exFlash DIMM minimum system support requirements - IBM System x

Resolving The Problem

Source

RETAIN tip: H212319

Symptom

1. To support eXFlash DIMMs within the specified servers, the minimum level of Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) and Integrated Management Module (IMM) updates are required. These updates add support for eXFlash DIMMs that might not be generally available at the time of eXFlash DIMMs release.
2. Machine specific limitations might exist with these options. For the latest information on supported hardware, configuration rules and limitations, please refer to the eXFlash DIMM Configuration and Requirements Web page noted within this Tip.

(where DIMM = Dual In-Line Memory Module)

Affected configurations

The system can be any of the following IBM servers:

• System x3650 M4, type 7915 E5-xxxxV2, any model
• System x3850 X6, type 3837 (4-socket, 3 year warranty), any model
• System x3850 X6, type 3839 (4-socket, 4 year warranty), any model
• System x3950 X6, type 3837 (8-socket, 3 year warranty), any model
• System x3950 X6, type 3839 (8-socket, 4 year warranty), any model

The system is configured with one or more of the following IBM options:

• IBM eXFlash 200 GB DDR3 Storage DIMM, any model
• IBM eXFlash 400 GB DDR3 Storage DIMM, any replacement part number

This tip is not software specific.

Workaround

1. Before installing any eXFlash DIMMs into the system, update the UEFI and IMM software to the minimum version required or a higher level.
2. Review the eXFlash DIMM Configuration and Requirements Web page for important UEFI changes that can be required for normal operation with eXFlash DIMMs installed in the server.

   Note: This step is very important when adding eXFlash DIMMs into an existing production system. If this step is skipped, the server might not boot properly until the eXFlash DIMMs are removed.

3. Install the eXFlash DIMMs following the population rules documented on the eXFlash DIMM Configuration and Requirements Web page.
4. Start the server and install the device drivers, command line utilities, IPMI proxy service, and (optional) management console into the operating system per the eXFlash DIMM User Guide.

   (where IPMI = Intelligent Platform Management Interface)

5. eXFlash DIMMs are now displayed as standard storage devices within the operating system, and can be configured for use.

Additional information

eXFlash DIMM Configuration and Requirements Web page:

Server Updates:

The Configuration and Requirements Web page lists the required version of UEFI and IMM2 code required. However, the code is downloaded from the IBM Support Portal:

eXFlash DIMM software includes five components:

1. The device drivers
2. The command line utilities
3. The IPMI Proxy service
4. The optional eXFlash DIMM Management Console for graphical user management
5. The eXFlash DIMM firmware upgrade

The first three components are required for all operations. The graphical management console is recommended within graphical operating system environments.

The IPMI Proxy service is responsible for communication between the eXFlash DIMMs and the IMM2 for alerts and notifications and proper cooling of the modules. This service relies on the IPMI components within the operating system to function properly. These components are installed by default in Microsoft Windows, Linux and VMware, and must not be removed or disabled for proper operation.