Achieved pPUE1.03 (precise measured worth) as cooling effectivity per rack by operation verification and efficiency analysis at SoftBank’s information heart for sensible use.
SoftBank Corp. (“SoftBank”), ZutaCore and Hon Hai Know-how Group (“Foxconn”) as we speak introduced they applied ZutaCore’s two-phase DLC (Direct Liquid Cooling) expertise*1 in an AI server utilizing NVIDIA accelerated computing, making it the world’s first implementation*2 of ZutaCore’s two-phase DLC (Direct Liquid Cooling) expertise*1 utilizing NVIDIA H200 GPUs. As well as, SoftBank designed and developed a rack-integrated resolution that integrates every element of the server, together with cooling tools with two-phase DLC expertise, on a rack scale, and performed an operational demonstration and efficiency analysis at its information heart in February 2025. The demonstration outcomes indicated the answer handed NVIDIA’s temperature check (NVQual), thereby confirming the compatibility, stability and reliability of this rack-integrated resolution. The answer additionally achieved pPUE (partial Energy Utilization Effectiveness) of 1.03 (precise measured worth) per rack for cooling effectivity*3.
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With the unfold and elevated adoption of AI, demand for AI servers and different computing assets is anticipated to develop considerably, additional growing energy consumption at information facilities. On the identical time, decreasing energy consumption from the attitude of decreasing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions has grow to be a urgent concern worldwide, requiring information facilities to grow to be extra environment friendly, eat much less energy, and introduce revolutionary warmth removing options. Since Might 2024, SoftBank has been collaborating with ZutaCore, a worldwide chief within the improvement and enterprise deployment of two-phase DLC expertise, to develop options optimized for low energy consumption at AI information facilities.
SoftBank, ZutaCore and Foxconn will proceed their efforts to realize increased effectivity and decrease energy consumption in AI information facilities utilizing NVIDIA accelerated computing, and collaborate on the event of rack-integrated options optimized with two-phase DLC expertise for sensible use and deployment within the international market.
*1 A expertise that cools the chilly plate on the semiconductor chip (processor) contained in the server by circulating an insulating refrigerant with out water in a two-phase system (liquid and gasoline).
*2 As of January 2025, in response to ZutaCore analysis.
*3 In keeping with ZutaCore analysis. PUE is a measure of cooling effectivity in information facilities. pPUE is a measure of the effectivity of a selected space or facility, comparable to a server room or module. The nearer the quantity is to 1.0, the extra vitality environment friendly it’s.
Options of rack-integrated resolution optimized with two-phase DLC expertise
1. Plug & Play resolution
By integrating server parts comparable to cooling tools geared up with 2-phase DLC expertise, which conventionally needed to be optimized individually, on a rack scale, it’s potential to offer a “Plug & Play”*4 resolution that can be utilized instantly by merely connecting the tools. This makes it simple and easy to put in in AI information facilities.
2. Revolutionary 2-phase DLC cooling system
ZutaCore’s two-phase DLC expertise, which cools the chipsets (CPUs, GPUs, reminiscence, and so on.) which can be the warmth sources within the server by bringing them into contact with a chilly plate, circulates a particular insulating warmth switch (dielectric) fluid with a low boiling level within the chilly plate and makes use of warmth absorption throughout the section change from liquid to gasoline attributable to the warmth supply. Environment friendly cooling is achieved by repeated evaporation and condensation. As well as, the water temperature will be maintained at the next temperature than in typical water-cooled services, which improves the warmth transport capability of the water used for cooling and reduces the movement charge of water to realize the required cooling impact. This makes it potential to cut back the stress of the pump that delivers the water for cooling, contributing to decrease energy consumption. Moreover, the usage of insulating warmth switch fluid prevents critical harm to the server within the occasion of a spill of particular fluid.
3. AI server with assured compatibility, stability and reliability
Foxconn developed an AI server based mostly on NVIDIA H200 GPUs, optimized with ZutaCore’s two-phase DLC expertise. This AI server was in a position to exceed goal efficiency figures in NVIDIA’s certification check (NVQual), which determines the compatibility, stability, and reliability of server programs.
4. Versatile and scalable rack for high-density placement of AI servers
SoftBank developed a rack designed to maximise cooling effectivity and enhance operational effectivity with its two-phase DLC expertise. Along with being designed to be versatile and scalable for high-density placement of the most recent AI servers, the rack has airflow for improved cooling effectivity, and energy provide. As well as, energy provide and wiring are concentrated within the rear of the rack for operational security and robot-friendly operation. The rack can be suitable with 21-inch servers and standard 19-inch servers compliant with the ORV3 commonplace, which is a specification set by the Open Compute Undertaking (OCP), a non-profit group that promotes open-source {hardware} specs and designs. The specs are designed to be deployed in accordance with international requirements.
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Feedback from every firm
Hironobu Tamba, Vice President and Head of the Knowledge Platform Technique Division at SoftBank Corp. stated,
“As we work to develop one of many largest AI infrastructures in Japan and homegrown largescale language fashions (LLMs), enhancing the vitality effectivity of information facilities is crucial to speed up AI improvement and understand a sustainable society. The operational demonstration of this rack-integrated resolution with optimized two-phase DLC expertise has confirmed steady operation and improved vitality effectivity of high-density GPU servers with liquid cooling. Sooner or later, we’ll work on the sensible utility of this resolution to be used in AI information facilities and AI factories to construct a sustainable AI infrastructure and maximize computational effectivity.”
Erez Freibach, Co-founder and CEO at ZutaCore stated,
“ZutaCore is honored to associate with international business leaders SoftBank and Foxconn to introduce the world’s first 2-phase DLC rack integration resolution utilizing NVIDIA accelerated computing for AI servers. This groundbreaking collaboration highlights the transformative potential of our waterless DLC cooling expertise to ship unmatched effectivity whereas addressing the rising want for sustainable vitality options. Collectively, we aren’t simply assembly as we speak’s challenges however setting a brand new commonplace for energy-efficient innovation in next-generation AI information facilities and factories, driving progress whereas safeguarding the planet.”
Foxconn indicated,
“Foxconn, because the world’s largest AI server provider, is delighted to affix this collaboration and share our intensive in AI server improvement. We look ahead to driving higher worth for the worldwide AI business collectively.”
Future Developments
SoftBank, ZutaCore, and Foxconn will strengthen cooperation with AI server and rack design corporations to enhance the effectivity and low energy consumption of AI information facilities utilizing NVIDIA accelerated computing, with a view to the commercialization of this resolution and its deployment within the international market.
*4 This technique that routinely acknowledges peripherals and makes the mandatory settings when peripherals are linked to the primary unit of a tool.
・SoftBank, the SoftBank title and brand are registered logos or logos of SoftBank Group Corp. in Japan and different nations.
・Different firm, product and repair names on this press launch are registered logos or logos of the respective corporations.
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