Introduction

The IBM® System x3550 M4 server provides outstanding performance for your business-critical applications. Its energy-efficient design supports more cores, memory, and data capacity in a compact 1U package that is easy to service and manage. With more computing power per watt and the latest Intel Xeon processors, you can reduce costs while maintaining speed and availability.

Suggested use: database, virtualization, enterprise applications, collaboration/email, streaming media, web, HPC, and cloud applications.

Figure 1 shows the IBM System x3550 M4.


Figure 1. The IBM System x3550 M4

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Did you know?

The x3550 M4 offers a flexible, scalable design and a simple upgrade path to eight HDDs plus an optical drive at the same time, and up to 768 GB of memory. The flexible onboard Ethernet solution provides four standard integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports and two optional embedded 10 Gb Ethernet ports without occupying PCIe slots. Comprehensive systems management tools with the next-generation Integrated Management Module II (IMM2) make it easy to deploy, integrate, service, and manage.

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Key features

The x3550 M4 is a cost- and density-balanced 1U, 2-socket business-critical server, offering improved performance and pay-as-you grow flexibility along with new features that improve server management capability. The powerful system is designed for your most important business applications and cloud deployments.

Combining balanced performance and flexibility, the x3550 M4 is a great choice for small and medium businesses and up to the large enterprise. It can provide outstanding uptime to keep business-critical applications and cloud deployments running safely. Ease-of-use and comprehensive systems management tools make it easy to deploy. Outstanding RAS and high-efficiency design improves your business environment and helps save operational costs.

Scalability and performance

The x3550 M4 offers numerous features to boost performance, improve scalability, and reduce costs:

• Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 v2 product family
  • Improves productivity by offering superior system performance with 4-core and 6-core processors (up to 3.5 GHz core speeds), 8-core processors (up to 3.3 GHz core speeds), 10-core processors (up to 3.0 GHz), and 12-core processors (up to 2.7 GHz core speeds), up to 30 MB of L3 cache, and up to two 8 GT/s QPI interconnect links.
  • Supports up to two processors, 24 cores, and 48 threads maximize the concurrent execution of multi-threaded applications.
  • Supports up to 1866 MHz memory speeds.
  • Will support up to 768 GB memory with 32 GB LRDIMMs when and if they become available.
• Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 product family
  • Improves productivity by offering superior system performance with 8-core processors and up to 2.9 GHz core speeds, up to 20 MB of L3 cache, and up to two 8 GT/s QPI interconnect links.
  • Supports up to two processors, 16 cores, and 32 threads maximize the concurrent execution of multi-threaded applications.
  • Supports up to 1600 MHz memory speeds.
  • Supports up to 768 GB memory with 32 GB LRDIMMs.
• Intelligent and adaptive system performance with Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 allows CPU cores to run at maximum speeds during peak workloads by temporarily going beyond processor TDP.
• Intel Hyper-Threading Technology boosts performance for multithreaded applications by enabling simultaneous multithreading within each processor core, up to two threads per core.
• Intel Virtualization Technology integrates hardware-level virtualization hooks that allow operating system vendors to better utilize the hardware for virtualization workloads.
• Intel Advanced Vector Extensions (AVT) significantly improve floating point performance for compute-intensive technical and scientific applications compared to Intel Xeon 5600 series processors.
• Will support 12 Gbps SAS RAID portfolio when and if it becomes available.
• The use of solid-state drives (SSDs) instead of or along with traditional spinning drives (HDDs) can significantly improve I/O performance. An SSD can support up to 100 times more I/O operations per second (IOPS) than a typical HDD.
• The server has four integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports and two optional 10 Gb Ethernet ports with mezzanine cards that do not consume a PCIe slot.
• The server offers PCI Express 3.0 I/O expansion capabilities that improve the theoretical maximum bandwidth by almost 100% (8 GTps per link using 128b/130b encoding) compared to the previous generation of PCI Express 2.0 (5 GTps per link using 8b/10b encoding).
• With Intel Integrated I/O Technology, the PCI Express 3.0 controller is integrated into the Intel Xeon processor E5 family. This helps to dramatically reduce I/O latency and increase overall system performance.
• Support for NVIDIA Quadro graphics processing units (GPUs) to maximize computing power.

Availability and serviceability

The x3550 M4 provides many features to simplify serviceability and increase system uptime:

• The server offers memory mirroring and memory rank sparing for redundancy in the event of a non-correctable memory failure.
• Tool-less cover removal provides easy access to upgrades and serviceable parts, such as CPU, memory, and adapter cards.
• The server offers hot-swap drives supporting RAID redundancy for data protection and greater system uptime.
• The server has two redundant hot-swap power supplies and six dual-motor hot-swap redundant fans (two fan zones with N+1 fan design) to provide availability for business-critical applications.
• The power source-independent light path diagnostics panel and individual light path LEDs quickly lead the technician to failed (or failing) components. This simplifies servicing, speeds up problem resolution, and helps improve system availability.
• Predictive Failure Analysis (PFA) detects when system components (processors, VRMs, memory, hard disk drives, fans, and power supplies) operate outside of standard thresholds and generates proactive alerts in advance of possible failure, therefore increasing uptime.
• Solid-state drivers (SSDs) offer significantly better reliability than traditional mechanical HDDs for greater uptime.
• Built-in Integrated Management Module II (IMM2) continuously monitors system parameters, triggers alerts, and performs recovery actions in case of failure, to minimize downtime.
• Built-in diagnostics using Dynamic Systems Analysis (DSA) Preboot speeds up troubleshooting tasks to reduce service time.
• Three-year customer replaceable unit and onsite limited warranty, next business day 9x5. Optional service upgrades available.

