System x3850 X6 (3837)

The System x3850 X6 server is a four-socket 4U rack-mounted server that represents the sixth generation of the Enterprise X-Architecture. It delivers fast application performance, is based on an agile system design, and is a resilient platform that is needed for mission-critical databases, enterprise applications, and virtualized environments.

The x3850 X6 packs numerous fault-tolerant and high-availability features into a high-density, 4U rack-optimized lid-less package that helps reduce the space that is needed to support massive network computing operations and simplify servicing. The x3850 X6 supports up to four Intel Xeon E7-4800/8800 v2 high-performance processors and up to 6 TB of memory.

Suggested use: Mission-critical scalable databases, business analytics, virtualization, enterprise applications, and cloud applications.

The following figure shows the System x3850 X6.

Figure 1. The System x3850 X6

The x3850 X6 server employs a lid-less design where all serviceable components are front- and rear-accessible. In addition, each major subsystem is implemented as modular "book" design, such as the Compute Books and I/O Books. This configuration means that components are easy to upgrade and service, which translates to greater uptime of applications to your users. The x3850 X6 offers enterprise scalability and advanced RAS features to support the most demanding mission-critical applications that require 24x7 operations.

The increasing demand for cloud-computing and analytics workloads by enterprises to meet social, mobile, and Big Data requirements drives innovation to find new ways to build informational systems. Clients are looking for cost-optimized fit-for-purpose IT solutions that manage large amounts of data, easily scale performance, and provide enterprise class reliability.

Built on decades of innovation, Lenovo introduces its sixth generation of Enterprise X-Architecture technology, the X6 servers. Lenovo X6 servers are fast, agile, and resilient:

• Fast application performance means immediate access to actionable information.
• Agile system design helps to reduce acquisition costs and provide the ability to upgrade processor and memory technology at each refresh within the same chassis.
• Resilient platforms maximize application uptime and promote easy integration in virtual environments.

Lenovo X6 servers continue to lead the way as the shift toward mission-critical scalable databases, business analytics, virtualization, enterprise applications, and cloud-computing applications accelerates.

Fast application performance

The server offer numerous features to boost performance:

• Supports memory-channel storage (eXFlash DIMMs), where solid-state storage devices are installed in memory DIMM sockets. These devices are directly connected to the processors and provide the lowest latency values in the industry.
• Based on the Intel Xeon processor E7-4800 v2 and E7-8800 v2 product family:
  • Supports up to four E7-4800/8800 v2 processors with 60 cores and 120 threads to maximize the concurrent running of multi-threaded applications.
  • Improves productivity by offering superior system performance with 15-core processors (up to 2.8 GHz core speeds), up to 37.5 MB of L3 cache, and up to three 8 GTps QPI interconnect links.
• Supports memory speeds up to 1600 MHz.
• Supports up to 96 DIMM sockets, with 24 DIMMs per processor.
• With eXFlash memory-channel storage, the server delivers up to 12.8 TB of ultra-low latency flash memory by using WriteNow technology, which is ideal for high-performance applications.
• Intelligent and adaptive system performance with Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 allows processor cores to run at maximum speeds during peak workloads by temporarily going beyond processor thermal design power (TDP).
• Intel Hyper-Threading Technology boosts performance for multi-threaded applications by enabling simultaneous multi-threading 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 use the hardware for virtualization workloads.
• Intel Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX) improve floating-point performance for compute-intensive technical and scientific applications.
• Supports a 12 Gbps SAS RAID portfolio.
• The usage of solid-state drives (SSDs) instead of, or along with, traditional spinning drives (HDDs) can improve I/O performance. An SSD can support up to 100 times more I/O operations per second (IOPS) than a typical HDD.
• PCI Express 3.0 I/O adapter slots 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 E7-4800/8800 v2 product families. This integration helps reduce I/O latency and increase overall system performance.
• Support for up to two graphics processing units (GPUs) and co-processors to maximize computing power.
• Energy-efficient electronic components help lower operational costs, including highly efficient 900 W AC and 1400 W AC power supplies with 80 PLUS Platinum certification.

