Content

Planned availability date: 10 September 2013

Overview

The IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node is a high-performance server that offers improved virtualization with new levels of CPU performance, memory capacity, and flexible configuration options. It is part of IBM Flex System, a new category of computing that integrates multiple server architectures, networking, storage, and system management capability into a single system that is designed to be easy to deploy and manage. IBM Flex System has full built-in virtualization support of servers, storage, and networking to speed provisioning and increase resiliency. In addition, it supports open industry standards such as operating systems, networking and storage fabrics, virtualization, and system management protocols to easily fit within existing and future datacenter environments. IBM Flex System is scalable and extendable withmultigeneration upgrades to protect and maximize IT investments.

To provide clients with the latest technology and innovation, x240 compute nodes require an update with the latest Intel Xeon Processor E5-2600 v2 series architecture. This refresh enables enhanced performance while maintaining the leadership features that are already available on the x240 compute node today. In addition to refreshing the node, more connectivity and storage options are available.

The most forward-thinking companies will completely restructure 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
IBM Flex System can help enterprises achieve faster time to value of their IT assets, increase control of their environment, and minimize the complexity inherent in a highly virtualized environment.

Key prerequisites

• IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis
• IBM Flex System network modules
• 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.

Warranty

• Three years
• Optional features - One year

Physical Specifications

Approximate Shipping dimensions and weight:

• Single Pack Dimensions 603 x 197 x 430 mm (23.74 x 7.76 x 16.93 in
  
• Single Pack Weight 8 kg (17.64 lb) Quantity per Pallet 30
  
• Pallet Load Dimensions 1016 x 1219 x 125 mm (40 x 47.99 x 4.92 in)
  
• Pallet Load Weight 256.4 kg (566.59 lb) Estimated Safe Stacking 2 high

The IBM Flex System x240 compute 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% 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 x240 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 x240 Compute Node:

The following network operating systems have been tested for compatibility with the IBM Flex System x240 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 HPC Edition with HPC Service Pack 1
    
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Standard x64 Edition with RA Service Pack 2
    
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Web x64 Edition with RA Service Pack 2
    
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2012
• Linux :
  • Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 for AMD64/EM64T, Service Pack 4
    
  • Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 with Xen for AMD64/EM64T, Service Pack 4
    
  • Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 for AMD64/EM64T, Service Pack 3
    
  • Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 with Xen for AMD64/EM64T, Service Pack 4
    
  • 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 vSphere 5.0 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 x240 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 x240 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 x240 Compute Nodes contain 24 DIMM sockets. A maximum of 768 GB of system memory is supported by using a 32 GB DIMM of ECC DDR3 memory in each of the DIMM sockets. A minimum of one memory feature must be installed. All memory installed must be of the same type (RDIMM, LR DIMM, or UDIMM).
• Processor modules must be of the same type, power level, and clock speed on each Flex System x240 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 Flex System x240 Compute Node is supported only in the IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis.
• One mezzanine expansion card may can be installed on the Flex System x240 Compute Node with a LOM base, and two mezzanine cards can be installed on the LOM-less base.
• Mezzanine expansion cards installed in the Flex System x240 Compute Node require a switch module in the Flex System Enterprise Chassis of the same connectivity type.
• Regarding the use 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 Total Bytes Written (TBW). 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