Manageability and security

Powerful systems management features simplify local and remote management of the x3550 M4:

• The server includes an Integrated Management Module II (IMM2) to monitor server availability and perform remote management.
• An integrated industry-standard Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) enables improved setup, configuration, and updates, and simplifies error handling.
• An integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 support enables advanced cryptographic functionality such as digital signatures and remote attestation.
• There is industry-standard AES NI support for faster, stronger encryption.
• IBM Systems Director is included for proactive systems management. It offers comprehensive systems management tools that help to increase uptime, reduce costs and improve productivity through advanced server management capabilities.
• Intel Execute Disable Bit functionality can help prevent certain classes of malicious buffer overflow attacks when combined with a supporting operating system.
• Intel Trusted Execution Technology provides enhanced security through hardware-based resistance to malicious software attacks, allowing an application to run in its own isolated space protected from all other software running on a system.

Energy efficiency

The x3550 M4 offers the following energy-efficiency features to save energy, reduce operational costs, increase energy availability, and contribute to a green environment:

• Energy-efficient planar components help lower operational costs.
• High-efficiency 550 W and 750 W power supplies with 80 PLUS Platinum certification. Available 750 W dc power supply option.
• The Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 and E5-2600 v2 product families offer significantly better performance over the previous generation, while fitting into the same thermal design power (TDP) limits.
• Intel Intelligent Power Capability powers individual processor elements on and off as needed, to reduce power draw.
• Low-voltage Intel Xeon processors draw less energy to satisfy the demands of power and thermally constrained data centers and telecommunication environments.
• Low-voltage 1.35 V DDR3 memory RDIMMs consume 15% less energy compared to 1.5 V DDR3 RDIMMs.
• Solid-state drives (SSDs) consume as much as 80% less power than traditional spinning 2.5-inch HDDs.
• The server uses hexagonal ventilation holes, a part of IBM Calibrated Vectored Cooling™ technology. Hexagonal holes can be grouped more densely than round holes, providing more efficient airflow through the system.
• IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager™ provides advanced data center power notification and management to help achieve lower heat output and reduced cooling needs.

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Locations of key components and connectors

Figure 2 shows the front of the server.


Figure 2. Front view of the IBM System x3550 M4

Figure 3 shows the rear of the server.


Figure 3. Rear view of the IBM System x3550 M4

Figure 4 shows the locations of key components inside the server.


Figure 4. Inside view of the IBM System x3550 M4

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Standard specifications

The following table lists the standard specifications.

Table 1. Standard specifications

The x3550 M4 servers are shipped with the following items:

• Statement of Limited Warranty
• Important Notices
• Rack Installation Instructions
• Documentation CD containing Installation and User's Guide
• IBM Systems Director Flyer
• IBM System x Gen-III Slides Kit
• IBM System x Gen-III Cable Management Arm (CMA)
• 2.8 m C13-C14 power cord (one for models with one power supply and two for models with two power supplies)

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Standard models

The following table lists the standard models.

Table 2. Standard models (Part 1: Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 v2 product family)

* x in the Machine Type Model (MTM) represents a country-specific letter (for example, the EMEA MTM is 7914-A3G, and the US MTM is 7914-A3U). Ask an IBM representative for specifics.
† Processor detail: Processor quantity and model, cores, core speed, L3 cache, memory speed, TDP.
§ For models A3x and B3x, the standard DIMM is rated at 1600 MHz, but operates at up to 1333 MHz to match the processor memory speed. Actual memory speed maximums depend on several factors, as described in "Memory options".

Table 2. Standard models (Part 2: Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 product family)

† Processor detail: Processor quantity and model, core speed, number of cores, L3 cache, memory speed.
* Model DDx is a management server for offerings such as cloud. See below

Refer to the Specifications section for information about standard features of the server.

Management node

Model 7914-DDx is a model optimized as a management node and is preloaded with Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard and IBM Systems Director.

The model also includes these components as standard:

• Intel Ethernet Dual Port Server Adapter I340-T2 (49Y4230)
• IBM Integrated Management Module Advanced Upgrade (90Y3901)
• Two PCIe x16 slots

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Express models

The following table lists the express models.

Table 3. Express models (Part 1: Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 v2 product family)

** MTM = Machine Type Model
† Processor detail: Processor quantity and model, number of cores, core speed, L3 cache, memory speed, TDP.
‡ Not available in Russia/CIS.
(c) The ServeRAID M5110 RAID controller in this model includes cache memory with optional battery backup.
(f) The ServeRAID M5110 RAID controller in this model includes flash-backed cache memory.
§ For models E6G, EGU, ELC, EOC, ESC, and ETC, the standard DIMM is rated at 1600 MHz, but operates at up to 1333 MHz to match the processor memory speed. For model EFG, the standard DIMM is rated at 1866 MHz, but operates at up to 1600 MHz to match the processor memory speed. Actual memory speed maximums depend on several factors, as described in "Memory options".