Agile system design

The server provides many scalability and flexibility features:

• Innovative module "book" design for each of the three subsystems: Compute Books, Storage Book, and I/O Books. Front and rear access means that you can easily scale the system by adding components without removing the entire server from the rack.
• The modular book design also allows clients to create the configuration that fits their application and environment needs, which reduces acquisition costs while giving them the flexibility to grow and modify their configuration later.
• The book design also means that subsystem upgrades are simpler, quicker to perform, and have a lower impact on the rest of the server.
• Using 64 GB LRDIMMs, the server supports up to 6 TB of memory.
• Up to 32 eXFlash DIMMs are supported for a total of 12.8 TB of low-latency and high-performance storage.
• Up to 16x 1.8-inch eXFlash SSD bays, or up to eight 2.5-inch bays, provide a flexible and scalable all-in-one platform to meet your increasing demands.
• Offers up to 11 PCIe slots plus a dedicated Mezzanine LOM (ML2) adapter slot. Most slots are PCIe 3.0 to maximize I/O scalability.
• PCIe slots are implemented in I/O Books to maximize modularity. Choose from Half-length I/O Books or Full-length I/O Books, depending on the adapters that you need to deploy.
• Most components are common between the four-socket x3850 X6 and eight-socket x3950 X6, making for a simple upgrade path with minimal parts on the floor.

Resilient platform

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

• Upward Integration Modules for standard hypervisors enable the creation and management of policies to maintain high availability of virtual machines and concurrent updating of the system firmware, with no impact on application performance or availability.
• Advanced Processor Recovery allows the system to automatically switch access and control of networking, management, and storage in the event of a processor 1 failure, providing higher availability and productivity.
• Advanced Page Retire proactively protects applications from corrupted pages in memory, which is crucial for scaling memory to terabytes.
• Redundant bit steering, memory mirroring, and memory rank sparing for redundancy in the event of a non-correctable memory failure.
• Intel Execute Disable Bit functionality can help prevent certain classes of malicious buffer overflow attacks when combined with a supported 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, which is protected from all other software running on a system.
• Redundant Intel Platform Controller Hub (PCH) connections to the processors allow the platform to maintain access to networking, storage, and server management during a processor failure.
• Hot-swap drives support RAID redundancy for data protection and greater system uptime.
• Hot-swap I/O Books enabling you to install or replace adapters while the server is still running.
• Tool-less lid-less design provides front and rear access for easy upgrades and serviceability. There is no need to pull the server out of the rack to access internal components.
• Hot-swap power supplies and hot-swap dual-motor redundant fans provide availability for mission-critical applications.
• A new LCD diagnostics panel that is combined with individual light path diagnostic LEDs quickly lead the technician to failed (or failing) components, which simplifies servicing, speeds up problem resolution, and helps improve system availability.
• Predictive Failure Analysis (PFA) detects when system components (processors, memory, HDDs, SSDs, fans, and power supplies) operate outside of standard thresholds and generates proactive alerts in advance of a possible failure, therefore increasing uptime.
• Built-in Integrated Management Module Version II (IMM2) continuously monitors system parameters, triggers alerts, and performs recovering actions in case of failures to minimize downtime.
• Includes a special Mezzanine LOM (ML2) adapter slot with support for adapters with either two 10 Gb ports or 4 Gb ports. Supports direct connectivity to the IMM2 service processor for out-of-band systems management.
• Integrated industry-standard Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) enables improved setup, configuration, and updates, and simplifies error handling.
• Two integrated Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) 1.2 support enables advanced cryptographic functionality, such as digital signatures and remote attestation.
• Industry-standard Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) NI support for faster and stronger encryption.
• IBM Systems Director® provides proactive systems management. It offers comprehensive systems management tools that help increase uptime, reduce costs, and improve productivity through advanced server management capabilities.
• Solid-state drives (SSDs) offer better reliability than traditional mechanical HDDs for greater uptime.
• Built-in diagnostic tests, using Dynamic Systems Analysis (DSA) Preboot, speed up troubleshooting tasks to reduce service time.
• Three-year customer-replaceable unit and onsite limited warranty, 9x5 next business day. Optional service upgrades are available.

The following figure shows the front of the x3850 X6 server.

Figure 2. Front view of the System x3850 X6

The following figure shows the rear of the x3850 X6 server.

