IBM System x3850 X5 Implementation Guide

Chapter 2. IBM eX5 technology 17
Table 2-1 Two-socket, 2-socket scalable, and 4-socket scalable Intel processors minimum configuration
For more information about processor options and the installation order of the processors,
see the following links:
򐂰 IBM System x3850 X5: 3.7, “Processor options” on page 74
򐂰 IBM System x3690 X5: 4.7, “Processor options” on page 130
򐂰 IBM BladeCenter HX5: 5.9, “Processor options” on page 192
2.2.1 Intel Virtualization Technology
Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT) is a suite of processor hardware enhancements that
assists virtualization software to deliver more efficient virtualization solutions and greater
capabilities, including 64-bit guest OS support.
Intel VT Flex Priority optimizes virtualization software efficiency by improving interrupt
handling.
Intel VT Flex migration enables the Xeon 7500 series to be added to the existing virtualization
pool with single, 2, 4, or 8-socket servers.
For more information about Intel Virtual Technology, go to the following website:
http://www.intel.com/technology/virtualization/
2.2.2 Hyper-Threading Technology
Intel Hyper-Threading Technology enables a single physical processor to execute two
separate code streams (threads) concurrently. To the operating system, a processor core with
Hyper-Threading is seen as two logical processors, each of which has its own architectural
state, that is, its own data, segment, and control registers and its own advanced
programmable interrupt controller (APIC).
Each logical processor can be individually halted, interrupted, or directed to execute a
specified thread, independently from the other logical processor on the chip. The logical
processors share the execution resources of the processor core, which include the execution
engine, the caches, the system interface, and the firmware.
Xeon 5500 Xeon 5600 Xeon 6500 Xeon 7500
Used in x3400 M2
x3500 M2
x3550 M2
x3650 M2
HS22
HS22V
x3400 M3
x3500 M3
x3550 M3
x3650 M3
HS22
HS22V
x3690 X5
HX5
x3850 X5
x3950 X5
HX5
Intel development name Nehalem-EP Westmere-EP Nehalem-EX Nehalem-EX
Maximum processors per server 22 2HX5: 2
x3850 X5: 4
CPU cores per processor 2 or 4 4 or 6 4, 6, or 8 4, 6, or 8
Last level cache (MB) 4 or 8 MB 8 or 12 MB 12 or 18 MB 18 or 24 MB
Memory DIMMs per processor (maximum)
a
a. Requires that the memory mezzanine board is installed along with processor two on x3690 X5
99 16
a
16

IBM System x3850 X5 Specifications

General

Brand	IBM
Model	System x3850 X5
Category	Server
Language	English