What Is the Cisco IW-ANT-PNL5615-NS? How Does
Core Architecture: Ruggedized Design for Harsh En...
Core Architecture and Technical Specifications
The HCIX-CPU-I8444H= is a 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processor (Sapphire Rapids) tailored for Cisco HyperFlex HX-Series nodes, offering 44 cores and 88 threads at a base clock of 2.1GHz (up to 4.0GHz turbo). Designed for compute-intensive tasks, it features:
- 105MB L3 cache with Intel’s Speed Select Technology for workload-specific frequency tuning
- 350W TDP and support for DDR5-4800 RAM (12TB per node max)
- 80 PCIe 5.0 lanes for NVMe storage or GPU acceleration
Target Workloads and Performance Gains
AI/ML Acceleration
- Intel AMX (Advanced Matrix Extensions) boosts TensorFlow inference by up to 5x compared to 3rd Gen Xeon (Ice Lake)
- Supports FP8 data formats for large language model (LLM) training
High-Frequency Trading (HFT)
- Sub-5μs latency for in-memory databases like Redis via cache prioritization
- 2.3x higher transactions per second (TPS) vs. HCIX-CPU-I6454S= in benchmarked Oracle Exadata deployments
HyperFlex Node Compatibility and Limitations
Validated Systems
- HX240c M6 and HXAF6C-M6 All-Flash nodes (requires HXDP 5.2+)
- Unsupported Platforms:
- M5-generation nodes (incompatible DDR5 memory controllers)
- HyperFlex Edge (thermal constraints with 350W TDP)
Cluster Configuration Rules
- Homogeneous CPU mandate: All nodes in a cluster must use HCIX-CPU-I8444H=
- Maximum 2 CPUs per 1U chassis due to thermal design
Power and Cooling Requirements
- Liquid Cooling Recommended: Air cooling insufficient for sustained 350W loads
- Per-Node Power Draw: 1,200W+ with dual CPUs and PCIe Gen5 NVMe drives
- Cisco UCS Manager Power Capping Profiles:
- Performance Mode: 350W (unrestricted)
- Eco Mode: 280W (20% frequency reduction)
Purchasing and Upgrade Considerations
- Mandatory Firmware Updates: BIOS 2.3+ and CIMC 5.1+ for DDR5 stability
- Heatsink Replacement: Existing M5/M6 heatsinks incompatible; use Cisco UCS-HS-C444
For certified units with Cisco’s 3-year warranty, visit the [“HCIX-CPU-I8444H=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).
Performance Comparison: HCIX-CPU-I8444H= vs. Previous Generations
| Metric | HCIX-CPU-I8444H= (44C) | HCIX-CPU-I6454S= (32C) |
|---|---|---|
| SPECrate 2017_int_base | 495 | 318 |
| AI Inference (ResNet-50) | 4,200 images/sec | 1,800 images/sec |
| Memory Bandwidth | 307GB/s | 204GB/s |
| Cost per Node (Dual) | $28,500 | $18,900 |
The 44-core CPU justifies its 50% price premium in AI and real-time analytics scenarios but is overkill for general-purpose virtualization.
Critical Deployment Questions Answered
Q: Can it coexist with GPUs in HyperFlex nodes?
Yes—2x NVIDIA A100 GPUs per node via PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, but expect 15% CPU throttling under full load.
Q: Is downgrading to DDR4 possible?
No. DDR5 is mandatory due to integrated memory controllers.
Q: What’s the MTBF under 24/7 load?
1.2M hours, but Cisco advises replacing CPUs after 5 years due to electromigration risks.
Strategic Implementation Advice
The HCIX-CPU-I8444H= is a powerhouse for enterprises running SAP S/4HANA, AI inference, or HFT platforms on HyperFlex. However, its 350W TDP demands infrastructure overhauls—most legacy data centers lack the power density or liquid cooling for multi-node deployments. Before investing, conduct a TCO analysis spanning 3–5 years; the CPU’s energy costs could negate performance gains if workloads aren’t optimized for AMX or DDR5. Always pair with Cisco Intersight for predictive thermal management.