IBM System x3550 M3 Server

Description

The IBM System x3550 M3 server is a dual-socket, rack-optimized platform featuring Intel’s 5600 series processors, up to 288GB of memory, and flexible storage options. Redesigned rack mount brackets make this system easier to install than IBM’s previous generation servers and a new universal slide kit allows system admins to install this server into non-IBM rack cabinets. Energy-efficiency has been optimized with the server’s built-in altimeter which automatically adjusts fan speeds to keep server noise levels to a minimum and provide a lower cost per watt. Both traditional spinning hard-disk drives and high-performance solid-state drives are supported allowing system admins to create the optimal data-tiered environment for their storage needs.

Performance

This server supports a maximum of two Intel Xeon 5600 series processors which offer a 54% increase in performance compared to Intel’s previous generation of processors. Maximizing both the system’s performance and power-efficiency, Xeon 5600 series processors regulate energy consumption and adjust server performance depending on the application needs. Intel’s new 32nm Microarchitecture Nehalem allows this server to consume up to 30% less power than previous generation servers. Memory and processor power consumption is automatically shifted to the lowest power state with Intel’s Intelligent Power management technology without compromising on performance.

Memory

A maximum of 18 high-speed DDR3 registered (RDIMM) memory modules can be installed in a dual-processor configuration to provide up to 288GB of memory. Processor-to-memory subsystem performance speeds vary from 800MHz to 1333MHz depending on the memory and processor model. Support for Chipkill memory corrects multibit memory errors and an integrated ECC memory controller corrects various single-bit memory errors when combined with ECC DIMMs. Businesses with a tight budget can opt to configure this server with up to 12 unbuffered (UDIMM) memory modules instead of up to 48GB of memory, but both processors need to be installed. IBM added support for 1.35V DIMMs to M3 servers, allowing System Admins to save on operating costs.

Storage

This system comes configured for either four or eight hot-swap 2.5-inch storage bays. Choose from either SAS/SATA traditional hard-disk drives (HDDs), SAS/SATA high-performance solid-state drives (SSDs), or a mixture of the two. Solid-state drives will significantly increase performance, even in a mixed configuration with hot data stored on the faster SSDs and cold data stored on the slower, less expensive HDDs. At the top of IBM’s RAID card portfolio, the M5015 features 512MB of battery-backed-up cache and supports 6 Gb/s SAS drives. With an advanced feature upgrade key, this server will support RAID6 capabilities and self-encrypting disk (SED) key management.

Expansion

Two PCIe Gen2 x16 slots are available for expansion (one full-height/half-length and the other a low profile slot), plus a third PCIe slot dedicated to the RAID controller. If desired, both slots can be converted to PCI-X slots by one of the riser card options. Standard configurations support up to two integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports, but this system can be configured to support up to four ports by adding a Dual-port Gigabit Ethernet Daughter card. A total of four USB ports can be found throughout the system—two on the front of the server and another two at the back of the chassis.

Management

IBM released a new universal ServerGuide for all System x servers to simplify OS installation. The server’s new unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI) provides a diagnostics GUI, a setup menu for server configuration, and a boot device manager. The integrated management module (IMM) enables basic remote management features for monitoring components and updating the firmware. Adding IBM’s Active Energy Manager plugin will provide extra functions to the System Director allowing System Admins to implement power capping and view graphs of server temperatures.

Summary

The IBM System x3550 M3 server is ideal for businesses looking for a powerful, space-saving, cost-efficient solution. The server’s energy-efficient design, advanced cooling features, and low-wattage components allow this system to meet challenging workloads at a lower cost per watt. Perfect for both virtual and physical environments, this platform features a pair of Intel Xeon 5600 series processors in a small, rack-optimized, 1U chassis. Up to 288GB of memory is supported for memory-intensive applications and support for low-voltage DIMMs further reduces operating costs. Flexible drive configuration options and support for different drive types allow System Admins to create the ideal environment for their storage needs. System setup has been streamlined with IBM’s new universal guide for operating system installation and tool-less chassis removal makes for easy system upgrades or repairs.