Description
The ComputeBlade, an Uptime Industries product, is an enterprise-grade rack-mountable, PoE-powered carrier board for Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 with all the necessary interfaces. With ComputeBlade, you can create a high-density, low-power-consuming, plug-and-play blade server for home or data-center use. The ComputeBlades were designed to work 24/7.
Create your high-density server with ComputeBlade
You can fit up to 20 ComputeBlades into a 1U 19-inch rack space, which can add up to:
- 80 ARM cores
- 160GB RAM
- 10TB of NVMe flash storage (depending on your configuration)
Key Features
- Raspberry Pi CM4 support
- Support for fan using PWM fan connector
- Supports NVMe SSDs up to 22110 (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280)
- Power over Ethernet IEEE 802.3at (PoE+)
Interfaces
- Gigabit Ethernet
- HDMI up to 4k 60fps (ComputeBlade TPM and ComputeBlade Dev)
- UART0 on the front
- Uptime Industries modules support
- USB-A/USB-C switchable USB input
Additional Features
- TPM 2.0 secure boot (ComputeBlade TPM and ComputeBlade Dev)
- WiFi, BT and EEPROM write-protection (WiFi + BT require CM4 with WiFi / BT support, only on ComputeBlade Dev)
- Controllable RGB LEDs
Advantages of the ComputeBlade platform
Unlike conventional blade servers, the ComputeBlade system eliminates a single point of failure as it doesn't rely on a server platform. While it still uses a PoE network switch (also necessary for blade servers), switches are simpler to replace or keep as spares compared to entire server platforms. Network equipment typically boasts high reliability.
Individual blades can be rebooted or power-cycled by momentarily disabling their switch port power. Thanks to the CM4's network boot feature, reprovisioning and system rescue are straightforward. Each blade is compact and devoid of moving parts.
Versions
The Compute Blade is available in three different versions:
- Compute Blade Basic: Intended for scaling your cluster environment. It contains only the necessary components for an enterprise-grade worker node. This is also the most affordable version of the Compute Blade.
- Compute Blade TPM: Adds a TPM 2.0 for advanced security, making it ideal for environments that require enhanced protection and secure boot capabilities.
- Compute Blade Dev: Recommended as the master node for cluster management, development, and homelab environments. It offers additional features tailored to developers and enthusiasts.
Recommendations
- For optimal operation of the ComputeBlade, Uptime Industries Indus recommend a Compute Module 4 with the maximum amount of RAM (8GB)
Note: A Compute Module (CM4) is required to use this device and is sold separately. The compute modules and other accessories shown in the images are for illustration purposes only.
Applications
- Home Labs: An enterprise-level homelab experience that you can use to build, play with, and explore new technologies.
- Hosting Provider: Provide dedicated resources and isolate customer machines on a physical layer, protecting against modern CPU/hypervisor exploits.
- Edge Servers: Reduce latency and extend compute power to make your processes leaner, more efficient, and more cost-effective.
- CI/CD Systems and Automated Tests: Perform performance tests on dedicated hardware for far more stable results than running tests on virtual machines.
- Stateless Computing: Seamlessly deploy specialized stateless computing platforms, such as OpenFaaS, onto the blades to enhance functionality and performance.
- High Availability Computing: Deploy robust, high-availability computing to maintain critical operations and services with minimal downtime.
- Smart Homes: Make your home server highly available and increase the possibilities, e.g., by adding more modules like the Uptime AI-Module.
- Private Cloud: Create your own secure, scalable private cloud for efficient data management and tailored IT services.
- Education: Enhance educational experiences with practical, hands-on tech learning, facilitating innovation and computing skills.
