Tyan Transport HX GA88-B8021 Barebone System – 1U Rack-Mountable, Socket SP3, 1 x Processor Support

The Tyan Transport HX GA88-B8021 is a high-density, entry-to mid-range barebone platform purpose-built for demanding data-center workloads, virtualization, storage servers, and edge deployments. Engineered in a compact 1U chassis, this barebone system delivers a scalable foundation for enterprise-grade performance, providing a single-SP3 processor socket, expansive memory capabilities, and robust storage and I/O options. With a focus on reliability, manageability, and efficient cooling in tight rack spaces, the HX GA88-B8021 helps organizations maximize throughput while minimizing space and power footprints. This chassis-ready system invites you to tailor it with theCPU, memory, and storage you need to meet your exact workloads and business requirements.

• 1U rack-mountable form factor with single-processor capability: The HX GA88-B8021 is built to fit compact data centers and edge environments while supporting one SP3 socket processor, delivering solid performance density for virtualization, databases, and compute-heavy tasks in a space-saving chassis.
• Massive memory capability for memory-intensive workloads: Supports up to 2 TB of DDR4 SDRAM across 16 DIMM slots, with DDR4-2666/PC4-21300 speeds. This expansive memory capacity is ideal for virtualization hosts, in-memory databases, large-scale caching, and analytics workloads that demand ample RAM headroom.
• Flexible storage and high-throughput I/O: Equipped with 2 x 2.5-inch drive bays and supporting Serial ATA (SATA) and SAS interfaces, enabling versatile storage configurations, fast data access, and scalable I/O throughput to meet growing data demands.
• Advanced remote management and graphics/administration: Features an ASPEED AST2500-based management solution with dedicated graphics memory for out-of-band management, remote console capabilities, and IPMI-compatible administration—simplifying server provisioning, monitoring, and maintenance in rack environments.
• Reliable platform designed for enterprise workloads: The HX GA88-B8021 integrates enterprise-grade hardware design, thermal management, and expansion potential to support long-running workloads with consistent performance, making it a trusted foundation for storage servers, virtualization hosts, and dense compute clusters.

Technical Details of Tyan Transport HX GA88-B8021 Barebone System

• Form factor: 1U rack-mountable chassis designed for space-saving data center deployments.
• Processor support: Socket SP3 with support for a single processor (CPU not included; you provide a compatible SP3 CPU).
• Memory: Up to 2 TB of DDR4 SDRAM across 16 DIMM slots; supports DDR4-2666/PC4-21300, enabling substantial memory capacity for virtualization, in-memory workloads, and large databases.
• Memory technology: DDR4 SDRAM for improved bandwidth, efficiency, and performance per watt compared to older generations.
• Storage controllers and interfaces: SATA/600 and 12 Gb/s SAS controller support; provides flexible storage options to balance speed and capacity.
• Drive bays: 2 x 2.5" drive bays for quick deployment of SSDs or HDDs, with room for expansion as data needs grow.
• Graphics and management: ASPEED AST2500 with 32 MB graphics memory for remote management, admin console, and IPMI functionality, enabling out-of-band access and reliable server management even when the host OS is unresponsive.
• Expansion and I/O: Multiple SATA interfaces and a design that supports essential expansion options for a balanced and resilient server platform.

How to install Tyan Transport HX GA88-B8021 Barebone System

Before you begin, confirm you have the compatible components needed to complete a fully functional server: a socket SP3 CPU, DDR4 memory modules (up to 2 TB total on this platform), and 2.5-inch storage drives. The HX GA88-B8021 is a barebone chassis, meaning CPU, memory, and storage are supplied by you and installed by you or your data center team. Follow these general steps to assemble and deploy your system:

1) Prepare your workspace and tools. Ensure you have an ESD-safe environment, a static wrist strap, and the appropriate screwdrivers. Have your SP3-compatible processor and DDR4 memory modules readily available. Confirm that drive rails and any required mounting hardware are on hand if you plan to populate both 2.5-inch bays.

2) Install the processor in the SP3 socket. Open the socket lever, align pin-1 indicators, place the CPU in the correct orientation, and secure the socket lever. Apply a small amount of thermal interface material if your CPU requires it, and attach the cooling solution designed for this barebone chassis. Ensure the CPU is seated properly and the cooler is firmly attached to maintain reliable thermal performance under load.

3) Populate memory DIMMs. Insert DDR4 memory modules into the 16 DIMM slots following the manufacturer’s recommended population sequence to maximize memory channels and bandwidth. Confirm that modules are fully seated with uniform pressure and secure any memory retaining mechanisms if present. Power-on memory recognition will occur as you complete the subsequent steps.

4) Install storage drives. Insert 2.5-inch drives into the available bays and connect SATA/SAS cables to the appropriate controllers. If you plan to use RAID configurations, configure the drives and storage controller settings in the BIOS/UEFI or server management interface after powering the system.

5) Mount the barebone chassis in a rack. Attach the chassis securely to standard rack rails, align it with adjacent equipment, and connect power and management cables. Ensure there is adequate airflow around the unit and that fan trays are properly engaged to sustain cooling in 1U form factor deployments.

6) Connect management and network interfaces. Use the ASPEED AST2500-based management port to configure IPMI or remote management settings. Connect network cables as needed to your management network and the data network, and verify that the out-of-band management functions are accessible from your administrator workstation.

7) Power up and configure. Power on the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI to tune processor settings, memory timings, boot order, and storage controller modes. If you plan to use OS-level virtualization or storage services, prepare the appropriate installation media and perform the OS installation. Finalize any RAID, caching, or hot-swap settings that align with your workload requirements.

8) Validation and monitoring. After the OS installation, install any required drivers for the storage controllers, network adapters, and management interface. Use the AST2500 management console to monitor health, thermal status, and power consumption, and set up alerts to ensure proactive maintenance in the data center environment.

Note: Because this is a barebone system, CPU, memory, and storage components are not included in the package. Verify compatibility with your organization’s procurement standards and ensure you select components rated for server-grade reliability and the expected workload profile. If you’re migrating from a previous platform, verify that your OS and software stacks are supported on the SP3 architecture and that driver packages are available for your hardware configuration.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is included with the Tyan HX GA88-B8021 barebone system? A: The HX GA88-B8021 is a barebone chassis that provides the motherboard, chassis, power framework, and management controller. It does not include CPU, memory, or drives; these components must be supplied by the user to complete the build.
• Q: How much RAM can I install? A: The system supports up to 2 TB of DDR4 SDRAM across 16 DIMM slots, enabling extensive memory capacity for virtualization, databases, and in-memory workloads.
• Q: Which processors are compatible? A: The platform uses a Socket SP3 processor socket and is designed to support a single processor. Check your CPU model for compatibility with SP3 and the HX GA88-B8021 motherboard specifications for power and thermal requirements.
• Q: What storage options are available? A: The barebone includes 2 x 2.5" drive bays and supports SATA/600 and 12 Gb/s SAS controllers, allowing a mix of HDDs and SSDs with flexible RAID and performance configurations.
• Q: Is remote management available? A: Yes. The system includes an ASPEED AST2500 management controller with 32 MB graphics, enabling remote management, out-of-band console access, and IPMI capabilities to monitor and administer the server even when normal OS access is unavailable.
• Q: Do I need a separate power supply? A: Power supply requirements depend on your configuration. As a barebone, you may need to supply a compatible redundant power solution appropriate for your processor, memory, and storage choices. Consult your rack infrastructure and the chassis specifications for exact power requirements.