GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 [40Gbps]

GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 [40Gbps] enables you to add slots to your watt- and slot-limited computer so you don't have to buy a new computer. Cubix GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 is a desktop or blade computer expansion enclosure that connects to a host computer using a host interface controller (HIC) in a PCI Express (PCIe) x8 or x16 slot and a cable. GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 provides two or four PCIe Gen 2 x16 slots that support two double-wide or four single-wide adapters such as GPUs or multi-function / multi-port cards, including audio, FireWire, Gbit Ethernet and USB 2.0. GPU-Xpander 40 provides its own power supply and cooling.

GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 is an economical way to enhance the Input/Output (I/O) power of your computer. GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 is a hardware-only solution that expands the I/O capability of your computer by adding slots, power and cooling. Each GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 adds two or four PCI Exress (PCIe) slots to your computer. Add GPUs for rendering and color work or mathematical high-performance computing (HPC) to your existing computer with GPU-Xpander Desktop 2. Each PCIe slot in your computer can support a GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 if your system BIOS supports multiple GPUs with video ports.

XpanderIO-40Overview
Need to add killer, 3D graphics, computing cores for high-performance computing (HPC) projects, FireWire or other adapters to your operators' desktop computers? Don't have enough expansion slots in your current desktop computers to add fast, 3D graphics, NVIDIA's Compute Unified Device Architecture- (CUDA) capable, number-crunching GPUs or other input/output (I/O)? Don't have sufficient cooling capacity or a hefty enough power supply to add high-end graphics, HPC capability or other adapters to your organization's computers? Many host computers lack the 'watts and slots' to allow expansion. Cubix GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 is just the ticket.

Add two to four NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 1800 / 3800 /4800 /5800, Quadro 4000 / 5000 / 6000, GeForce® GTX 465 / 470 / 480 Fermi, Tesla C1060 / C2050 / C2070 graphics or other controllers to any computer that has an available PCI Express (PCIe) expansion slot using GPU-Xpander Desktop 2  Install the host interface controller (HIC) in the computer's x8 or x16 slot, connect it to the GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 and voila! You have just added two to four powerful graphics controllers or CUDA-capable HPC controllers to the computer without buying a new computer.

Save Time and Money
Just because you need to add or upgrade to high-end, 3D graphics or math-intensive, HPC processors in operators' desktop computers doesn't mean you have to go to all the weeks of effort and meetings to obtain approval and all the considerable expense, not to mention all the work of installing and configuring new computers. Use GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 instead. Rather than starting from scratch, keep your substantial investment in your current computer hardware and simply add or upgrade to the most powerful graphics controllers or HPC processor cards on the market -- at considerably less than the cost of replacing computer hardware.

Install the HIC in each computer, connect it to GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 and within minutes, your operators are back to work. The operators have the same operating system configuration, the same desktop, the familiar applications and multi-monitor screens but now they also have the fastest graphics controllers or HPC- and CUDA-capable cores available. Screaming-fast, 3D graphics, HPC capability or FireWire at a reasonable price and with only minutes of effort per operator desktop -- what an investment!

Minimal Impact on Operators' Desktop Space and Desktop Configuration
Your operators are busy, and they have neither the time nor the inclination to learn how to use efficiently a new computer, a new operating system, a new desktop screen configuration, or for that matter, a new use of desktop space. They want to keep working -- without interruption or changes to their routines. With GPU-Xpander Desktop 2, you can make it happen.

You need GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 if the hardware and software combination you intend to use runs in your computer but causes over-current or overheating problems. GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 is a hardware-only solution: no software required. GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 provides its own power supply and cooling; it requires no power from the host computer. Simply plug the host adapter in your computer's PCIe slot, connect GPU-Xpander Desktop 2, power up and install device drivers.

