What your compute node offers

Your compute node offers features such as the integrated management module II, hard disk drive support, systems-management support, microprocessor technology, integrated network support, I/O expansion, large system-memory capacity, light path diagnostics, PCI Express, and power throttling.

• eXFlash DIMM support

  The compute node supports a maximum of 12 DDR3 eXFlash DIMMs in 200 GB or 400 GB capacities. The eXFlash DIMMs utilize the unpopulated DIMM slots available in the compute node and provide high performance solid state memory. The eXFlash DIMMs can be used for storage or storage cache. For information about eXFlash DIMMs, see the eXFlash DIMM configuration and support requirements page.

• Features on Demand

  If a Features on Demand feature is integrated in the compute node or in an optional device that is installed in the compute node, you can purchase an activation key to activate the feature. For information about Features on Demand, see the Lenovo Features on Demand website.

• Flexible network support

  The compute node provides flexible network capabilities:

  • Models with embedded virtual fabric:

    The integrated Emulex Skyhawk Quad-Port 10 Gigabit Ethernet controller supports connections to a 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps network through an Ethernet-compatible switch module in the chassis. The controller supports connections at 10 Gb. The controller also supports Wake on LAN technology. You can install up to two additional I/O expansion adapters for network support.

    Note: To consider any maximum I/O limitations for the Flex System x480 X6 and x880 X6 compute node, see http://www.ibm.com/systems/info/x86servers/serverproven/compat/us/nos/flexmatrix.shtml.

  • Models without embedded virtual fabric:

    The compute node has connectors on the system board for optional expansion adapters for adding network communication capabilities to the compute node. You can install up to four I/O expansion adapters for network support. This provides the flexibility to install expansion adapters that support a variety of network communication technologies.

• Hard disk drive support

  The compute node supports up to two hot-swap hard disk drives, with optional support for up to four hot-swap solid state drives (SSDs). You can implement RAID 0 or RAID 1 for the drives. An optional RAID controller supports up to four hot-swap SSDs and up to four non-hot-swap SSDs.

• Integrated management module II (IMM2)

  The integrated management module II (IMM2) combines systems-management functions, video controller, the remote presence, and blue-screen capture features in a single chip. The IMM2 provides advanced systems-management control, monitoring, and alerting function. If an environmental condition exceeds a threshold or if a system component fails, the IMM2 lights LEDs to help you diagnose the problem, records the error in the IMM event log, and alerts you to the problem.

  Optionally, the IMM2 also provides a virtual presence capability for remote systems management. The IMM2 provides remote systems management through industry-standard interfaces:

  • Common Information Model (CIM)
  • Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) version 2.0
  • Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) version 3.0
  • Web browser

  For more information, see Accessing the IMM2.

• Large system-memory capacity

  The compute node supports up to 3 TB of system memory. The memory controllers provide support for up to 48 industry-standard registered ECC DDR3 on low-profile (LP) DIMMs on the system board. For the most current list of supported DIMMs, see the Lenovo ServerProven website.

• LenovoServerGuide Setup and InstallationCD

  The ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD, which you can download from the web, provides programs to help you set up the compute node and install a Windows operating system. The ServerGuide program detects installed optional hardware devices and provides the correct configuration programs and device drivers. For more information, see Using the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD.

• Lenovo X-Architecture

  Lenovo X-Architecture systems combine proven, innovative Lenovo designs to make your x86-processor-based compute node powerful, scalable, and reliable. For more information, see the Lenovo System x enterprise servers website.

• Light path diagnostics

  Light path diagnostics provides light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to help you diagnose problems. For more information, see Light path diagnostics.

• Microprocessor technology

  The compute node supports two multi-core Intel Xeon microprocessors. For more information about supported microprocessors, see Parts listing, Types 7196 and 4258.

• Mobile access to Lenovo service information website

  The compute node provides a quick response (QR) code on the system service label, which is on the cover of the compute node, that you can scan using a QR code reader and scanner with a mobile device to get quick access to the Lenovo service information website. The Lenovo service information website provides additional information for parts installation and replacement videos, and error codes for compute node support. For the Lenovo Flex System x280 X6, x480 X6, and x880 X6 Compute Node QR code, see QR code information in Introduction or Parts listing, Types 7196 and 4258.

• PCI Express

  PCI Express is a serial interface that is used for chip-to-chip interconnect and expansion adapter interconnect. You can add optional I/O and storage devices.

• Power throttling

  By enforcing a power policy known as power-domain oversubscription, the Lenovo Flex System chassis can share the power load between two or more power supply modules to ensure sufficient power for each device in the Lenovo Flex System chassis. This policy is enforced when the initial power is applied to the Lenovo Flex System chassis or when a compute node is inserted into the Lenovo Flex System chassis.