Documentation
Model Overview
| Features | ComputeBlade Dev | ComputeBlade TPM | ComputeBlade Basic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi CM4 support | yes | ||
| M.2 Key M up to 22110 for NVMe disks or high-speed modules | yes | ||
| 1Gbit Ethernet with PoE up to 30 W | yes | ||
| UART | yes | ||
| ComputeBlade headers port | yes | ||
| Button | yes | ||
| Stealth mode | yes | ||
| Digital LEDs | yes | ||
| USB-A | yes | ||
| TPM 2.0 onboard | yes | ||
| HDMI port | yes | ||
| USB-C for bootloader update | yes | ||
| microSD card slot | yes | ||
| Wi-Fi, BT, nRPIBOOT | switchable | locked | |
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 / 4 Lite, Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Compatible Boards |
| Storage | M.2 NVMe up to 22110, Micro SD |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet, (Wi-Fi on some CM4 models, not recommended in rack usage) |
| GPIO | 2 x UART, 7 x User Controllable GPIO including I2C, Fan Unit Connector, Programmable Button, 2 x Controllable RGB LEDs |
| Operating Voltage | 5V - USB C, 5.1V - Power over Ethernet IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) up to 30W @5.1V |
| Input Power (Normal Operation) | 2 - 8W |
| Ports | HDMI (4K60), USB A, USB C |
| Security | TPM 2.0, Hardware switchable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and EEPROM write-protection, Support for ZYMKEY 4i, Security Keys |
| Dimensions | 42.5 x 250 x 17.5 mm |
FAQs
Q:
What is a blade server?
A:
A blade server is a compact, self-contained computer server, specifically designed to minimize the use of physical space and energy. Unlike traditional rack-mount servers, which are standalone servers that require individual components such as network and storage interfaces, blade servers are housed in a chassis that provides these resources collectively. This setup allows for a high density of servers, which can share power, cooling, networking, and storage facilities provided by the chassis.
Blade servers are particularly suitable for environments requiring high compute density without the need for a lot of individual storage, like web hosting, virtualization, and cloud computing services.
Q:
Can the ComputeBlade be used for educational purposes?
A:
Absolutely! The ComputeBlade is an excellent tool for educational environments. It provides a tangible, hands-on experience for students learning about computing, networking, and hardware. With its modular design and safe, low-power operation, it's perfect for classroom settings.
Q:
How does ComputeBlade ensure data security and privacy?
A:
Security is paramount for Uptime Industries. The ComputeBlade comes equipped with TPM 2.0 for hardware-based security (in the TPM and Dev versions), including secure boot processes and encryption key generation.
Q:
What are the upgrade options for the ComputeBlade?
A:
The ComputeBlade is designed with future-proofing in mind. It supports various add-ons and modules, allowing you to expand storage, add AI co-processors, or enhance security features. You also have the option to choose / upgrade your compute modules to other CM4 versions, in case, for example, your RAM requirements change.
Q:
How does the ComputeBlade contribute to energy savings and sustainability?
A:
The ComputeBlade is designed with energy efficiency at its core. Its low-power ARM cores and PoE+ capabilities allow you to scale your computing needs without the high energy costs typically associated with traditional servers. This not only results in operational cost savings but also reduces your carbon footprint, contributing to a greener planet.
Q:
What is a TPM?
A:
TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module. It is an industry standard module for secure storage and generation of encryption keys. Whereas software offers attack surfaces through algorithm changes (e.g. allowing a savvy attacker to brute-force a password), the TPM is designed to start increasing lock-out times under attack, thereby making it physically impossible to brute-force the password. It can also be used to verify that you are indeed talking to the device you want to be talking to, this way Man in the middle attacks can be mitigated.
Note: Note that these features also require software implementation, please check if a software implementation for your use case exists.
Q:
What advantages do PoE-powered computing solutions like the ComputeBlade offer?
A:
PoE-powered computing solutions, such as the ComputeBlade, streamline power management and cable clutter, leading to cleaner installations and easier maintenance. This also translates to lower setup costs and increased reliability for both home and enterprise networks.
Q:
Are there specific Raspberry Pi server solutions that the ComputeBlade supports?
A:
The ComputeBlade is optimized for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, supporting a range of configurations that cater to various applications, from educational platforms to robust data center innovations.
