technical challenges.
Traditionally, white-box and DIY servers have been favored by the market due to their high customization and cost-effectiveness. However, with the introduction of high-speed technologies like PCIe 5.0, the complexity of server systems has increased significantly, raising higher demands on assembly techniques and component compatibility. For example, the high-speed data transmission capability of PCIe 5.0 poses stringent challenges for motherboard cooling, power supply design, and PCB layout. Improper assembly can easily lead to system instability, performance degradation, and even hardware damage risks.
Moreover, emerging applications such as generative AI and deep learning have introduced diverse performance requirements for servers, including large-capacity memory, high-bandwidth networking, and powerful GPU acceleration. This makes the flexibility and scalability of server configurations particularly important.
Therefore, to overcome the challenges mentioned above, white-box and DIY server users need to carefully consider the following factors:
- Component Compatibility: The specifications of components from different manufacturers may vary. If not paired correctly, it can easily lead to system instability.
- Thermal Design: PCIe 5.0 devices have higher power consumption and require a high-performance cooling system to ensure stable system operation.
- Power Supply Design: High-performance servers have high power requirements, so it is necessary to choose a power supply unit that provides sufficient power and stability.
- Software Support: The compatibility of the operating system, drivers, and application software has a significant impact on system performance.
In summary, the demand and applications in the white-box and DIY server market are rapidly evolving in response to advancements in new technologies. Client must find a balance between cost and performance, while ensuring high compatibility and stability of system components to address future trends and challenges.
Client Background and Technical Pain Points
Taking the example of the customer case shared in this presentation, the client is a company specializing in the design and manufacturing of server chassis. Their goal is to become a leader in the white-box server DIY market and increase chassis sales. To achieve this, the client has adopted several strategies, including launching a market-specific motherboard compatibility list and planning to ensure the stability of DIY products through a compatibility program. However, unexpectedly, they encountered technical pain points that were difficult to overcome. To effectively address these issues, the client turned to Allion for professional technical support.
Technical Pain Point 1: Insufficient Technical Capabilities
Currently, the client only has a mechanical design team and lacks expertise in electronic engineering (EE) and system quality assurance (SQA) testing. This not only limits their capabilities in server chassis design and testing but also prevents them from conducting comprehensive validation of the product’s performance and stability in real-world applications.
Technical Pain Point 2: Internal Resource Limitations
The client does not have plans to establish a testing lab, which means they cannot independently conduct in-depth product performance testing and validation. In addition, the client lacks the ability to integrate SQA, EE, Power, Reliability, and Cable/Connector testing, all of which are critical to ensuring that the server chassis can support high-performance computing and stability.
Technical Pain Point 3: Market Differentiation Challenge
Although the client plans to introduce a “Motherboard Compatibility List” and “Key Component Recommendation List” to differentiate their products from competitors, it is difficult to guarantee the stability of all compatible products without comprehensive testing capabilities. This could negatively impact market trust and customer satisfaction.
Technical Pain Point 4: Project Time Pressure
Although internal departments (such as R&D, engineering, FAE, and sales) support the plan, the challenge is that the client lacks comprehensive testing and validation resources. As a result, they may face difficulties in actually launching and implementing the plan, which could affect the speed and effectiveness of the project’s progress.
Allion Solution
To effectively address the client’s technical challenges related to server chassis stability and compatibility, the Allion consulting team provided a comprehensive solution. This not only improved overall system performance but also helped the client establish a reliable compatibility list. Below is our detailed approach:
Assistance in Developing Testing Plans and Third-Party Reports
Requirement Analysis
Conducting in-depth communication with the client to fully understand their product characteristics, performance needs, and target market, providing a foundation for the subsequent testing plan.
Solution Design
Designing a customized testing plan based on the client’s specific needs, including test items, testing environment, and testing processes, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of system stability.
Report Writing
Providing detailed test reports that cover test results, data analysis, and improvement recommendations, helping the client better understand the testing process and its impact.
Comprehensive Testing Services
Testing Scope: Conducting thorough testing on critical components such as server chassis, power supply units (PSU), and storage backplanes to ensure system stability after DIY assembly.
Advanced Testing Items
Reliability Testing
- Vibration and Shock Testing
- Power Cycle Testing
- System Stress Testing
- Temperature and Humidity Testing
- High Accelerated Life Testing (HALT)
Signal Integrity Testing
Perform signal integrity testing on the recommended motherboards, covering signals such as PCIe, SAS, and SATA to ensure stable data transmission.
Implementation Benefits
With its fast, efficient, and high-quality comprehensive solutions, Allion helps customers enhance the stability of their server systems from every angle. This ensures that each component works in harmony with the overall structure, providing a reliable and efficient server operating environment. It also enables the customer to smoothly achieve product goals in the face of high-speed technology challenges and changing market demands, standing out in the white-box and DIY server market.
Time to Market with Quality! Allion Paving the Way to Success for Your Products
From test planning, environment setup, to report generation, Allion provides faster, more convenient, and comprehensive one-stop professional testing and consulting services tailored to customer needs. We fully assist in ensuring product quality and accelerating time to market, helping you achieve your goals on time with the highest quality!
Faster
- Accelerating Time to Market: With precise test planning and efficient execution, Allion shortens the product validation cycle, enabling clients to bring their products to market 30 days ahead of schedule, gaining a competitive edge.
- Flexibly Responding to Market Changes: In the face of rapidly changing market demands, Allion provides flexible testing solutions, helping clients quickly adjust product designs to meet market requirements.
- Efficient Problem Solving: With extensive testing experience, Allion quickly identifies the root causes of issues and provides effective solutions.
Easier
- One-Stop Consulting Service: Allion offers a complete service from test planning to report generation. Simply providing product samples will allow clients to receive a comprehensive test report.
- Cost Reduction: There is no need to set up an in-house testing environment, saving labor and material costs.
- Focus on Core Business: By outsourcing product testing to Allion, clients can focus more on product development and marketing.
Better
- Improving Product Reliability: Through rigorous testing, Allion ensures product stability and reliability, enhancing brand image.
- Optimizing Product Design: Based on test data, Allion provides customized improvement suggestions to help customers create higher-quality products.
- Reducing Maintenance Costs: By identifying and addressing potential issues early, Allion helps reduce product failure rates and maintenance costs.
- Enhancing Product Image: Allion provides third-party test reports that add credibility to the product, boosting brand image.
If you require high-quality server validation solutions and consulting services, feel free to contact us. The Allion consulting team is always ready to assist you in overcoming challenges and paving the way to success for your product.
Success Stories