Table 3. Express models (Part 2: Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 product family)

† Processor detail: Processor quantity and model, core speed, number of cores, L3 cache, memory speed.

Refer to the Specifications section for information about standard features of the server.

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Processor options

The x3550 M4 supports the processor options listed in the following table. The server supports up to two processors. This table shows which server models have each processor standard. If there is no corresponding where used model for a particular processor, then this processor is only available through CTO. The part numbers include two system fans.

Table 4. Processor options (Part 1: Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 v2 product family)

* The first feature code is for the first processor; the second feature code is for the second processor

Table 4. Processor options (Part 2: Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 product family)

Part number*	Feature codes**	Description	Standard models where used
Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 product family
69Y5672	A1LG / A1LT	Intel Xeon E5-2603 4C 1.8GHz 10MB 1066MHz 80W	A2x
69Y5674	A1LJ / A1LV	Intel Xeon E5-2609 4C 2.4GHz 10MB 1066MHz 80W	B2x
69Y5675	A1LK / A1LW	Intel Xeon E5-2620 6C 2.0GHz 15MB 1333MHz 95W	C2x, C4x, DDx
69Y5676	A1LL / A1LX	Intel Xeon E5-2630 6C 2.3GHz 15MB 1333MHz 95W	D2x
94Y7464	A2B3 / A2B6	Intel Xeon E5-2630L 6C 2.0GHz 15MB 1333MHz 60W	-
94Y7546	A2VR / A2QK	Intel Xeon E5-2637 2C 3.0GHz 5MB 1600MHz 80W	-
69Y5677	A1LM / A1LY	Intel Xeon E5-2640 6C 2.5GHz 15MB 1333MHz 95W	F2x
94Y7465	A2B4 / A2B7	Intel Xeon E5-2643 4C 3.3GHz 10MB 1600MHz 130W	32x
00D9441	A39A / A39D	Intel Xeon E5-2648L 8C 1.8GHz 20MB 1600MHz 70W
69Y5678	A1LN / A1LZ	Intel Xeon E5-2650 8C 2.0GHz 20MB 1600MHz 95W	G2x
69Y5685	A1LS / A1M3	Intel Xeon E5-2650L 8C 1.8GHz 20MB 1600MHz 70W	52x
00D9440	A399 / A39C	Intel Xeon E5-2658 8C 2.1GHz 20MB 1600MHz 95W
69Y5679	A1LP / A1M0	Intel Xeon E5-2660 8C 2.2GHz 20MB 1600MHz 95W	H2x
94Y7547	A2GN / A2GP	Intel Xeon E5-2665 8C 2.4GHz 20MB 1600MHz 115W	62x
69Y5682	A1LR / A1M2	Intel Xeon E5-2667 6C 2.9GHz 15MB 1600MHz 130W	-
94Y7463	A2B2 / A2B5	Intel Xeon E5-2670 8C 2.6GHz 20MB 1600MHz 115W	J2x
69Y5680	A1LQ / A1M1	Intel Xeon E5-2680 8C 2.7GHz 20MB 1600MHz 130W	L2x
94Y7545	A2VQ / A2QJ	Intel Xeon E5-2690 8C 2.9GHz 20MB 1600MHz 135W	M2x

* The option for the second processor includes two additional system fans.
** The first feature code is for the first processor; the second feature code is for the second processor

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Memory options

IBM DDR3 memory is compatibility tested and tuned for optimal IBM System x® performance and throughput. IBM memory specifications are integrated into the light path diagnostics for immediate system performance feedback and optimum system uptime. From a service and support standpoint, IBM memory automatically assumes the IBM system warranty, and IBM provides service and support worldwide.

The IBM System x3550 M4 supports DDR3 memory. The server supports up to 12 DIMMs when one processor is installed, and up to 24 DIMMs when two processors are installed. Each processor has four memory channels, and there are three DIMMs per channel.

The following rules apply when selecting the memory configuration:

• Server supports UDIMMs (E5-2600 only), RDIMMs, and LRDIMMs.
• Mixing different types of memory (UDIMMs, RDIMMs, and LRDIMMs) is not supported.
• Mixing 1.5 V and 1.35 V DIMMs in the same server is supported; in such cases, all DIMMs operate at 1.5 V.
• The maximum number of ranks supported per one channel is eight (with the exception of Load Reduced DIMMs, where more than eight ranks are supported because one quad-rank LRDIMM provides the same electrical load on a memory bus as a single-rank RDIMM).
• The maximum quantity of DIMMs that can be installed in server depends on number of CPUs, DIMM type, rank, and operating voltage as shown in the "Maximum quantity" row in the following table.
• All DIMMs in all CPU memory channels operate at the same speed, which is determined as the lowest value of:
  • The memory speed supported by the specific CPU.
  • The lowest of maximum operating speeds for the selected memory configuration that depends on rated speed, operating voltage, and quantity of DIMMs per channel, as shown under "Maximum operating speed" section in the following table.

The following table (Parts 1, 2, and 3) shows the characteristics of the supported DIMMs. Tables cells highlighted with a gray background indicate when the combination of DIMM voltage and the number of DIMMs per channel still allows the DIMMs to operate at a rated speed.

