Overview - The Flex System PCIe Expansion Node

Content

Planned availability date: 30 Jun 2009

Overview

The IBM Flex System PCIe Expansion Node (PEN) provides the ability to attach additional PCI express cards, fabric mezzanine cards, and next-generation graphics processing units (GPU) to an IBM Flex System compute node, expanding the compute node's capability.

• Fits into one standard width Flex System Enterprise chassis node.
• Supports two full-length, full-height x16 and two low-profile x8 Gen 2 PCI Express slots.
• Can support up to two full-high cards.
• Can support up to four low-profile cards.
• Can support up to one full-length, full-height double-wide adapter.
• Supports 75W PCIe cards and greater, using standard PCIe auxiliary power connectors. Contact your IBM representative for additional information on other high-wattage graphics adapters that can be supported.
• Provides dedicated attachment of select standard PCIe Adapters (such as GPUs) and select standard High IOPS PCIe expansion adapters.
• Allows for expansion up to two additional Flex System PCIe Mezzanine cards.

For a list of supported Flex System Compute nodes, adapters, and operating systems, refer to the ServerProven web page

• http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/info/x86servers/serverproven/compat/us/ flex.html

• The IBM Flex System PCIe Expansion Node is ideal for variety of applications environments, such as:

• Specific telecommunications network environments that require standard PCIe adapter connectivity to a Flex System Compute node.
• Applications environments written to take advantage of acceleration and visualization performance leveraging GPUs connected to Flex System Compute nodes.

The most forward thinking companies will completely rethink the way they deploy and manage their IT environments by evolving to a more open, agile, and integrated computing system that is dynamically managed from a single vantage point to simultaneously maximize efficiency and innovation.

By doing this, companies can:

• Improve efficiency and utilization through integration
• Optimize heterogeneous environments, providing the right architecture for the right workload
• Increase speed and dexterity at the enterprise level
• Improve control through simplicity, automation, compliance, and security
• Improve economics with faster time-to-value through real-time scalability
• Deliver insights faster to gain a competitive advantage

Key prerequisites

• IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis
• IBM network switch
• Appropriate PDUs and main power distribution
• Monitor, keyboard, and mouse for setup

At a glance

IBM Flex System is a new category of computing that integrates multiple server architectures, networking, storage, and system management capability into a single system.

Offerings in this announcement will include:

• IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis
• IBM Flex System Manager
• IBM Flex System Compute Nodes
• IBM Flex System Scalable Network and Storage Switches

The IBM Flex System PCIe Expansion Node (PEN) provides the ability to attach additional PCIe express cards, fabric mezzanine cards, and next-generation graphics processing units (GPU) to an IBM Flex System compute node, expanding the compute node's capability.

Physical Specifications

Dimensions :

IBM Flex System PCIe Expansion Node:

• Height: 55.5 mm (2.19 inch)
• Depth: 489 mm (19.25 inch)
• Width: 217 mm (8.54 inch)
• Maximum weight: 5.41 kg (11.9 lb)

The IBM Flex System PCIe Expansion Node complies with ASHRAE Class A3 specifications.

• Power on:
  • Temperature: 5 - 40 degrees C (41 - 104 degrees F)
  • Humidity, noncondensing: 12 degrees C dew point (10.4 degrees F) and 8% - 85% relative humidity
  • Maximum dew point: 24 degrees C (75 degrees F)
  • Maximum altitude: 3048 m (10,000 ft)
  • Maximum rate of temperature change: 5 degrees C/hr (41 degrees F/hr)
• Power off:
  • Temperature: 5 degrees C to 45 degrees C (41 degrees F - 113 degrees F)
  • Relative humidity: 8% - 85%
  • Maximum dew point: 27 degrees C (80.6 degrees F)
• Storage (nonoperating):
  • Temperature: 1 degrees C to 60 degrees C (33.8 degrees F - 140 degrees F)
  • Altitude: 3050 m (10,006 ft)
  • Relative humidity: 5% - 80%
  • Maximum dew point: 29 degrees C (84.2 degrees F)
• Shipment (non-operating):
  • Temperature: 40 degrees C to 60 degrees C (-40 degrees F - 140 degrees F)
  • Altitude: 10,700 m (35,105 ft)
  • Relative humidity: 5% - 100%
  • Maximum dew point: 29 degrees C (84.2 degrees F)
  • Particulate contamination

Marketing and replacement part number information

Warranty

• One year

Hardware Requirements

None

Software Requirements

None

Compatibility

Contact your IBM representative or IBM Business Partner, or refer to the IBM Sales Manual for information on the compatibility of hardware and software for System x servers. The Sales Manual is updated periodically as new features and options are announced that support these servers.

Limitations

Compute Nodes x220 and x240 require two installed CPUs when connecting a PCIe Expansion Node (PEN) One or two mezzanine expansion cards may be installed on the Flex System PCIe Expansion Node (PEN). Mezzanine expansion cards installed in the Flex System PCIe Expansion Node (PEN) require a switch module in the Flex System Enterprise Chassis of the same connectivity type. Regarding the used of solid-state disk drives, solid-state memory cells have an intrinsic, finite number of write cycles that each cell can incur. As a result, each solid-state device has a maximum amount of write cycles to which it can be subjected, documented as TBW (Total Bytes Written). IBM is not responsible for replacement of hardware that has reached the maximum guaranteed number of write cycles. This limit may be revealed as the device failing to respond to system-generated commands or become incapable of being written to. Additional information is available at

• http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/x/options/storage/solidstate/index.html