IBM NeXtScale System User Manual

Chapter 2. Positioning 19
2.4 NeXtScale System versus Flex System
Although NeXtScale System and Flex System are both “blade” architectures,
they are different in their approach, as shown in Figure 2-5 and Table 2-2 on
page 20. The key here is to understand the client philosophy. Features and
approaches in Flex System and NeXtScale System appeal to different kinds of
users.
Flex System has a wide ecosystem of compatible servers (x86 and POWER®),
switches, and storage offerings. It is aimed at clients that are looking for an
optimized and integrated solution that delivers better performance than
competitive offerings.
NeXtScale System is an x86-only architecture and its aim is to be the perfect
server for clients that require a scale-out infrastructure. NeXtScale System uses
industry-standard components, including I/O cards and top-of-rack networking
switches, for flexibility of choice and ease of adoption.
Figure 2-5 Comparing Flex System with NeXtScale System
Systems with integrated expertise to
deliver lower management costs and a
simplified user experience
Client needs: A pre-integrated, pre-
optimized, complete hardware and
software platform with built-in stack
management to develop and deliver new
business applications quickly and cost
effectively.
Designed for scale-out applications
such as Technical Computing,
Cloud, Grid and Analytics
Client needs: For clients looking to
build a customized solution that is
delivered pre-integrated leveraging
their existing management and
networking stacks.
IBM PureFlex and Flex System
IBM NeXtScale System

IBM NeXtScale System Specifications

General

Number of Processors	Up to 2 per node
Form Factor	Rack-mounted
Product Type	Server
Processor	Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3/v4 series
Memory	DDR4
Storage	NVMe
Networking	Integrated 10Gb Ethernet
Power Supply	Hot-swappable power supplies
Management	Integrated Management Module (IMM)

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to IBM NeXtScale System

1.1 Evolution of Data Centers

Discusses trends in data centers, focusing on density and scale-out applications.

1.2 Executive Summary of IBM NeXtScale System

Provides an overview of the NeXtScale System, its enclosure, and compute node.

1.3 Design Points of the System

Details the system's design principles: flexibility, density, simplicity, and standard components.

Chapter 2: NeXtScale System Positioning and Market Overview

2.1 Market Positioning and Workload Optimization

Explains market positioning and how the system is optimized for specific workloads like cloud and HPC.

2.3 NeXtScale System vs. iDataPlex

Compares IBM NeXtScale System with iDataPlex, highlighting key differences and similarities.

2.5 NeXtScale System vs. Rack-Mounted Servers

Compares NeXtScale System with traditional rack-mounted servers, detailing advantages and limitations.

2.6 Ordering and Fulfillment

Details the process for ordering and fulfilling NeXtScale System configurations.

Chapter 3: IBM NeXtScale n1200 Enclosure Details

3.1 Overview of the n1200 Enclosure

Introduces the IBM NeXtScale n1200 Enclosure as a dense server platform.

3.4 Power Supplies for NeXtScale

Describes the supported power supplies for the n1200 enclosure, including features and ordering.

3.5 Fan Modules for Cooling

Details the fan modules used for cooling in the n1200 enclosure.

3.7 Fan and Power Controller (FPC)

Explains the function and management capabilities of the Fan and Power Controller (FPC).

3.8 Power Management Features

Covers power management features like power capping, redundancy, and oversubscription.

3.9 Enclosure Specifications

Provides physical and environmental specifications for the n1200 enclosure.

Chapter 4: IBM NeXtScale nx360 M4 Compute Node

4.1 Overview of the nx360 M4 Compute Node

Provides an overview of the nx360 M4 compute node and its cost-optimized platform.

4.2 System Architecture

Details the system architecture, including Intel processors and manufacturing technology.

4.5 Processor Options

Lists the available Intel Xeon processor options for the nx360 M4 compute node.

4.6 Memory Options

Describes memory compatibility, options, and installation for optimal performance.

4.7 Internal Disk Storage Options

Details internal storage options, drive types, and controller cards.

4.10 GPU and Coprocessor Adapters

Lists supported GPU and coprocessor adapters for expansion trays.

4.15 Remote Server Management

Covers remote server management using the Integrated Management Module II (IMM2).

4.17 Physical Specifications

Provides physical dimensions, weight, and environmental specifications for the compute node.

Chapter 5: Rack Planning and Configuration

5.1 Power Planning Best Practices

Outlines best practices for configuring power connections and distribution for racks.

5.2 Cooling Considerations

Discusses cooling considerations for server solutions and factors influencing air volume.

5.4 Rack Installation and Options

Describes installing NeXtScale System in racks, focusing on the IBM 42U 1100mm rack.

5.6 Top of Rack Switches

Details the Ethernet switches available for top-of-rack deployment in NeXtScale racks.

5.7 Rack-Level Networking Configurations

Presents sample configurations for rack-level networking with NeXtScale systems.

Chapter 6: Factory Integration and Testing

6.1 IBM Standards for Factory Integration

Outlines the criteria and best practices for IBM factory integration.

6.2 Factory Testing Procedures

Details the typical testing procedures performed during factory integration.

Chapter 7: Hardware Management and Monitoring

7.1 Managing Compute Nodes

Covers local and remote management of compute nodes via KVM and IMM2.

7.2 Managing the Chassis with FPC

Explains how to manage the n1200 Enclosure using the FPC via web interface or IPMI.

7.3 ServeRAID C100 Controller Drivers

Provides information on installing drivers for the ServeRAID C100 controller.

7.4 VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi) Support

Discusses support and installation of VMware vSphere Hypervisor on USB keys.

Chapter 8: Software Stack for IBM NeXtScale

8.1 eXtreme Cloud Administration Toolkit (xCAT)

Describes xCAT, an open-source tool for managing HPC clusters.

8.3 IBM General Parallel File System (GPFS)

Details GPFS, a high-performance shared-disk file management solution.

8.4 IBM Platform LSF Family

Introduces IBM Platform LSF, a workload management platform for HPC environments.

8.5 IBM Platform HPC

Describes IBM Platform HPC, a complete management product for clusters and workloads.