Table 5. Maximum memory speeds (Part 1: Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 v2 product family - RDIMMs and LRDIMMs)

* Support is planned for later in 2013.
** The maximum quantity that is supported is shown for two processors installed.

Table 5. Maximum memory speeds (Part 2: Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 product family - RDIMMs)

* Maximum quantity supported is shown for two processors installed. When one processor installed the maximum quantity supported is a half of shown.
** NS = Not Supported

Table 5. Maximum memory speeds (Part 3: Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 product family - UDIMMs and LRDIMMs)

* Maximum quantity supported is shown for two processors installed. When one processor installed the maximum quantity supported is a half of shown.
** NS = Not Supported

The following memory protection technologies are supported:

• ECC
• Chipkill (for x4-based memory DIMMs)
• Memory mirroring
• Memory rank sparing

If memory mirroring is used, then DIMMs must be installed in pairs (a minimum of one pair per each CPU), and both DIMMs in a pair must be identical in type and size.

If memory rank sparing is used, then a minimum of one quad-rank DIMM or two single-rank or dual-rank DIMMs must be installed per populated channel (the DIMMs do not need being identical). In rank sparing mode, one rank of a DIMM in each populated channel is reserved as spare memory. The size of a rank varies depending on the DIMMs installed.

The following table (Parts 1 and 2) lists memory options available for the x3550 M4 server.

Table 6. Memory options (Part 1: Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 v2 product family)

Table 6. Memory options (Part 2: Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 product family)

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Internal storage

IBM System x3550 M4 server supports the following internal storage configurations:

• Eight 2.5" Slim-SFF SAS/SATA hot-swap hard drive bays
• Four 2.5" Slim-SFF SAS/SATA hot-swap hard drive bays
• Three 3.5" hot-swap SAS/SATA hard drive bays
• Three 3.5" Simple Swap SATA hard drive bays (only available in CTO)

Figure 5 shows the first three of these configurations.


Figure 5. Internal drive configurations

Backplanes

All standard models, except C4x and C5x, ship with four 2.5" Slim-SFF SAS/SATA hot-swap hard drive bays. Models C4x and C5x ship with three 3.5" SAS/SATA hot-swap hard drive bays. The following table shows the internal storage expansion options available for the x3550 M4 server.

Table 7. Internal storage expansion options

* Available only via CTO or special bid.

Option 81Y6657 upgrades models with four hot-swap HDD bays to eight hot-swap HDD bays. Models A2x and A3x require H1110 to be replaced by M1115 or M5110 to support eight HDDs. An optical drive can be installed internally when this option is used.

Option 00Y7297 together with option 00Y8597 upgrades CTO models with four 12 Gb 2.5" hot-swap drive bays to eight 12 Gb hot-swap 2.5" drive bays.

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Controllers for internal storage

The following table lists the RAID controllers and the additional options used for the internal disk storage of the x3550 M4 server. The controllers are installed into a dedicated PCIe slot.

Table 8. RAID controllers and HBAs for internal storage (Part 1: 6 Gbps SAS/SATA)

* The ServeRAID M5100 Series Battery Kit (81Y4508) is only supported with ServeRAID M5100 Series 512MB Cache/RAID 5 Upgrade (81Y4484).
† The ServeRAID M5100 Series RAID 6 Upgrade (81Y4546) requires 512 MB or 1 GB cache upgrades.

Table 8. RAID controllers and HBAs for internal storage (Part 2: 12 Gbps SAS/SATA) (Support is planned for later in 2013)

* Requires cache memory upgrade (47C8656, 47C8660, or 47C8664).

The ServeRAID H1110 adapter has the following specifications:

• Four internal 6 Gbps SAS/SATA ports
• One x4 mini-SAS internal connector (SFF-8087)
• Up to 6 Gbps throughput per port
• Based on LSI SAS2004 6 Gbps RAID on Chip (ROC) controller
• PCIe x4 Gen 3 host interface
• Supports RAID 0, 1, 1E, and 10
• Connects to up to four SAS or SATA drives

The ServeRAID M1115 SAS/SATA Controller has the following specifications:

• Eight internal 6 Gbps SAS/SATA ports
• Two x4 mini-SAS internal connectors (SFF-8087)
• Supports RAID levels 0, 1, and 10
• Supports RAID levels 5 and 50 with optional M1100 Series RAID 5 upgrades
• Up to 6 Gbps throughput per port
• PCIe x8 Gen 3 host interface
• Based on the LSI SAS2008 6 Gbps ROC controller

The ServeRAID M5110 SAS/SATA Controller has the following specifications:

• Eight internal 6 Gbps SAS/SATA ports
• Two x4 mini-SAS internal connectors (SFF-8087)
• Supports RAID levels 0, 1, and 10
• Supports RAID levels 5 and 50 with optional M5100 Series RAID 5 upgrades
• Supports RAID 6 and 60 with the optional M5100 Series RAID 6 Upgrade
• Supports 512 MB battery-backed cache or 512 MB or 1 GB flash-backed cache
• Up to 6 Gbps throughput per port
• PCIe x8 Gen 3 host interface
• Based on the LSI SAS2208 6 Gbps ROC controller

The ServeRAID M5210 SAS/SATA Controller has the following specifications:

