NextComputing launches its Nucleus 1U server with Ampere processors this week, offering up to 192 single-threaded cores for AI inference and edge computing. The compact 1U rackmount server delivers exceptional performance in space-constrained environments. Designed for AI inference, cloud-native applications, and edge deployments, it supports NVIDIA GPUs and high-speed NVMe storage. This release meets growing demand for high-density, energy-efficient computing solutions.

Powering AI and Cloud-Native Applications

NextComputing’s new Nucleus 1U server is designed to accelerate AI inference and cloud-native application deployment, particularly at the edge. According to the company, the 1U form factor delivers substantial compute density in a compact, power-efficient package, addressing the needs of space-constrained environments. This server aims to provide a powerful platform for demanding workloads without compromising sustainability or performance.

The Nucleus 1U leverages up to 192 AmpereOne® cores or 128 Ampere® Altra® cores, enabling efficient AI inference directly on the CPU. It also supports NVIDIA Blackwell, H200 NVL, L40S, and L4 GPUs for accelerated performance, alongside up to 252TB of NVMe SSD storage. Bob Labadini, CTO of NextComputing, emphasized the server’s ability to combine compute density, power efficiency, and flexible I/O.

“It combines compute density, power efficiency, and flexible I/O in a form factor that fits virtually anywhere.”
Bob Labadini, NextComputing

Building on this, the server is well-suited for hosting thousands of containers and virtual machines with predictable performance, making it ideal for 5G and telco infrastructure deployments. Joe Speed, Head of Edge at Ampere, stated that the Nucleus 1U exemplifies how Ampere’s high core density delivers predictable, high-performance computing. This makes it a compelling alternative to traditional infrastructure for critical AI inference and cloud-native workloads.

“This makes it an ideal platform for organizations deploying critical AI inference, microservices, and demanding Cloud Native workloads at the edge, offering a compelling alternative to traditional infrastructure without compromising on performance or sustainability.”
Joe Speed, Ampere

Edge Computing in Compact Form Factors

The Nucleus 1U’s compact 1U height and short 28.25” depth represent a significant advantage for edge computing deployments, according to the company announcement. This form factor allows for installation in space-constrained environments like telco central offices, retail locations, and increasingly, remote monitoring stations. By minimizing physical footprint, the server reduces infrastructure costs and expands potential deployment locations previously inaccessible to traditional rackmount systems.

Building on this, the server supports up to 252TB of total NVMe SSD capacity, offering substantial local storage for data processing and analysis directly at the edge. Robust networking options, including optional 2x100G NICs or NVIDIA BlueField DPUs, ensure high-throughput connectivity for data transfer and remote management. This combination of storage and networking capabilities empowers organizations to perform real-time analytics and reduce latency-sensitive application response times.

The Nucleus 1U’s design prioritizes power efficiency, delivering high performance per watt and per dollar, a critical consideration for edge locations with limited power and cooling resources. This efficiency extends operational lifecycles and reduces total cost of ownership. The server is ideally suited for demanding use cases such as AI inference at the edge, cloud-native microservices, and supporting 5G and telco infrastructure, all benefiting from its compact size and efficient operation.

For industries relying on rapid AI inference and cloud-native services, the NextComputing Nucleus 1U represents a significant step toward deploying powerful computing at the network edge. This compact, high-density server could enable organizations to process data closer to its source, reducing latency and improving responsiveness for critical applications.

According to Bob Labadini, CTO of NextComputing, this platform addresses the growing need for efficient, scalable edge computing solutions. Leveraging Ampere processors, the Nucleus 1U delivers predictable performance and sustainability, potentially expanding the possibilities for AI-driven services in space-constrained environments and beyond.