IBM X3850 X6 User Manual

Chapter 2. Technology 35
When this threshold is reached, the content is copied to its spare rank. The failed rank is then
taken offline, and the spare counterpart is activated for use.
In rank sparing mode, one rank per memory channel is configured as a spare. The spare rank
must have identical or larger memory capacity than all the other ranks (sparing source ranks)
on the same channel.
For example, If dual-rank DIMMs are installed, all of the same capacity, then there are 6 ranks
total for each memory channel (three DIMMs per channel). This means that 1 of the 6 ranks
are reserved and 5 of the 6 are usable for operating system use.
Memory sparing is independent of the operating system. There is a slight memory
performance trade-off when memory sparing is enabled.
The rank sparing feature can be used in addition to performance or RAS modes:
򐂰 When Performance mode is used, rank sparing duplicates data between memory modules
of same channel of one memory buffer. In the event of an imminent failure (red X in
Figure 2-26), that rank is taken offline and the data is copied to the spare rank.
򐂰 When RAS (Lockstep) mode is used, rank sparing duplicates data between memory
channels of one memory buffer. In the event of an imminent failure (red X in Figure 2-26),
that rank is taken offline and the data is copied to the spare rank. In addition, the partner
rank on the other channel connected to the same memory buffer is also copied over.
Figure 2-26 shows the rank sparing usage in conjunction with Performance mode (left) and
RAS mode (right).
Figure 2-26 Rank sparing: Performance mode (left) and RAS mode (right)
Intel Xeon processor
DIMM
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Intel Xeon processor
DIMM
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buffer
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Lockstep
channel
Memory performance mode
+ rank sparing
Memory RAS mode
+ rank sparing
Spare ranks (1 for each of the 8 channels)
(assuming dual-rank DIMMs)
Forced
failover
Failover
Failover

IBM X3850 X6 Specifications

General

Chipset	Intel C602J
Network Controller	Integrated quad-port Gigabit Ethernet
Processor	Up to four Intel Xeon E7-4800 v2 series processors or Intel Xeon E7-8800 v2 series processors
Memory	Up to 6 TB of DDR3 ECC Registered DIMMs (RDIMMs) or Load-Reduced DIMMs (LRDIMMs)
Form Factor	4U rack server
Storage	Up to 24x 2.5" hot-swap SAS/SATA HDDs or SSDs
Expansion Slots	Up to 11 PCIe 3.0 slots
Power Supply	Up to four 1400W or 900W hot-swap power supplies
Memory Type	DDR3 RDIMM/LRDIMM
Storage Controller	ServeRAID M5210 SAS/SATA controller
RAID Support	RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60
Operating System Support	Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, VMware

Summary

Chapter 1. Introduction

1.1 Target workloads

Overview of workloads supported by IBM X6 servers, focusing on databases, analytics, and enterprise applications.

1.2 Key features

Highlights the advantages of IBM X6 server technology including performance, agility, and resilience.

1.5 Flash storage

Chapter 2. Technology

2.1 Modular design

Explains the modular 'bookshelf' design of X6 servers, including Compute, Storage, and I/O Books.

2.2 System architecture

Details the overall architecture of x3850 X6 and x3950 X6 servers, including processor interconnects.

2.3 Processors

Discusses the Intel Xeon E7-4800/8800 v2 processors and their features.

2.4 Memory

Covers DDR3 memory options, modes, mirroring, sparing, and Chipkill.

2.6 Internal storage

2.8 Integrated Management Module

Details the IMM2 service processor for remote server management and monitoring.

2.9 Scalability

Chapter 3. Product information

3.1 Product features

Describes the key features and capabilities of IBM X6 servers.

3.2 Specifications

Lists the standard specifications for x3850 X6 and x3950 X6 servers.

3.3 Standard models of X6 servers

3.4 Physical design

3.5 Ports and controls

3.6 Compute Book

Details the design and components of the Compute Book, the core modular element.

3.7 Processor options

Lists available Intel Xeon processor options for X6 servers.

3.8 Memory

3.9 IBM eXFlash memory-channel storage

3.10 Storage subsystem

3.11 I/O subsystem

3.12 Primary I/O Book

3.13 Half-length I/O Books and Full-length I/O Books

3.14 Hot-swap adapter support

3.18 Partitioning

3.19 Standard onboard features

3.21 Hot-swap capabilities

3.22 Power subsystem

3.24 Upgrading to an 8-socket X6 server

Chapter 4. Infrastructure planning

4.1 Physical and electrical specifications

Lists physical, electrical, and environmental specifications for X6 servers.

4.2 Rack selection and rack options

4.5 Power advice

Provides considerations for power subsystem planning and distribution.

4.6 Cooling advice

4.8 PDU and line cord selection

Chapter 5. Preparing the hardware

5.1 Configuring the IMM2 settings

Guides on configuring IMM2 settings for server management and troubleshooting.

5.2 UEFI settings for performance

Details UEFI settings for tuning system performance and operating modes.

5.3 UEFI common settings

5.4 PCIe adapter placement advice

5.5 Hot-swap procedures

Explains how to hot-swap components like power supplies and I/O Books.

5.6 Partitioning the x3950 X6

5.7 Updating firmware

Guides on updating system firmware using UpdateXpress, BoMC, and IMM.

5.8 Troubleshooting

Overview of tools and considerations for problem resolution and extended outages.

Chapter 6. Operating system installation

6.1 Installing without a local optical drive

Explains methods for OS installation using IMM, USB port, or PXE.

6.2 IBM ServerGuide

6.3 IBM ServerGuide Scripting Toolkit

Chapter 7. Management

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Integrated Management Module II (IMM2)

Explains the features and configuration of the IMM2 for server management.

7.3 Remote control

Details how to use the IMM2 remote control feature for server access.

7.4 IBM Systems Director

7.6 Advanced Settings Utility

7.7 MegaRAID Storage Manager