• Eight internal 12 Gbps SAS/SATA ports
• Two x4 HD mini-SAS internal connectors (SFF-8643)
• Supports connections to SAS/SATA drives and SAS Expanders
• Supports RAID levels 0, 1, and 10
• Supports RAID levels 5 and 50 with optional M5200 Series RAID 5 upgrades
• Supports RAID 6 and 60 with the optional M5200 Series RAID 6 Upgrade
• Supports 1 GB non-backed cache or 1 GB or 2 GB flash-backed cache
• Up to 12 Gbps throughput per port
• PCIe 3.0 x8 host interface
• Based on the LSI SAS3108 12 Gbps ROC controller

The IBM 6Gb Performance Optimized HBA has the following specifications:

• Eight internal 6 Gbps SAS/SATA ports
• Two x4 mini-SAS internal connectors (SFF-8087)
• Supports connections to SAS/SATA HDDs and SATA SSDs
• Optimized for SSD performance
• No RAID support
• Up to 6 Gbps throughput per port
• PCIe 2.0 x8 host interface
• Based on the LSI SAS2008 6 Gbps controller

The IBM N2115 SAS/SATA HBA has the following specifications:

• Eight internal 6 Gbps SAS/SATA ports
• Two x4 mini-SAS internal connectors (SFF-8087)
• Supports connections to SAS/SATA HDDs and SATA SSDs
• Optimized for SSD performance
• No RAID support
• Up to 6 Gbps throughput per port
• PCIe 3.0 x8 host interface
• Based on the LSI SAS2308 6 Gbps controller

The IBM N2215 SAS/SATA HBA has the following specifications:

• Eight internal 12 Gbps SAS/SATA ports
• Two x4 HD mini-SAS internal connectors (SFF-8643)
• Supports connections to SAS/SATA HDDs and SATA SSDs
• Optimized for SSD performance
• No RAID support
• Up to 12 Gbps throughput per port
• PCIe 3.0 x8 host interface
• Based on the LSI SAS3008 12 Gbps controller

For more information, see the list of IBM Redbooks Product Guides in the RAID adapters category:
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/portals/systemx?Open&page=pg&cat=raid

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Internal drive options

The following table lists hard drive options for internal disk storage of the x3550 M4 server.

Table 9. Disk drive options for internal disk storage

2.5-inch hot-swap 10K HDDs - SAS
00AD075**	A48S	IBM 1.2TB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5'' G2HS HDD	8
81Y9650	A282	IBM 900GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF HS HDD	8
90Y8872	A2XD	IBM 600GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF G2HS HDD	8
90Y8877	A2XC	IBM 300GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF G2HS HDD	8
2.5-inch hot-swap 15K HDDs - SAS
00AJ300	A4VB	IBM 600GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5'' G2HS HDD
81Y9670	A283	IBM 300GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF HS HDD	8
90Y8926	A2XB	IBM 146GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF G2HS HDD	8
2.5-inch hot-swap HDDs - SAS SED
00AD085**	A48T	IBM 1.2TB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5'' G2HS SED	8
81Y9662	A3EG	IBM 900GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF G2HS SED	8
90Y8908	A3EF	IBM 600GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF G2HS SED	8
90Y8913	A2XF	IBM 300GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF G2HS SED	8
90Y8944	A2ZK	IBM 146GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF G2HS SED	8
SAS-SSD Hybrid drives
00AJ236	A4VD	IBM 300GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5'' G2HS Hybrid
00AJ246	A4VF	IBM 600GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5'' G2HS Hybrid
00AD102	A4G7	IBM 600GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5'' G2HS Hybrid	8
2.5-inch hot-swap HDDs - NL SAS
90Y8953	A2XE	IBM 500GB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SAS 2.5" SFF G2HS HDD	8
81Y9690	A1P3	IBM 1TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SAS 2.5" SFF HS HDD	8
2.5-inch hot-swap HDDs - NL SATA
81Y9722	A1NX	IBM 250GB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 2.5" SFF HS HDD	8
81Y9726	A1NZ	IBM 500GB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 2.5" SFF HS HDD	8
81Y9730	A1AV	IBM 1TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 2.5" SFF HS HDD	8
2.5" hot-swap SAS SSDs - Enterprise
49Y6129	A3EW	IBM 200GB SAS 2.5" MLC HS Enterprise SSD	8
49Y6134	A3EY	IBM 400GB SAS 2.5" MLC HS Enterprise SSD	8
49Y6139	A3F0	IBM 800GB SAS 2.5" MLC HS Enterprise SSD	8
49Y6195	A4GH	IBM 1.6TB SAS 2.5" MLC HS Enterprise SSD	8

* These drives are for use in a configuration that is only available through special bid or the Configure To Order (CTO) process.
** Not supported in E5-2600 v2 processor-based models.

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Internal backup units

The server does not support internal tape drive options or other internal backup units. However, it can be attached to the external tape drives using SAS or Fibre Channel connectivity (see Table 26).

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Optical drives

The server supports the optical drive options listed in the following table. Server models with 3.5" HDDs do not support internal optical drive; they provide a third USB port on the front for an external optical drive.

