Overview - IBM Flex System x222 Compute node

Content

Planned availability date: 10 September 2013

Overview

The IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node is the next-generation compute node designed for dense IT infrastructure workloads and virtualization. The x222 introduces a new double-dense form factor to the Flex System portfolio, delivering more computing capability within a single chassis, by packaging two independent two-socket servers into a single compute node system.

Density

• The double-dense design enables the IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node to reduce the physical footprint needed for a broad range of workloads, including infrastructure, virtualization, and technical computing applications.
• Users can deploy up to twenty-eight two-socket servers within one IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis.

Easy of use

• An optional embedded hypervisor helps enable virtualization.
• Light path diagnostics and Predictive Failure Analysis help enable quick serviceability and maintenance.
• The Flex System Management appliance provides real-time management of the system day one through a preconfigured and preinstalled interface once setup is complete.

Optimized performance

• The x222 provides next-generation Intel Xeon E5-2400 family processors, up to 8 cores and 95W.
• Twelve DDR3 DIMM slots support up to 384 GB (with 32 GB RDIMMs) per server, or 24 DIMMs per x222 Compute Node.
• The x222 provides support for running memory at 2 DIMMs per Channel (DPC) at 1600 MHz.
• High-speed I/O supports two physical 10 Gb Ethernet ports per server, plus two physical ports of 8 Gb or 16 Gb Fibre Channel or a single FDR InfiniBand port.

Power and cooling

• The x222 offers a low-power processor, solid-state drives, and low-power memory DIMMs.
• Energy-efficient 1.35V DIMMs support xSmartEnergy Control to help monitor and cap power consumption.
• Advanced management supports limiting power consumption, and real-time power and thermal management.

Key prerequisites

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

At a glance

The IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node is the next-generation compute node designed for dense IT infrastructure workloads and virtualization. The x222 introduces a new double-dense form factor to the Flex System portfolio, delivering more computing capability within a single chassis, by packaging two independent two-socket servers into a single compute node system.

Warranty

• Three years - IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node

Physical Specifications

Dimensions - IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node:

• Height: 55.5 mm (2.19 in)
  
• Depth: 492.24 mm (19.38 in)
  
• Width: 217.35 mm (8.56 in)
  
• Maximum weight: TBD kg (TBD lb) (depending on the configuration when options are added)
  

The IBM Flex System x222 compute nodes 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% relatve 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 (non-operating):
  • 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 (84.2degrees 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

Hardware Requirements

For service, the IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node requires a compatible:

• Monitor
• Combination USB keyboard and pointing device such as IBM part number 40K5372
• USB CD-RW/DVD drive such as the IBM and Lenovo part number 73P4515 or 73P4516

Software Requirements

The following network operating systems are supported in the IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node.

• Microsoft:
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 with Service Pack 1
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Datacenter x64 Edition with Service Pack 2
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Enterprise x64 Edition with RA Service Pack 2
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Standard x64 Edition with RA Service Pack 2
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Web x64 Edition with RA Service Pack 2
• Linux :
  • Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 for AMD64/EM64T, Service Pack 2
  • Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 with Xen for AMD64/EM64T, Service Pack 2
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Server x64 Edition, U9
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Server with Xen x64 Edition, U9
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 Server x64 Edition, U4
• VMware:
  • VMware ESX 4.1, U3
  • VMware ESXi 4.1, U3
  • VMware vSphere 5, U2
  • VMware vSphere 5.1, U1

Note: For additional support, certification, and version information on network operating systems, visit

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

Compatibility

The IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node contains licensed system programs that include set configuration, set features, and test programs. IBM system BIOS is loaded from a "flash" EEPROM into system memory. This BIOS provides instructions and interfaces designed to support the standard features of the x222 Compute Node and to maintain compatibility with many current software programs.

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

• The Flex System x222 Compute Nodes contain 24 DIMM sockets. A maximum of 768 GB of system memory is supported by using a 32 GB LR DIMM of ECC DDR3 memory in each of the DIMM sockets. A minimum of one memory feature must be installed per server (two total). All memory installed must be of the same type (RDIMM OR LR DIMM).
• Processor modules must be of the same type, power level, and clock speed on each Flex System x222 Compute Node. Mixing processor modules of different speeds, power levels, or cache sizes or upgrading the base processors is not supported. Mixing processor speeds and memory speeds will result in the system running at the lower of rated speeds. The x222 does not support UDIMMs.
• The Flex System x222 Compute Node is supported only in the IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis.
• One mezzanine expansion card may be installed on the Flex System x222 Compute Node.
• The x222 Compute Node requires that only scalable switches that have been upgraded to enable 28 or more internal ports are supported.
• The x222 Compute Node does not support the PCI Expansion Node option nor the Storage Expansion Node option.
  
• Regarding the use of SSD 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 it can be subjected to, 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 becoming incapable of being written to. Additional information is available at http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/x/options/storage/solidstate/index.html and http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/x/options/storage/solidstate/adapters.html