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Inspur NF5280M5 vs Scale Computing HC3 1500

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Inspur NF5280M5
Inspur NF5280M5High‑density 2U rack server for AI and HPC workloads
Scale Computing HC3 1500
Scale Computing HC3 1500Hyper‑converged edge infrastructure for small‑to‑mid IT environments
Overview
Description

The Inspur NF5280M5 is a 2U rackmount server designed for demanding compute environments such as artificial intelligence, high‑performance computing, and large‑scale virtualization. It supports up to 4 double‑width GPUs and offers extensive memory capacity for intensive data processing. Equipped with the latest Intel Xeon Scalable processors and flexible storage options, the NF5280M5 delivers reliable performance while maintaining energy efficiency. Its robust design includes redundant power supplies and advanced cooling to ensure continuous operation in data center settings.

The Scale Computing HC3 1500 is a compact, all‑in‑one hyper‑converged appliance that combines compute, storage, and virtualization into a single rack‑mountable unit. It is designed for remote offices, edge sites, and branch locations that need enterprise‑grade reliability without the complexity of traditional data‑center hardware. Running Scale‑IO’s native hyper‑converged software, the HC3 1500 delivers automated provisioning, built‑in data protection, and seamless scaling, allowing IT teams to focus on applications rather than hardware management. Its low power footprint and silent operation make it ideal for space‑constrained environments.

Pricing
Category
Rack Servers
Rack Servers
Best for
Data center admins and AI researchers
Small‑to‑mid businesses and remote offices
Specifications
Specifications
weight
23 kg+92%
12 kg
warranty
3 years
3 years limited hardware warranty
dimensions
44.5 x 44.5 x 8.9 cm (W x D x H)+2443%
1.75 U rack‑mount (19" width)
open source
No
No
connectivity
2× 10GbE, optional 25GbE, USB 3.2, PCIe 4.0
2× 10GbE RJ‑45, 2× 1GbE RJ‑45, optional Wi‑Fi 6 module
power source
AC Powered
General
msrp
$12,995
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • High GPU density in a 2U form factor
  • Robust redundancy and remote management
  • Scalable memory and storage options
  • Energy‑efficient power design
  • All‑in‑one hardware reduces footprint and cabling
  • Automated provisioning speeds up deployments
  • Built‑in data protection eliminates separate backup solutions
  • Scales linearly by adding identical nodes
Cons
  • Large physical footprint for small offices
  • Higher upfront cost compared to entry‑level servers
  • Limited internal expansion beyond GPU slots
  • Higher upfront cost compared to commodity servers
  • Limited to Scale Computing’s software ecosystem
  • Maximum memory and CPU capacity constrained by 1U form factor
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

More alternatives & similar tools

Alternatives to Inspur NF5280M5

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Supermicro SuperServer SYS-121H-TNR
Supermicro SuperServer SYS-121H-TNR

1U dual-socket Xeon server built for dense virtualization racks.

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Alternatives to Scale Computing HC3 1500

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Supermicro SuperServer SYS-121H-TNR
Supermicro SuperServer SYS-121H-TNR

1U dual-socket Xeon server built for dense virtualization racks.

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Inspur NF5280M5 is a high‑density 2U GPU‑focused server for AI/HPC, while Scale Computing HC3 1500 is a 1U hyper‑converged edge appliance for small‑to‑mid businesses.

Key differences

  • GPU capacity: NF5280M5 supports up to four double‑width GPUs; HC3 1500 has no dedicated GPU slots.
  • Form factor and footprint: NF5280M5 is 2U, 23 kg; HC3 1500 is 1U, 12 kg, half the rack space.
  • Integrated software: HC3 1500 bundles hyper‑converged virtualization and backup; NF5280M5 relies on external OS/frameworks.
  • Power draw: NF5280M5 uses dual 1600 W PSUs; HC3 1500 maxes at 250 W, suitable for edge locations.
  • Target workload: NF5280M5 optimized for AI/HPC workloads; HC3 1500 designed for general IT/virtualization in small sites.
DimensionWinner

Performance

NF5280M5 supports up to four double‑width GPUs and 8 TB DDR4, far exceeding HC3 1500's 1U CPU‑only design.

Inspur NF5280M5

Build quality

NF5280M5 includes dual hot‑swap 1600 W redundant PSUs and advanced thermal design; HC3 1500 has redundant PSUs but lower power rating.

Inspur NF5280M5

Connectivity

Both provide 2×10 GbE; NF5280M5 adds optional 25 GbE, HC3 1500 adds optional Wi‑Fi 6.

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Power & efficiency

HC3 1500's maximum 250 W draw is far lower than NF5280M5's dual 1600 W supplies, making it more efficient for edge use.

Scale Computing HC3 1500

Compatibility

NF5280M5 is certified for major AI frameworks and GPU virtualization; HC3 1500 limited to Scale Computing’s software ecosystem.

Inspur NF5280M5

Pricing & value

NF5280M5 price not specified; HC3 1500 MSRP $12,995, so direct cost comparison unavailable.

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Warranty & support

Both offer a 3‑year hardware warranty; no further support details provided.

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Choose Inspur NF5280M5 if…

Data centers or labs needing GPU‑heavy AI/HPC workloads and high memory capacity.

Choose Scale Computing HC3 1500 if…

Small‑to‑mid businesses or remote offices needing compact, low‑power, all‑in‑one virtualization with built‑in backup.

Common questions

Which system can run deep‑learning models faster?

NF5280M5, because it supports up to four double‑width GPUs and up to 8 TB DDR4 memory.

What is the power consumption difference?

NF5280M5 uses dual 1600 W redundant PSUs; HC3 1500 draws a maximum of 250 W.

Is there a built‑in backup solution?

Yes, HC3 1500 includes snapshot‑based backup and instant recovery; NF5280M5 does not include native backup.