Table 10. Optical drives

IBM UltraSlim Enhanced SATA DVD-ROM (part number 46M0901) supports the following media and speeds for reading:

• CD-ROM 24X
• CD-DA (DAE) 20X
• CD-R 24X
• CD-RW 24X
• DVD-ROM (single layer) 8X
• DVD-ROM (dual layer) 8X
• DVD-R (4.7 GB) 6X
• DVD-R DL 4X
• DVD+R 6X
• DVD+R DL 4X
• DVD-RW (4.7 GB) 4X
• DVD+RW 4X
• DVD-RAM (4.7/9.4 GB) 4X

IBM UltraSlim Enhanced SATA Multi-Burner (46M0902) supports the same media and speeds for reading as DVD-ROM (46M0901). This drive also supports the following media and speeds for writing:

• CD-R 24X
• CD-RW 4X
• High Speed CD-RW 10X
• Ultra Speed CD-RW 16X
• Ultra Speed Plus CD-RW 16X
• DVD-R 8X
• DVD-R DL 6X
• DVD+R 8X
• DVD+R DL 6X
• DVD-RW 6X
• DVD+RW 8X
• DVD-RAM 5X

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I/O expansion options

The server supports two PCI slots with different riser cards installed into two riser sockets on the system planar (one riser socket supports the installation of one riser card). The slot form factors are as follows:

• Slot 1: PCIe x16; low profile, half-length
• Slot 2: PCIe x16, PCIe x8, or PCI-X; full-height, half-length (PCIe x16 slot requires second processor to be installed)

Riser 1 supplies slot 1, and riser 2 supplies slot 2. All standard models except for model DDx have two riser cards installed that provide one PCIe x16 Gen 3 slot and one PCIe x8 Gen 3 slot (features A1HJ and A1HK). Model DDx has two PCIe x16 slots (A1HJ and A1HL)

You can replace the second riser card with one of the following (or configure one of these riser cards instead of the second riser card using special bid or CTO), provided a second processor is also installed:

• A riser with one PCIe x16 Gen 3 slot (69Y5671, feature A1HL)
• A riser with one PCIe x8 Gen 3 slot (69Y5670, feature A1HK
• A riser with one PCI-X 64 bit/133 MHz slot (69Y5669, feature A1HM)

The following table lists the PCI riser card options.

Table 11. PCI riser card options

The x3550 M4 Thermal Solution Kit, 00Y7117 contains two 40mm fans which provides the fifth and sixth system fans needed for these options when only one processor is installed:

• All supported PCIe SSD adapters
• QLogic Dual Port 10GbE SFP+ Embedded VFA for IBM System x
• QLogic 8200 Dual Port 10GbE SFP+ VFA for IBM System x
• ServeRAID M5120 SAS/SATA Controller for IBM System x
• Solarflare SFN5162F MR Dual Port 10GbE SFP+ Adapter for IBM System x
• Solarflare SFN6122F LL Dual Port 10GbE SFP+ Adapter for IBM System x

The Thermal Solution Kit is not needed if two processors are installed, since the second processor includes these fans.

Table 12. Thermal Solution Kit

* For CTO orders, quantity two of feature code A40L, x3550 M4 Addl Fan for High Performance Adapters will be substituted

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Network adapters

The x3550 M4 supports four integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports.

Integrated NICs have the following features:

• An Intel I350AM4 chip
• Four GbE ports
• TCP Offload Engine (TOE) support
• Wake on LAN support
• 802.1Q VLAN tagging support
• IPv6 support
• NIC Teaming (load balancing and failover)

Optionally, two 10 Gb Ethernet ports can be added by installing the a dual-port 10 Gb Ethernet mezzanine card as listed in the following table. Mezzanine cards use a dedicated connector on the system board and do not consume a PCI expansion slot.

The following table lists additional supported network adapters.

Table 13. Network adapters

* The QLogic Dual Port 10GbE SFP+ Embedded VFA and QLogic 8200 Dual Port 10GbE SFP+ VFA both require the x3550 M4 Thermal Solution Kit, 00Y7117 or the second processor (with additional system fans).
** One license upgrade per adapter.
# Not supported in E5-2600 v2 processor-based models.

For more information, see the list of IBM Redbooks Product Guides in the Networking adapters category:
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/portals/systemx?Open&page=pg&cat=networkadapters

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Storage host bus adapters

The following table lists storage HBAs supported by the x3550 M4 server.

Table 14. Storage adapters

* Not supported in E5-2600 v2 processor-based models.

For more information, see the list of IBM Redbooks Product Guides in the Host bus adapters category:
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/portals/systemx?Open&page=pg&cat=hba

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PCIe SSD adapters

The server supports the High IOPS SSD adapters listed in the following table. These adapter require either the x3550 M4 Thermal Solution Kit, 00Y7117 or the second processor (with additional system fans).

Table 15. SSD adapters

* These adapters require the x3550 M4 Thermal Solution Kit, 00Y7117 or the second processor (with additional system fans).

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GPU adapters

The server supports a graphics processing unit (GPU) provided the x16 riser card (69Y5671, feature A1HL) is installed. The server provides up to 225W of external power to each GPU. The following table lists the supported GPUs.

Table 16. GPU adapters

* These GPU adapters are available via Special Bid or CTO only.
** Not supported in E5-2600 v2 processor-based servers.

If the NVIDIA Quadro 600 is installed, the maximum memory that can be installed is 128 GB.