Boost Graphics or Computational Performance
Give your operators the graphical or HPC power they demand with Cubix GPU-Xpander Desktop 2. When your operators return for their next shift, they'll find their desktop space unchanged, their desktop screen configuration the same as usual, but what a difference in performance! With as many as four powerful, state-of-the-art 3D graphics or HPC controllers in their system, their applications and renderings will leave their expectations in the dust with fast, eye-popping performance. For example, you can upgrade to or add two NVIDIA® Quadro® 4000 / 5000 / 6000 graphics controllers or two NVIDIA® Tesla® C1060 / C2050 /C2070 GPUs for each operator, giving them the performance they demand without the usual interruption that a new system causes.

Features

  • Install blazing fast graphics or calculations within minutes
  • Two to four PCIe x16 expansion slots in each GPU-Xpander Desktop 2
  • Two to four powerful graphics controllers like NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 1800 / 3800 / 4800 / 5800 or Quadro 4000 / 5000 / 6000
  • Two to four powerful HPC processors like NVIDIA® Tesla C1060 / C2050 / C2070 or GeForce® GTX 465 / 470 / 480
  • An independent power supply to meet any expansion requirement
  • Simple, quick installation with minimal impact per operator desktop; just install a host adapter and graphics drivers
  • Each x8 cable and connector provide a 250 mating cycle duty cycle


Benefits

  • Add two to four PCIe x16 graphics controllers or HPC processors to a computer that does not have the available slots
  • Add GPUs to any computer with only a single PCIe x8 or x16 slot available
  • AddGPUs to any computer regardless of power supply limitations
  • Add GPUs without having to specify, purchase, install and configure new computers
  • No power or cooling needed from the host computer; GPU-Xpander provides its own power and cooling
  • Zero or minimal impact on operators' desktop screen configuration
  • Minimal impact on operators' desktop space
  • Connect two or more GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 units to one computer (using two or more PCIe slots available in the host computer)


Don't let your computer's lack of 'watts and slots' hold you back. Get your graphics or HPC processing on with GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 for each operator's desktop. It will give your operators the graphics or HPC, CUDA-capable performance they demand at a reasonable cost with little or no interruption to routine or workflow.

Contact Cubix for details about GPU-Xpander Desktop 2. For ppurchase information, visit the Cubix GPU On-line Store.

GPU-Xpander

GPU-Xpander Product FamilyGPU-Xpander is an economical way to enhance the Input/Output (I/O) power of your computer. GPU-Xpander is a hardware-only solution that expands the I/O capability of your computer by adding slots, power and cooling. Each GPU-Xpander can add two, four or more PCI Express (PCIe) slots to your computer.

GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 [40Gbps] Technical Specifications

Expansion Slots
4 x PCI Express 2.x x16 slots supports:
- 4 single-wide graphics or other controllers or
- 2 double-wide graphics or other controllers
2 x PCI Express 2.x x16 slots supports:
- 2 double-wide graphics or other controllers

Graphics, Computing or IO Controllers
NVIDIA® Quadro®  FX 1800 / 3800 / 4800 / 5800 
Tesla C1060 / C2050 / 2070
GeForce® Fermi 465 / 470  / 480
FireWire multi-port
USB 2.0 multi-port
Audio multi-port
Gbps Ethernet multi-port

Host Adapter
PCIe x8 or x16 bus interface
PCIe x8 connector

Host Connection
Standard 1.000meter (3.370feet), external PCI Express x8 68-pin cable
Optional 2.000meter (6.560feet), external PCI Express x8 68-pin cable
Optional 3.000meter (9.842feet), external PCI Express x8 68-pin cable
250 mating cycles maximum connector duty cycle

Front Panel
4 LEDs for system reset, cable present, power supply good and power supply on

Rear Panel
Power on/off switch and power input receptacle

Power
Single-phase, 50/60Hz, auto-ranging, 100-240VAC, 5.5-3.0A

Environment
0° to 30° Celsius (32° to 86° Fahrenheit) temperature
5% to 80% non-condensing humidity

