QNAP Systems has launched the TS-2888X, an AI-Ready NAS specifically optimized for AI model training. Built using Intel Xeon W processors with up to 18 cores and employing a flash-optimized hybrid storage architecture for IOPS-intensive workloads, the TS-2888X also supports installing up to 4 high-end graphics cards and runs QNAP’s AI developer package “ QuAI.”
It introduces an all-in-one AI solution that integrates huge storage potential, powerful computing, a ready-to-use AI environment, and comprehensive data protection to supplement AI workflows. It not only serves as a training server for AI models, but can also serve as an inference server, thereby further lowering the R&D entry barrier.
The AI-Ready TS-2888X features Intel Xeon W processors with up to 18 cores and 36 threads and up to 4.5GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0. Up to 512 GB DDR4 ECC RDIMM 2666 MHz RAM is supported, providing ample space for huge projects while protecting against potential memory errors.
The TS-2888X supports mainstream NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel accelerator cards, providing eight PCIe slots and a 2,000 watt 80Plus Platinum PSU that accommodates up to four high-end graphics cards to unleash tremendous computing power.
To meet the simultaneous needs for scale and performance, the TS-2888X employs a hybrid storage architecture with eight 3.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s drive bays for hard drives, sixteen 2.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s drive bays for SSDs, and four 2.5-inch drive bays that support U.2 PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe SSDs. This hybrid storage architecture provides the ability to enable SSD caching or auto-tiering to boost performance-demanding applications. There are six smart fans that separately detect temperatures in different zones (CPU, PCIe slots, power supply unit, and storage) to provide smarter, quieter, and energy-efficient cooling.
The TS-2888X introduces a software environment for organizations to set up and maintain AI applications. The exclusive QuAI – an AI developer package to quickly build, train and optimize AI models running on the NAS – enables a range of open-source tools and frameworks (including Caffe, TensorFlow, AlexNet, FaceNet, and more) for the AI workflows readily available to users. The TS-2888X also features flexible backup tools and snapshot protection to assure data security while also allowing efficient disaster recovery.