A new all-in-one storage card from HighPoint offers a 128TB virtual SSD with speeds of 28GBps, ideal for artificial intelligence workstations, although its price of $26,000 is steep.
There is also a 64 TB model available at a more affordable price of $9,900.
HighPoint has introduced its new RocketAIC 7749M2 device, a PCIe Gen4 x16 AIC controller offered in 64TB and 128TB configurations with preconfigured RAID storage. This product is designed to occupy a compact space, comparable to that of high-end graphics cards, making it ideal for workstations focused on artificial intelligence and other data-intensive applications.
The 128TB version, known as the RocketAIC 7749M2W, utilizes 16 Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 8TB drives, connected via HighPoint's PCIe x48 switching technology. This configuration allows each SSD to operate at its maximum performance, achieving transfer speeds of up to 28GBps. This is particularly beneficial for professionals in fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and media production. However, the price for this high-capacity version is significant, reaching $26,000.
The device, which is already available for purchase, is recognized by the operating system as a single physical unit, which simplifies its setup for various functions, such as application disk, virtual workspace, data archiving, or media library. Additionally, it features a three-component cooling system, which includes a fully enclosed aluminum casing and three fans, ensuring that the device remains cool and avoiding thermal throttling even during demanding tasks.
The RocketAIC supports various RAID configurations, providing users with flexibility to balance performance with data protection according to their needs. HighPoint's integrated management suite simplifies both the initial setup and ongoing monitoring of the device.
A recent review of the 128TB RocketAIC 7749M2W highlighted its exceptional design, noting that it is not only the highest-capacity AIC in its category but also provides the best delivery mechanism for this level of performance. The card features a sleek, cooling-efficient design that is well-proportioned, and its tool-less design allows for easy and quick access to the eight removable storage trays, which is highly valued by users.
Although the cost is seen as the only significant drawback, the review praised the device for offering “the best overall experience for a storage device of this type.”
