Cluster computing is a method of setting up multiple computers so they can work together like a single system. Some cluster systems are massive machines that take up space in data centers. Others are a lot smaller.

But the SiPeed NanoCluster is one of the most compact cluster boards I’ve ever seen. When fully populated, it’s a 100 x 60 x 60mm (3.94″ x 2.36″ x 2.36″) device that supports up to 7 compute modules. The board itself is actually even smaller than that, but since you’ll probably want to use the included fan to keep the cluster cool, I think the larger size is the one that matters. The NanoCluster is available for pre-order for $45 and up.

The NanoCluster is compatible with four different compute modules:

Sipeed’s boards are designed to fit right into slots on the NanoCluster, while you’ll need adapters to use Raspberry Pi Compute Modules. And while there are seven slots, you might not want to use them all if you’re using more power-hungry boards like the Raspberry Pi CM5 or Sipeed M4N because the NanoCluster only supports up to a 65 watt power supply, which may not be enough to keep more than four CM5 modules at a time running reliably.

After testing the NanoCluster, Jeff Geerling also noted that there’s not a lot of space between the boards, so heat can be an issue – even with the included fan running at full speed.

That said, the NanoCluster is still a nifty kit that’s small, relatively cheap, and packed with interesting features including support for a 65W USB Type-C power adapter, 60W Power over Ethernet and a dual power mode that lets you connect both power sources for redundant power (you won’t get 125W of combined power, but if one power supply drops out, the system should keep running).

All of the compute modules connected to the NanoCluster are connected via a 1 Gbps link managed by a JL6108 RISC-V switch chip. And the NanoCluster provides an external HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet chip USB Type-A host and OTG ports, and a fan connector.

 

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6 Comments

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  2. I prefer verticaly like cray 1. motherboards around chimney and better air circulations.
    Second question is ‘network’ speed. Cluster / supercomputer etc. MPI need faster communication between motherboards. similar fibrechannel or better.

    and yes, I need this with offgrid solar panels

    Reply

  3. “After testing the NanoCluster, Jeff Geerling also noted that there’s a lot of space”
    Did you mean “not a lot of space”?

    Reply

  4. Looks like a 90s blade server rack… very retro. I like this as art, not an actual server cluster.

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  5. So cool! And I’m not referring to that appropriately green-colored beer can either. For €40 each, it’s so cheap and small enough to buy several boards to combine into a decent sized cluster in home labbing and testing.

    Also smart to use standard M2 slots for the interfaces. So does that mean it is PCIe based and there is a chance to plug in a specially-designed compute module for one row and then stick in 6x pairs = 12 nvme drives for a rockin’ mini NAS?!! Sipeed release a RISC-V compute LM5 version with the EIC7702X for the perfect combo to support this and make it happen!

    Reply