** Shares of AI server maker Super Micro Computer SMCI.O up about 8% in 2024, as of last close, after a roller coaster year
** SMCI shares surged earlier this year after indications of strong demand for its liquid-cooled servers widely used in data centers that process AI workloads
** The AI darling's stock was included in the S&P 500 index .SPX in March, owing to the prominence of the company in the server market, only behind Hewlett Packard Enterprise HPE.N and Dell Technologies DELL.N in terms of market share
** SMCI was removed from the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 index .NDX earlier this month after months of slump following a short-seller report by Hindenburg, delayed regulatory filings and its auditor resigning
** HPE and DELL are set to gain ~26% and ~50%, respectively, this year on higher demand for servers specializing in processing AI workloads
(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru)
((Akash.Sriram@thomsonreuters.com; https://twitter.com/hoodieonveshti;))