Dimensions
11.000" H x 6.125" W x 15.000" D (27.940cm H x 15.557cm W x 38.100cm D) actual
16.750" H x 12.250" W x 20.500 D (42.545cm H x 31.115cm W x 52.070cm D) shipping

Weight
17.600lbs (7.982kg) actual
23.000lbs (10.433kg) shipping

Warranty
Parts/labor return to manufacturer 1 year
Optional 2 or 4 years


XpanderIO-40 Dimensions

gpu-xpander40
25 lb.
GPU-Xpander Desktop 2 [40Gbps]










Support and Troubleshooting

Quick Start

  • Install a GPU in the host computer and install device drivers.
  • Once drivers are working, move the GPU to GPU-Xpander, install the adapter in the host computer and connect GPU-Xpander to the adapter using the cable provided.
  • The host computer, if it is plug-n-play, will detect the new hardware configuration and install drivers.

Power on/off GPU-Xpander normally.

  • With GPU-Xpander 40connected to the host computer and running, shut down the host normally.
  • With GPU-Xpander 40connected to the host computer and powered down, switch on GPU-Xpander 40 first and the connected host next; both will boot up.

Run a PC or Mac Pro with GPU-Xpander powered off.

  • To run the host PC or Mac Pro without GPU-Xpander connected, power down the host, remove power from GPU-Xpander and boot the host.
  • When you are ready to run GPU-Xpander again, power down the host, connect power to GPU-Xpander and boot the host.

Quickly test that two-slot GPU-Xpander works with your computer motherboard as follows:

  1. Do not install graphics or other controllers until instructed to do so within this procedure.
  2. Switch off AC power from the host computer and the GPU-Xpander 40 but leave the power cord in each connected.
  3. Install the Cubix host adapter in a PCIe x8 or x16 slot within the host computer. If you are installing the host adapter in an Apple® Mac Pro, install it in a PCIe x8 or x16 slot.
  4. Using a Philips #2 screwdriver, remove the 4 screws holding the GPU-Xpander top cover in place.
  5. Connect the external PCIe cable to the host computer port. Warning: Switch off GPU-Xpander 40 power before connecting to or disconnecting from the adapter in the host computer.
  6. On GPU-Xpander 40, switch on the AC power switch next to the AC receptacle.
  7. Power up the host computer. The GPU-Xpander 40 also powers on.
  8. Check BIOS configuration for spread spectrum settings for CPU and PCIe. Most vendors set spread spectrum to [Auto]. Change the CPU and PCIe spread settings to [Disable], save the settings and exit BIOS, which restarts the computer.
  9. GPU-Xpander Interior LEDsConfirm that exterior Link LED, the Link LED (D2) on both adapters and the interior Cable LED (P0) are lit green (see the image at right). The enclosure fan should also be spinning. If not, check the following:
    • Host computer BIOS settings for CPU and PCIe spread spectrum are set to [Disable]. If not, disable, save settings and exit BIOS, which restarts the computer.
    • Confirm that the Cubix adapter is firmly seated in a PCIe slot within the host computer.
    • Confirm that both cable connectors are firmly seated to the adapter connectors.
  10. GPU-Xpander is functioning properly once the Cable Link LED (P0) is either flashing or steady green. Proceed to the next step to install adapters.PCI Express Auxiliary Power Cables
  11. Switch off AC power to the host computer and the GPU-Xpander. Leave the power cords and the external PCIe cable to the host computer port connected. Warning: Before installing or removing cards from the GPU-Xpander, switch off AC power, leave the power cord connected and wait about a minute until the 5V Standby Power LED shuts off.
  12. Loosen the captured screws holding down the end brackets.
  13. Install the graphics or other controller(s) in the GPU-Xpander PCIe slot(s) connect PCIe auxiliary (aux) power cables (see the image at the right). Each GPU-Xpander provides two sets of aux power connectors, including two 6-pin connectors and one 2-pin connector. Your GPU may require a combination, such as two 6-pin receptacles, one 6-pin and one 2-pin or all connectors.
  14. Replace the hold-down bracket and tighten the retaining screws.
  15. Connect GPU video port(s), if present, to monitors. This step is especially important for Linux, because X Windows (X) will crash if you have not connected video ports to monitors. If you cannot connect monitors to installed GPU video ports, you can edit the Device section of /etc/X11/xorg.conf to define which GPU X should use as the primary display device. For example:

