Transtec Calleo 312 review

The idea behind UIO is instead of offering different motherboard models with a range of embedded options such as SATA, SAS and RAID storage facilities you provide one board that can be customised with a selection of UIO cards. Supermicro has expanded the number of options since UIO's launch and now offers solutions for SAS RAID, 10GbE, quad-port Gigabit and Infiniband. Fibre channel cards are still not available but current options certainly make the Calleo 312 much more versatile.

Management features are basic as the server comes with Supermicro's Supero Doctor III utilities which provide a simple local monitoring tool and the ability to remotely monitor the server via a web browser. The latter does provide plenty of operational information but if you want the best remote management tools in a 1U server then look towards HP and the PC Pro Recommended DL360 G5. This comes as standard with HP's iLO2 chip which provides an unbeatable range of features including full KVM over IP access. If you want this feature in the Calleo then go for the optional AOC-SIMSO+ card.

Although there are power savings to be had we're not convinced that the SSDs add any real value to the Calleo 312. Performance is uninspiring and their 16GB of storage really limits the type of applications this server can handle. What makes it stand out, though, is the huge compliment of memory and expansion potential.

Author: Dave Mitchell