Figure 3. Rear view of the System x3850 X6

The following table lists the standard specifications.

The server is shipped with the following items:

• Rail kit
• Cable management brackets
• 2.8 m (9.18 ft) C13-C14 power cord (one for each power supply)
• Statement of Limited Warranty
• Important Notices
• Rack Installation Instructions
• Documentation CD that contains the Installation and Service Guide
• IBM Systems Director Flyer

The following table lists the standard models.

Table 2. Standard models

† x in the Machine Type Model (MTM) represents a region-specific letter (for example, the EMEA MTM is 3837-A3G, and the US MTM is 3837-A4U). Ask a Lenovo representative for specifics.
* Processor detail: Processor quantity and model, cores, core speed, L3 cache, memory speed, and TDP.
¤ This model includes the DIMMs that are rated at 1600 MHz, but operate at up to 1333 MHz, as noted, to match the processor memory speed
‡ Model B3x includes the Broadcom NetXtreme II ML2 Dual Port 10GbE SFP+ adapter (BCM57810S based). All other models include Intel I350-T4 ML2 Quad Port GbE Adapter adapter (I350-AM4 based).
§ Models with six slots have the Primary I/O Book (four slots) and Storage Book (two slots) standard. Models with nine slots also include one Half-length I/O Book.

The System x3850 X6 Workload Optimized Solutions for SAP HANA provide optimal solutions for SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse, data mart, and SAP Business Suite, Powered by SAP HANA applications. Preconfigured workload optimized server models for SAP HANA applications are configured with up to 1 TB of memory and are upgradeable to support larger single node and scale-out cluster implementations. These models include IBM General Parallel File System (GPFS) Single Server for x86 Integrated Offerings with 3-year software subscription and support.

The following table lists the Workload Optimized Solution models for SAP HANA.

* See the list of specific components below

Each of these HANA models include the following components

• ServeRAID M5210 controller (46C9110) with 2GB cache upgrade with flash backup (47C8664), plus Performance Accelerator (47C8710) and SSD Caching Enabler (47C8712)
• Model H6x only: ServeRAID M5120 RAID controller for external connectivity (81Y4478), with 1GB cache upgrade with flash backup (47C8660) plus Performance Accelerator (47C8710) and SSD Caching Enabler (47C8712).
• Six 1.2TB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" G3HS HDD (00AJ146)
• Two S3700 400GB SATA 2.5" MLC G3HS Enterprise SSD for System x (00AJ161)
• One Intel I350-T4 ML2 Quad Port GbE Adapter for System x (00D1998)
• Two Mellanox ConnectX-3 40GbE / FDR IB VPI Adapters (00D9550)
• Four SFP+ SR Transceiver (46C3447)
• Four Mellanox QSA Adapter (QSFP to SFP+) (90Y3842)
• Model H5x, H6x only: Two X6 Half-length I/O Books (44X4049)
• Lenovo solution for SAP HANA media
• License for IBM General Parallel File System (GPFS) Single Server for x86 Integrated Offerings with 3-year software subscription and support

Note: the operating system software is not included with the SAP HANA models. Operating system selection must be a separate line item included in order: SLES for SAP with standard or priority support. The SAP HANA Software is included, but the license is sold separately by SAP or an SAP business partner. VMware Enterprise Plus license sold separately.

For more information about the standard features of the server, see the "Specifications" section.

The x3850 X6 server has a flexible modular design that allows you to increase the server’s compute power and I/O capabilities by adding additional Compute Books and I/O Books. The modular design also means that if your business needs additional processing or I/O capability within the same system image, then it is possible to migrate to an eight-socket x3950 X6.

Lenovo supports upgrading a 4-socket X6 server to an 8-socket X6 server. The two recommended methods are as follows:

• Start with a 4-socket x3950 X6 (8U chassis) and add additional processors when needed
• Start with a 4-socket x3850 X6 (4U chassis) and upgrade it when needed using an RPQ process

Option 1: Start with a 4-socket x3950 X6

With this option, you plan for the need for future 8-socket performance in advance and purchase an x3950 X6 with only four Compute Books installed. The initial order would contain:

• Four Compute Books with E7-8800 v2 series processors
• Four Power Supplies (preferably 1400W)
• Two Primary IO Book standard
• Two Storage Book Standard

Once the need arises to upgrade the server to six or eight processors, simply purchase more Compute Books with the same processor model, plus additional power supplies (as determined by using the Power Configurator), I/O Books, adapters and drives as needed.