    Section "Device"
        Identifier     "Device0"
        Driver         "nvidia"
        VendorName     "NVIDIA Corporation"
        BoardName      "GeForce GTX 480"
        BusID          "PCI:8:0:0"
    EndSection

    To determine the BusID for the GPU you wish to use as the primary display, run the scanpci tool discussed in Step 17.
  16. Power up the computer and the GPU-Xpander 40 to confirm that the appropriate slot link LEDs (P4 and/or P8 in the image above) are lit green, which confirms that you have installed the controller(s) correctly in each slot.
  17. Confirm that your operating system (OS) has detected the new controller(s). For instance, in a PC running Microsoft® Windows®, check Windows Device Manager. Within Windows, you can also run GPU-Z, a utility available for free download here. In a Mac Pro, check /System/Library/Core Services/Expansion Slot Utility (read more here). In a PC running Linux, run the following:

    root# > XFree86 –scanpci

    Read more about scanpci here.
  18. If all the Cable Link and slot LEDs are lit green but your OS does not detect the GPUs, shut down the OS gracefully, power down GPU-Xpander and remove / replace the GPUs. Make sure that you seat each GPU firmly in its slot and that you connect all auxiliary power connectors properly. Switch on GPU-Xpander and boot up the host computer.
  19. GPU-XpanderInstall the appropriate graphics or other controller driver(s) using the vendor’s procedure. Apple Mac OS X 10.5.x (Leopard) and 10.6.x (Snow Leopard) do not support natively all NVIDIA® GPU products (e.g., GeForce® GTX 465 / 470 / 480 Fermi). If you want to use such GPUs with a Mac Pro, download, install and run a supported Linux derivative or Boot Camp 3.x, which is free for download (here). With Boot Camp installed, you can install and run Windows 7 on your Mac Pro and use NVIDIA Windows drivers.
  20. Confirm that the GPU-Xpander 40 Fatal Error LED is not lit amber. If it is, reboot the host computer.
  21. Switch off AC power to the host computer and the GPU-Xpander 40. Leave the power cords and the external PCIe cable to the host computer port connected.
  22. Replace the GPU-Xpander top cover as shown in the image at the right and replace the screws holding it in place. Use all of the screws in the bag packed with the GPU-Xpander. Warning: Replace the cover as soon as possible to allow for proper cooling of controllers installed in the unit. Do not run GPU-Xpander without the cover for more than a few minutes.
  23. Power up the computer and the GPU-Xpander 40.

GPU-Xpander Interior

Quickly test that four-slot GPU-Xpander works with your computer motherboard as follows:

  1. Do not install graphics or other controllers until instructed to do so within this procedure.
  2. Switch off AC power from the host computer and the GPU-Xpander 40 but leave the power cord in each connected.
  3. Install the Cubix host adapter in a PCIe x8 or x16 slot within the host computer. If you are installing the host adapter in an Apple® Mac Pro, install it in a PCIe x8 or x16 slot.
  4. Using a Philips #2 screwdriver, remove the 4 screws holding the GPU-Xpander top cover in place.
  5. Connect the external PCIe cable to the host computer port. Warning: Switch off GPU-Xpander power before connecting to or disconnecting from the adapter in the host computer.
  6. Plug AC power into the host computer and the GPU-Xpander 40.
  7. On GPU-Xpander 40, switch on the AC power switch next to the AC receptacle.
  8. Power up the host computer. The GPU-Xpander 40 also powers on.
  9. Check BIOS configuration for spread spectrum settings for CPU and PCIe. Most vendors set spread spectrum to [Auto]. Change the CPU and PCIe spread settings to [Disable], save the settings and exit BIOS configuration, which restarts the computer.
  10. GPU-Xpander Interior LEDsConfirm that exterior Link LED, the Link LED (D2) on both adapters and the interior Cable LED (P0) are lit green (see the image at right). The enclosure fan should also be spinning. If not, check the following:
  11. GPU-Xpander is functioning properly once the Cable Link LED (P0) is either flashing or steady green. Proceed to the next step to install adapters.
  12. Switch off AC power to the host computer and the GPU-Xpander. Leave the power cords and the external PCIe cable to the host computer port connected. Warning: Before installing or removing cards from the GPU-Xpander, switch off AC power, leave the power cord connected and wait about a minute until the 5V Standby Power LED shuts off.
  13. Loosen the captured screws holding down the end brackets.
  14. Install the graphics or other controller(s) in the GPU-Xpander PCIe slot(s) connect PCIe auxiliary (aux) power cables (see the image at the right). Each GPU-Xpander provides two sets of aux power connectors, including two 6-pin connectors and one 2-pin connector. Your GPU may require a combination, such as two 6-pin receptacles, one 6-pin and one 2-pin or all connectors.
  15. Replace the hold-down bracket and tighten the retaining screws.
  16. Connect GPU video port(s), if present, to monitors. This step is especially important for Linux, because X Windows (X) will crash if you have not connected video ports to monitors. If you cannot connect monitors to installed GPU video ports, you can edit the Device section of /etc/X11/xorg.conf to define which GPU X should use as the primary display device. For example:

    Section "Device"
        Identifier     "Device0"
        Driver         "nvidia"
        VendorName     "NVIDIA Corporation"
        BoardName      "GeForce GTX 480"
        BusID          "PCI:8:0:0"
    EndSection

    To determine the BusID for the GPU you wish to use as the primary display, run the scanpci tool discussed in Step 17.
  17. Power up the computer and the GPU-Xpander to confirm that the appropriate slot link LEDs (P4 and/or P8 in the image above) are lit green, which confirms that you have installed the controller(s) correctly in each slot.
  18. Confirm that your operating system (OS) has detected the new controller(s). For instance, in a PC running Microsoft® Windows®, check Windows Device Manager. Within Windows, you can also run GPU-Z, a utility available for free download here. In a Mac Pro, check /System/Library/Core Services/Expansion Slot Utility (read more here). In a PC running Linux, run the following:

    root# > XFree86 –scanpci

    Read more about scanpci here.
  19. If all the Cable Link and slot LEDs are lit green but your OS does not detect the GPUs, shut down the OS gracefully, power down GPU-Xpander and remove / replace the GPUs. Make sure that you seat each GPU firmly in its slot and that you connect all auxiliary power connectors properly. Switch on GPU-Xpander and boot up the host computer.
  20. GPU-XpanderInstall the appropriate graphics or other controller driver(s) using the vendor’s procedure. Apple Mac OS X 10.5.x (Leopard) and 10.6.x (Snow Leopard) do not support natively all NVIDIA® GPU products (e.g., GeForce® GTX 465 / 470 / 480 Fermi). If you want to use such GPUs with a Mac Pro, download, install and run a supported Linux derivative or Boot Camp 3.x, which is free for download (here). With Boot Camp installed, you can install and run Windows 7 on your Mac Pro and use NVIDIA Windows drivers.
  21. Confirm that the GPU-Xpander Fatal Error LED is not lit amber. If it is, reboot the host computer.
  22. Switch off AC power to the host computer and the GPU-Xpander. Leave the power cords and the external PCIe cable to the host computer port connected.
  23. Replace the GPU-Xpander top cover as shown in the image at the right and replace the screws holding it in place. Use all of the screws in the bag packed with the GPU-Xpander. Warning: Replace the cover as soon as possible to allow for proper cooling of controllers installed in the unit. Do not run GPU-Xpander without the cover for more than a few minutes.
  24. Power up the computer and the GPU-Xpander.

