Key Takeaways
- HighPoint Technologies introduces the Rocket 1604L, a retimer-based PCIe Gen5 M.2 add-in card (AIC) for high-speed storage and accelerator connectivity
- The card supports up to four M.2 PCIe Gen5 devices and uses Astera Labs Gen5 Retimer technology
- It features real-time monitoring of power consumption and thermal status, as well as lane verification for optimal performance
- The Rocket 1604L is designed for compact industrial systems and includes active cooling for thermal management
Introduction to the Rocket 1604L
HighPoint Technologies has announced the launch of the Rocket 1604L, a cutting-edge retimer-based PCIe Gen5 M.2 add-in card (AIC) designed to support high-speed storage and accelerator connectivity in AI and compute environments. The card is capable of hosting up to four M.2 PCIe Gen5 devices, making it an ideal solution for systems that require high-bandwidth connectivity.
Technical Specifications
The Rocket 1604L is a 4-M.2 PCIe Gen5 x16 solution, configured as x4/x4/x4/x4, and is designed to work in a bifurcated PCIe slot. The card measures 167 mm in length and can be used with remote MCIO connectivity. It uses Astera Labs Gen5 Retimer technology to ensure reliable and high-speed connectivity.
Comparison of Retimer-Based PCIe Gen5 M.2 Cards
| Feature | Rocket 1604L | Alternative Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Number of M.2 Devices Supported | Up to 4 | Up to 2 |
| PCIe Gen5 Bandwidth | x4/x4/x4/x4 | x4/x4 |
| Retimer Technology | Astera Labs Gen5 | Various |
| Form Factor | 167 mm | Varies |
| Cooling | Active Cooling | Passive or Active |
Firmware and Monitoring Features
The Rocket 1604L includes advanced firmware features that enable real-time monitoring of power consumption and thermal status. Additionally, the card provides lane verification to confirm that connected accelerators or NVMe drives are operating at full Gen5 x4 bandwidth. This ensures optimal performance and helps prevent potential issues.
Signal Integrity and Thermal Design
The Rocket 1604L uses retimer-based signal conditioning to maintain PCIe Gen5 signaling, even in direct-attached or remote MCIO connections. The card is designed for compact industrial systems and includes active cooling to manage thermal conditions in continuous-use server environments. This ensures reliable operation and minimizes downtime.
Bottom Line
The HighPoint Rocket 1604L is a powerful and feature-rich retimer-based PCIe Gen5 M.2 add-in card that is designed to meet the demands of high-speed storage and accelerator connectivity in AI and compute environments. With its advanced firmware features, reliable signal integrity, and thermal management, the Rocket 1604L is an ideal solution for systems that require high-bandwidth connectivity and optimal performance. For more information, visit www.highpoint-tech.com.