If the NVIDIA Quadro 2000 is installed, the maximum memory that can be installed is 512 GB. The Quadro 2000 is not supported with the M1115 or IBM 6Gb Performance Optimized HBA due to physical space limitations. Only the ServeRAID H1110 and M5110 are supported.

If the NVIDIA Quadro K600 is installed, the maximum memory that can be installed is 1 TB.

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Power supplies

The server supports up to two redundant power supplies, providing N+1 redundancy. Standard models come with one or two power supplies (model dependent). The following table lists the power supplies. An AC power supply ships standard with one 2.8 m C13 - C14 power cord.

Table 17. Power supplies

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Integrated virtualization

The server supports VMware ESXi installed on a USB memory key. The key is installed in a USB socket inside the server. The following table lists the virtualization options.

Table 18. Virtualization options

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Systems management

The server contains IBM Integrated Management Module II (IMM2), which provides advanced service-processor control, monitoring, and an alerting function. If an environmental condition exceeds a threshold or if a system component fails, the IMM lights LEDs to help you diagnose the problem, records the error in the event log, and alerts you to the problem. Optionally, the IMM also provides a virtual presence capability for remote server management capabilities.

The IMM provides remote server management through industry-standard interfaces:

• Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) Version 2.0
• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Version 3
• Common Information Model (CIM)
• Web browser

The optional IBM Integrated Management Module Advanced Upgrade is required to enable the remote presence and blue-screen capture features. The remote presence feature provides the following functions:

• Remotely viewing video with graphics resolutions up to 1600x1200 at 75 Hz with up to 23 bits per pixel, regardless of the system state
• Remotely accessing the server using the keyboard and mouse from a remote client
• Mapping the CD or DVD drive, diskette drive, and USB flash drive on a remote client, and mapping ISO and diskette image files as virtual drives that are available for use by the server
• Uploading a diskette image to the IMM memory and mapping it to the server as a virtual drive

The blue-screen capture feature captures the video display contents before the IMM restarts the server when the IMM detects an operating system hang condition. A system administrator can use the blue-screen capture to assist in determining the cause of the hang condition. The following table lists the remote management option.

Table 19. Remote management option

All standard models ship with a pop-out light path diagnostics panel on the front of the server (See Figure 2). Configure-to-order (CTO) customers may elect to deselect this feature and instead have a basic light path diagnostics panel on the front of the server. The following table shows the two light path diagnostics features.

Table 20. Light path diagnostics options

* CTO only

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Supported operating systems

The server supports the following operating systems:

• Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 (support is planned for earlier in 2014)
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Datacenter x64 Edition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Datacenter x86 Edition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Enterprise x64 Edition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Enterprise x86 Edition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Standard x64 Edition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Standard x86 Edition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Web x64 Edition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Web x86 Edition
• Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition*
• Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard Edition*
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Server with Xen x64 Edition
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Server x64 Edition
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 Server Edition
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 Server x64 Edition
• SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 10 for AMD64/EM64T
• SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 11 for AMD64/EM64T
• SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 11 for x86
• SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 11 with Xen for AMD64/EM64T
• VMware ESX 4.1*
• VMware ESXi 4.1*
• VMware vSphere 5
• VMware vSphere 5.1

* Not supported with E5-2600 v2 processor-based server models.

See the IBM ServerProven® website for the latest information about the specific versions and service levels supported and any other prerequisites:
http://www.ibm.com/systems/info/x86servers/serverproven/compat/us/nos/matrix.shtml

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Physical and electrical specifications

Dimensions and weight:

• Height: 43 mm (1.7 in)
• Width: 429 mm (16.9 in)
• Depth: 734 mm (28.9 in)
• Weight:
  • Minimum configuration: 12.7 kg (28 lb)
  • Maximum configuration: 15.9 kg (35.1 lb)

Supported environment:

• Air temperature
  • Server on: 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F); altitude: 0 to 915 m (3,000 ft) for models with 60W to 95W processors
  • Server on: 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F); altitude: 0 to 915 m (3,000 ft) for models with 115W to 130W processors
  • Server on: 10°C to 27°C (50°F to 81°F); altitude: 0 to 304 m (1,000 ft) for models with 135W processors
  • Server off: 5°C to 45°C (41°F to 113°F)
  • Shipping: -40°C to +60°C (-40°F to 140°F)

• Humidity
  • For models with 115W to 135W processors
    • Server on: 20% to 80%, maximum dew point 21 C, maximum rate of change 5 C/hr
    • Server off: 8% to 80%, maximum dew point 27 C
  • For models with 60W to 95W processors
    • Server on: 8% to 85%, maximum dew point 24 C, maximum rate of change 5 C/hr
    • Server off: 8% to 80%, maximum dew point 27 C

• Electrical
  • Models with 750 W power supplies:
    • 100 to 127 (nominal) V ac; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 8.9 A
    • 200 to 240 (nominal) V ac; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 4.5 A
    • Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA) (approximately):
      • Minimum configuration: 0.14 kVA
      • Maximum configuration: 0.9 kVA
  • Models with 550 W power supplies:
    • 100 to 127 (nominal) V ac; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 6.5 A
    • 200 to 240 (nominal) V ac; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 3.3 A
    • Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA) (approximately):
      • Minimum configuration: 0.14 kVA
      • Maximum configuration: 0.66 kVA
• BTU output
  • Minimum configuration: 461 Btu/hr (135 watts)
  • Maximum configuration: 2900 Btu/hr (850 watts)

• Noise level
  • 6.5 bels (operating)
  • 6.3 bels (idle)

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Warranty options

The IBM System x3550 M4 has a three-year onsite warranty with 9x5/next business day terms. IBM offers the warranty service upgrades through IBM ServicePacs, discussed in this section. The IBM ServicePac is a series of prepackaged warranty maintenance upgrades and post-warranty maintenance agreements with a well-defined scope of services, including service hours, response time, term of service, and service agreement terms and conditions.