  The following settings for this policy are available:

  • Basic power management
  • Power module redundancy
  • Power module redundancy with compute node throttling allowed

  You can configure and monitor the power environment by using the Chassis Management Module. For more information, see the Flex System Chassis Management Module: Command-Line Interface Reference Guide.

• Scalable partitions

  Your compute node is scalable and can be connected to multiple compute nodes so that you can share resources between compute nodes. For more information about scalable partitions, see Working with scalable partitions.

• Systems-management support

  The compute node IMM2 provides a Web interface for remote systems-management support. You can use the interface to view system status, and control server management functions and IMM management settings.

  The IMM2 communicates with the Lenovo Flex System Chassis Management Module (CMM), Lenovo XClarity Administrator (if available), and Flex System Manager management software (if available).

  • CMM is a hot-swap module that provides system-management functions for all components in a Lenovo Flex System chassis. It controls a serial port for remote connection and a 1 Gbps Ethernet remote-management connection. For more information, see the Flex System Chassis Management Module: Command-Line Interface Reference Guide.
  • Flex System Manager management software is a platform-management foundation that streamlines the way you manage physical and virtual systems in a heterogeneous environment. By using industry standards, Flex System Manager management software supports multiple operating systems and virtualization technologies. For more information, see the "Flex System Manager Software: Installation and Service Guide".
  • The Lenovo XClarity Administrator is a virtual appliance that you can use to manage a Flex System chassis in a secure environment. The Lenovo XClarity Administrator provides a central interface to perform the following functions for all managed endpoints:
    • User management
    • Hardware monitoring and management
    • Configuration management
    • Operating system deployment
    • Firmware management

  For more information, see the Lenovo XClarity Administrator information page.

• Lenovo XClarity Administrator

  Lenovo XClarity Administrator is a centralized resource-management solution that enables administrators to deploy infrastructure faster and with less effort. The solution seamlessly integrates into System x, ThinkServer, and NeXtScale servers, as well as the Flex System converged infrastructure platform.

  Lenovo XClarity Administrator provides:

  • Automated discovery

  • Agent-free hardware management

  • Monitoring

  • Firmware updates and compliance

  • Pattern-based configuration management

  • Deployment of operating systems and hypervisors

  Administrators are able to find the right information and accomplish critical tasks faster through an uncluttered, dashboard-driven graphical user interface (GUI). Centralizing and automating foundational infrastructure deployment and lifecycle management tasks across large pools of systems frees up administrator time, and makes resources available to end-users faster.

  Lenovo XClarity is easily extended into the leading virtualization management platforms from Microsoft and VMware using software plug-ins, called Lenovo XClarity Integrators. The solution improves workload uptime and service-level assurance by dynamically relocating workloads from affected hosts in the cluster during rolling server reboots or firmware updates, or during predicted hardware failures.

  For more information about Lenovo XClarity Administrator, see the the Lenovo XClarity website and the Lenovo XClarity Administrator Information Center website.

• Installing Lenovo XClarity Administrator

  • Installing Lenovo XClarity Administrator for the first time

    The initial setup of Lenovo XClarity Administrator involves preparing the network, installing and configuring the Lenovo XClarity Administrator virtual appliance, managing systems, and optionally setting up automatic problem notification.

    There are a number of different ways to connect manageable systems to the network and to set up the Lenovo XClarity Administrator to manage those systems based on the network topology that is implemented in your environment. For guidance for installing the Lenovo XClarity Administrator in VMware ESXi-based and Hyper-V environments, see Installing and setting up Lenovo XClarity Administrator.

  • Free 90-day trial

    Lenovo XClarity Administrator offers a free, 90-day trial license that enables you to use all available features (including operating-system deployment, firmware maintenance, and configuration management) for a limited time.

    After 90 days, you can continue to use Lenovo XClarity Administrator to manage and monitor your hardware for free; however, you must purchase a full-function-enablement license to continue using Lenovo XClarity Administrator to configure your hardware using Configuration Patterns and to deploy operating systems. You can purchase Lenovo XClarity Administrator licenses from your Lenovo seller or business partner.

    For information about installing the license, see Updating the Lenovo XClarity Administrator management server.

  • Updating Lenovo XClarity Administrator

    You can download or import Lenovo XClarity Administrator updates and install the updates from the Lenovo XClarity Administrator web interface. For information about updating a Lenovo XClarity Administrator, see Updating the Lenovo XClarity Administrator management server.Ensure that you carefully read the Installation and Setup Instructions in the Invgy_sw_lxca_***_anyos_noarch.txt file that is provided in the update package .zip file.