System overview

The following topic provides an overview of the IBM z16 and LinuxONE Rockhopper 4 Rack Mount Bundle and important configuration details that must be reviewed and considered.
Note: All system and planning information in this document also applies to the IBM LinuxONE 4 Express offering.
Figure 1. Eight supported system configurations
Eight supported system configurations
 
  • The IBM z16 or LinuxONE Rockhopper 4 Rack Mount Bundle is a component-based only offering that includes the following system components:
    • 2 redundant Support Elements (or Hardware Management Appliances (HMAs))
    • 2 redundant Ethernet Switches
    • 1 or 2 CPC drawer(s)
    • 0, 1, 2, or 3 PCIe+ I/O drawer(s)
    • 3U chassis located near the switches, for storage of mini keyboard/monitor/mouse (KMM)
    Important: The minimum configuration in one stack is 1 CPC drawer, 2 Ethernet switches, and 2 Support Elements (or HMAs). Review the eight possible system configurations outlined in Figure 1.
  • The IBM LinuxONE 4 Express, available in February 2024, is a fixed configuration solution that is offered in three different sizes to fit most workloads. The IBM LinuxONE 4 Express is based on the IBM LinuxONE Rockhopper 4 Rack Mount Bundle (Max 16 configuration, FC 0673) offering, and includes the following system components:
    • 2 redundant Hardware Management Appliances (HMAs)
    • 2 redundant Ethernet Switches
    • 1 CPC drawer
    • 1 PCIe+ I/O drawer
    • 3U chassis located near the switches, for storage of mini keyboard/monitor/mouse (KMM)
  • The Rack Mount Bundle may be installed at any acceptable location in a customer rack that meets the requirements outlined in Installation and rack specifications for systems installed into racks that are not purchased from IBM and General safety requirements for IBM products installed in a non-IBM rack or cabinet. Care must be taken to ensure that the placement does not result in the rack being unstable both as installed and during service operations (for example, with a drawer extended).
    Important: The Rack Mount Bundle may be installed at any desired starting location in a customer rack, as long as the minimum height requirements referenced above are met.

    The stack up order must also remain contiguous when installing in customer frame, as outlined in Figure 1.

  • The Rack Mount Bundle does not have an IBM frame or IBM Power Distribution Units (PDUs).
    • The customer must provide an acceptable 19-inch rack, the PDUs, and their external power cords.
    • Using the provided planning aids, IBM provides various length power jumper cabling, to connect system component Power Supply Units (PSUs) to customer PDUs.
  • Each Rack Mount Bundle occupies contiguous rack space (no re-ordering of components or added space). In the case of plan ahead, filler plates will be provided to maintain proper spacing.
  • Location addressing in the Rack Mount Bundle are based on component name, not EIA.

Additionally, you must be aware of the following shipping and installation considerations highlighted below, which will be described in further detail throughout this document.

  • Shipping considerations
    • The Rack Mount Bundle is packaged and shipped in a pod configuration.
    • The Rack Mount Bundle configuration is pretested as a full system in manufacturing as pods, before shipping.
      CAUTION:
      Depending on the configuration that is ordered, your product or products might have been shipped in an orange temporary structure. The products are not intended for operation as shipped. Remove all Information Technology Equipment from the orange shipping structure before use. The orange shipping structure does not meet end-product safety requirements for flammability, electrical bonding, or tip stability. Using the temporary shipping structure for the final product or products installation might result in personal injury, fire, property damage, or all. Follow all included instructions and do not leave your products permanently installed in the orange structure. (C055)
  • Install considerations
    • Each Rack Mount Bundle must be installed as a contiguous portion of the customer's frame, in its own domain, following the same drawer order as in the frame.
      • The IBM SSR will interconnect all internal system cabling at the time of installation.
      • Cables will be labeled for named plug locations of both ends. All cables have demonstrated robustness and retention.
    • The Rack Mount Bundle is installed and serviced by IBM Service.
    • The racked system label for reference by Manufacturing, Installation, and System Service Representatives (SSRs) will be placed on a tab as part of the 3U chassis assembly.
      • The Unit Designation Labels (UDLs) represent the system serial number (SN). The labels are located on the front and rear of the 3U chassis assembly. The traditional machine type model (MTM) verbiage will be replaced by a warranty anchor nomenclature. This label is visible from the back. The UDL or warranty anchor will stand in for the MTM for callhome events or for service identification needs.
      • The reason for the labeling changes are to help differentiate that the component units are certified for installation into a customer rack, similar to IBM Power or IBM Appliances.
    • For tip stability, any hardware that is installed into the customer rack should be populated from the bottom to the top. If ordering a configuration with no PCIe+ I/O drawers, but planning ahead to leave space for IO1, there will be unpopulated (except for airflow fillers) space at the bottom of the rack. This empty, unweighted space, may result in the rack being unstable if there is other, customer-provided content toward the top of the rack. Ensure that you do not have other items at the top of the rack which may cause it to become "top-heavy" and unstable, or use other means to prevent instability. Keep in mind that drawers installed on slide-rails or other service actions might unexpectedly cause the rack to become unstable. If in doubt, contact a qualified person to analyze the proposed installation.
    • The Lift Tool (FC EB3Z), wedge plate add-on (FC EB4Z) and roller table add-on (FC EB5Z) are required to install Rack Mount Bundle into the customer's frame. Review all of the safety information, publications, and warning labels or graphics provided before using the Lift Tool. A minimum of one tool is required per data center location and must include both the wedge plate, and roller table features to support system installation, service and to support potential future system relocation.
      Note: The wedge plate add-on is required for the CPC drawer installation and the roller table add-on is required for the PCIe+ I/O drawer installation.
    • The IBM z16 Rack Mount Bundle that include the Integrated Coupling Adapter feature (FC 0172 or 0176) and are operating within the United States must be installed with a rear door.
 
Not available with Rack Mount Bundle:
  • No frame, frame door, or keyed door locks
  • No IBM-provided PDUs
  • No Earthquake Kit feature
  • No Fiber Quick Connect (FQC) feature
  • No Top or Bottom Exit cabling feature