GPU-Xpander Interior

The Cable Link LED (P0) inside GPU-Xpander flashes green when connected with some computers and shines steady green with others.

  • The Cable Link LED (P0) inside GPU-Xpander 40 shines green, indicating 5.0Gbps transfer, when connected with the host adapter plugged into a PCI Express 2.x slot.
  • The Cable Link LED (P0) inside GPU-Xpander 40 flashes green, indicating 2.5Gbps transfer, when connected with the host adapter plugged into a PCI Express 1.x slot.
    • LED blinking 0.5 seconds on, 0.5 seconds off indicates the link is 5.0Gbps with reduced lanes up
    • LED blinking 1.5 seconds on, 0.5 seconds off indicates the link is 2.5Gbps with all lanes up
    • LED blinking 0.5 seconds on, 1.5 seconds off indicates the link is 2.5Gbps with reduced lanes up

The Cable Link LED (P0) and the slot LEDs (P4 and P8) inside GPU-Xpander light correctly but the operating system (OS) does not detect the installed GPUs.

  • Power down the OS, the host computer and GPU-Xpander 40.
  • Remove and replace the GPUs, making sure to seat the GPUs firmly within each PCIe slot and to seat firmly all of the auxiliary power cables into place.
  • Power up GPU-Xpander and then power up the host computer. When the OS boots, it should detect the GPUs now.

The slot LEDs inside GPU-Xpander 40 flash green when the Cable Link LED (P0) shines steady green.

  • Download the latest driver for the graphics controller from the vendor's site.
  • Install the driver.
  • The slot LEDs shine steady green, which indicates the link each slot is 5.0Gbps.

GPU-Xpander Internal ViewGPU-Xpander is connected to both power and a host computer. Both are powered up, but GPU-Xpander displays no external link LED and the fan is not spinning:

  • Check the internal 10-pin cable connecting the Master Interface Board to the front panel.
  • Make sure pin 1 of the 10-pin cable is connected as shown in the image at the right.

Warnings appear in Windows Device Manager.

  • You installed appropriate Intel chipset utility and other drivers for the host computer.
  • You installed current drivers for third-party graphics controllers or other adapters as appropriate.
  • Check your motherboard vendor's Website for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to see if others have posted questions similar to yours and to see if the vendor has posted downloads for applicable updates.

What slot options do I have for running BlackMagic Design® DaVinci Resolve™ on the Apple® Mac Pro™ with GPU-Xpander?

  • In Apple Mac Pro, when using ATI® Radeon™ HD 5770 or NVIDIA® GeForce™ GT 120 in slot 1, install the Cubix host adapter in slot 2.
  • Use slots 3 & 4 for DeckLink™ and fibre channel.
  • In Cubix GPU-Xpander, use one of the following combinations: [a] two GTX 285s or Quadro™ 4800s and one Red® Rocket™, [b] two Quadro 4000s and two Red Rockets (for stereo) or [c] three Quadro 4000s and one Red Rocket.

My Apple Mac Pro System Profiler displays no GPUs under PCI Cards.

  • Apple Mac Pro System Profiler shows GPUs with display capabilities under Graphics/Displays as shown in the image below.
  • The System Profiler utility does not display GPUs under PCI Cards; however, if you see the GPUs under Graphics/Displays, then the Mac Pro has loaded the drivers and applications (such as BlackMagic Design DaVinci Resolve) can access and use the GPUs.

Apple Mac Pro System Profiler

Before You Contact Cubix
Find the unique serial number (s/n) located on the GPU-Xpander outside cover.  Have this s/n ready when you contact Cubix Customer Service.

Fill out and submit the Contact Cubix form.
Email customerservice@cubix.com
Hours  8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific, Monday through Friday
Closed weekends and holidays
USA or Canada Telephone 800.829.0554
International Telephone 775.888.1000