IBM ServicePac offerings are country-specific, that is, each country might have its own service types, service levels, response times, and terms and conditions. Not all covered types of ServicePacs might be available in a particular country. For more information about IBM ServicePac offerings available in your country, visit the IBM ServicePac Product Selector at:

https://www-304.ibm.com/sales/gss/download/spst/servicepac

The following table explains warranty service definitions in more detail.

Table 21. Warranty service definitions

In general, the types of IBM ServicePacs are as follows:

• Warranty and maintenance service upgrades
  • One, two, three, four, or five years of 9x5 or 24x7 service coverage
  • Onsite repair from next business day to 4 or 2 hours
  • One or two years of warranty extension
• Remote technical support services
  • One or three years with 24x7 coverage (severity 1) or 9x5/next business day for all severities
  • Installation and startup support for System x servers
  • Remote technical support for System x servers
  • Software support - Support Line
    • Microsoft or Linux software
    • VMware
    • IBM Systems Director

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Regulatory compliance

The server conforms to the following standards:

• FCC - Verified to comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules, Class A
• Canada ICES-003, issue 4, Class A
• UL/IEC 60950-1
• CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1
• NOM-019
• Argentina IEC60950-1
• Japan VCCI, Class A
• Australia/New Zealand AS/NZS CISPR 22, Class A
• IEC 60950-1(CB Certificate and CB Test Report)
• China CCC (GB4943), GB9254 Class A, GB17625.1
• Taiwan BSMI CNS13438, Class A; CNS14336-1
• Korea KN22, Class A; KN24
• Russia/GOST ME01, IEC-60950-1, GOST R 51318.22, GOST R 51318.24, GOST R 51317.3.2, GOST R 51317.3.3
• IEC 60950-1 (CB Certificate and CB Test Report)
• CE Mark (EN55022 Class A, EN60950-1, EN55024, EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3)
• CISPR 22, Class A
• TUV-GS (EN60950-1 /IEC60950-1,EK1-ITB2000)
• RoHS (Directive 2011/65/E)

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External disk storage expansion

The server supports attachment to external storage expansion enclosures, such as the EXP2500 series, by using the ServeRAID M5120 SAS/SATA Controller. The server can also be attached to supported external storage systems, such as the IBM System Storage® DS3500 series, using the supported HBAs.

Table 22. RAID controllers and options for external disk storage expansion

* The ServeRAID M5100 Series Battery Kit (81Y4508) is only supported with ServeRAID M5100 Series 512MB Cache/RAID 5 Upgrade (81Y4484).
† The ServeRAID M5100 Series RAID 6 Upgrade (81Y4546) requires 512 MB or 1 GB cache upgrades.
** The ServeRAID M5120 SAS/SATA Controller requires the x3550 M4 Thermal Solution Kit, 00Y7117 or the second processor (with additional system fans).

The ServeRAID M5120 SAS/SATA Controller has the following specifications:

• Eight external 6 Gbps SAS/SATA portscool
• Two external x4 mini-SAS connectors (SFF-8088)
• Supports RAID levels 0, 1, and 10
• Supports RAID levels 5 and 50 with optional M5100 Series RAID 5 upgrades
• Supports RAID 6 and 60 with the optional M5100 Series RAID 6 Upgrade
• Supports 512 MB battery-backed cache or 512 MB or 1 GB flash-backed cache
• Up to 6 Gbps throughput per port
• PCIe x8 Gen 3 host interface
• Based on the LSI SAS2208 6 Gbps ROC controller
• Supports connectivity to the EXP2512 and EXP2524 storage expansion enclosures

For more information, see the IBM Redbooks® Product Guide ServeRAID M5120 SAS/SATA Controller for IBM System x at:
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0858.html?Open

The ServeRAID M5120 SAS/SATA Controller supports connectivity to the IBM System Storage external expansion enclosures listed in the following table. Up to nine expansion enclosures can be daisy-chained per one M5120 external port. For better performance, distribute expansion enclosures evenly across both M5120 ports.

Table 23. IBM System Storage external expansion enclosures

The external SAS cables listed in the following table support connectivity between external expansion enclosures and the ServeRAID M5120 SAS/SATA Controller.

Table 24. External SAS cables for external storage expansion enclosures

The following table lists the drives supported by EXP2512 external expansion enclosures.

Table 25. Drive options for EXP2512 external expansion enclosures

The following table lists the hard disk drives supported by EXP2524 external expansion enclosures.

Table 26. Drive options for EXP2524 external expansion enclosures

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External disk storage systems

The following table lists the external storage systems that are supported by x3550 M4 and can be ordered through System x sales channel. The server may support other IBM disk systems that are not listed in this table. Refer to IBM System Storage Interoperability Center for further information.

Table 27. External disk storage systems