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.

• 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 Features on Demand website.

• Flash DIMM support

  The compute node supports a maximum of 16 DDR3 flash DIMMs in 200 GB or 400 GB capacities. The flash DIMMs utilize the unpopulated DIMM slots available in the compute node and provide high performance solid state memory. The flash DIMMs can be used for storage or storage cache.

• 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.
  • 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.

• Lenovo ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD

  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 designs to make your x86-processor-based compute node powerful, scalable, and reliable. For more information, see the System x enterprise servers website.

• 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 ServerProven 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 7903 and 4259.

• 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 Flex System chassis can share the power load between two or more power supply modules to ensure sufficient power for each device in the Flex System chassis. This policy is enforced when the initial power is applied to the Flex System chassis or when a compute node is inserted into the 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 Flex System Chassis Management Module (CMM) and Flex System Manager management software (if installed).

  • CMM is a hot-swap module that provides system-management functions for all components in an 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".