CTS-MIC-CLNG-WRK=: What Is It? How Does It Op
Understanding the CTS-MIC-CLNG-WRK= Device Role�...
Core Architecture and Hardware Innovations
The Cisco UCSX-X10C-GPUFM-D= represents a dedicated GPU front mezzanine module designed for AI inference and high-performance computing in Cisco UCS X210c M6/M7 Compute Nodes. Engineered to overcome PCIe slot limitations in dense server configurations, this module integrates:
- PCIe Gen4 x16 host interface with 63GB/s bidirectional bandwidth
- Multi-GPU support framework for NVIDIA T4, A2, and Cisco UCSX-GPU-T4-MEZZ accelerators
- Dual 8-pin PCIe power connectors with 300W peak delivery capacity
- Cisco Thermal Design Kit (TDK) 3.0 for adaptive fan curve optimization
Key innovation: The module implements NUMA-aware power distribution, dynamically allocating GPU power budgets (50W-150W) based on workload priority and chassis ambient temperature. This prevents thermal throttling in 45°C+ environments while maintaining 98% power efficiency.
Compatibility and System Integration
Validated for UCS X210c M7 Compute Nodes within UCS X9508 chassis, the UCSX-X10C-GPUFM-D= requires:
- UCS Manager 4.2(3b) or later for GPU resource partitioning (MIGv3)
- Cisco Intersight firmware 2.3.1-2209 to enable predictive failure analysis of GPU memory
- UCSX 9108-400G Fabric Interconnects with <1μs latency for GPU-direct RDMA
Critical constraints include:
- Mixed GPU prohibition: Co-locating NVIDIA T4 and A2 GPUs triggers driver conflicts, forcing fallback to base clock speeds (1.2GHz)
- Front mezzanine exclusivity: Installing this module disables PCIe slot 3 and 4 due to shared PCIe root complex resources
Performance Benchmarks for AI Workloads
In controlled enterprise environments, the module demonstrates:
- TensorFlow Inference: 42,000 images/sec throughput on ResNet-50 (INT8 precision) using NVIDIA T4 GPUs
- RedisAI: 850K transactions/sec with CUDA-accelerated model serving
- Video Analytics: 38 streams of 4K H.265 decoding at 60fps per GPU
However, FP64 HPC simulations show 15% lower FLOPS compared to PCIe-mounted A100 GPUs due to mezzanine-to-CPU interconnect latency.
Thermal and Power Management
To maintain stability in 4-GPU configurations:
- Phase-Change Material (PCM) Cooling: Absorbs 150W thermal load during transient GPU spikes
- Dynamic Voltage/Frequency Scaling: Intersight modulates GPU core voltage from 0.7V to 1.05V based on workload type
- Predictive Fan Control: UCS Manager adjusts fan speeds preemptively using ML-trained thermal models
Field deployments reveal VRM capacitor aging in 24/7 operations, requiring bi-annual preventive maintenance for sustained 300W power delivery.
Procurement and Lifecycle Considerations
For enterprises deploying the UCSX-X10C-GPUFM-D=, [“UCSX-X10C-GPUFM-D=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) provides Cisco-certified modules with fused TPM 2.0 compliance. Key factors include:
- GPU Compatibility Validation: Require vendor-specific vBIOS certification reports
- Firmware Compliance: Verify CVE-2024-33592 patches for PCIe Gen4 retimer vulnerabilities
- Lifecycle Planning: Cisco’s 2025 roadmap projects security updates until Q2 2032
The Front Mezzanine Paradigm: Density vs. Flexibility
While the UCSX-X10C-GPUFM-D= enables unprecedented GPU density in 1U servers, its proprietary form factor creates irreversible vendor lock-in. The module’s thermal design breakthroughs make it ideal for edge AI deployments, but its inability to support next-gen PCIe Gen5 GPUs raises long-term scalability concerns. For enterprises committed to Cisco’s full-stack AI infrastructure, this solution delivers unmatched rack-scale efficiency; for hybrid cloud operators, the lack of cross-vendor interoperability may outweigh initial capital savings. The true value lies not in raw teraflops, but in how Cisco’s vertically integrated management transforms GPU clusters from isolated accelerators into policy-driven compute fabrics—a vision that demands unwavering commitment to single-vendor ecosystems.