For information about the x3950 X6, see the System x3950 X6 Product Guide:
http://lenovopress.com/tips1132

Option 2: Upgrade your 4-socket x3850 X6 using an RPQ

With this option, you don’t have to plan for 8-socket capacity up front. You start with an x3850 X6 then when you are ready to upgrade to a 6-socket or 8-socket server, you purchase an upgrade offering via an RPQ.

As part of the RPQ, a Lenovo service engineer comes onsite with the new mechanical chassis and performs the field upgrade by transferring all components to the new chassis. This method also requires the x3850 X6 compute books be the same E7-8800 v2 processors as ordered for the RPQ, however, in this scenario, the server maintain the original serial number.

Note: Use of E7-4800 v2 processors: Intel Xeon E7-4800 v2 processors cannot be used in an x3950 X6. If your x3850 X6 has Compute Books with E7-4800 v2 processors, then these must be replaced with Compute Books with E7-8800 v2 processors if you plan to upgrade to an x3950 X6. The memory in the Compute Books can be reused in the x3950 X6, however.

For this method, submit an RPQ for assessment and pricing. The existing x3850 X6 configuration will be evaluated and recommendations will be made based on the workload requirements.

The major parts of the 4U to 8U upgrade are the 8U chassis, the Storage Book and the Primary I/O Book. All the components in the package will be installed in the top portion of the chassis. The 4U system's components will be transferred to the bottom section of the chassis.

Even though this upgrade requires a new 8U chassis replacing the existing 4U chassis, the majority of internal components can be moved from the x3850 X6 to the x3950 X6.

The x3850 X6 components that can be migrated to the x3950 X6 as part of the RPQ upgrade are:

• Compute Books, provided they use Intel Xeon E7-8800 v2 processors
• All memory DIMMs
• Storage Book
• All internal drives
• Primary I/O Book (and associated fans)
• Half-length I/O Books
• Full-length I/O Books
• All adapters
• All power supplies

The RPQ upgrade includes these parts:

• New 8U chassis and 8-socket midplane
• A second Storage Book
• A second Primary I/O Book

The RPQ upgrade may also require new parts:

• Additional Compute Books (a minimum of four Compute Books required in the x3950 X6)
• Additional power supplies (a minimum of four are required in the x3950 X6)
• Additional I/O Books, network adapters, drives as needed

There are key considerations for this upgrade:

• Processor support: Intel Xeon E7-4800 v2 processors cannot be used in an x3950 X6. If your x3850 X6 has Compute Books with E7-4800 v2 processors, then these must be replaced with Compute Books with E7-8800 v2 processors if you plan to upgrade to an x3950 X6. The memory in the Compute Books can be reused in the x3950 X6, however.
• All processors must be identical: All processors used in the x3950 X6 must be the identical. For example, all E7-8850 v2 processors. A minimum of four processors are required.
• The upgrade does result in some parts no longer being used (“parts on the floor”):
• Existing 4U chassis and 4-socket midplane
• Compute Books that are based on E7-4800 v2 processors
• Original x3850 X6 server may need to be ordered configure-to-order (CTO) or Special Bid: To minimize “parts on the floor” (parts that cannot be used in the upgraded system), the original x3850 X6 should be configured with Compute Books containin E7-8800 v2 processors. Since many standard models of the x3850 X6 (see Table 2) contain E7-4800 v2 processors, you may need to use CTO (using a configurator such as x-config) or order the server using Special Bid to create a server configuration with E7-8800 v2 processors.
• Serial number swap: The RPQ upgrade process also involves transferring the x3850 X6 serial number to the x3950 X6 chassis. This transfer makes the upgrade simpler from an asset or depreciation management point of view. This transfer also means that the old 4U chassis will be retired as it will no longer have a valid serial number.
• Power supplies: Ideally all power supplies are the 1400W variant. Regardless of the selection, the power supplies coexistence rules as decribed in the Power supplies section must be followed.
• Additional power: Depending on your workload and configuration you may need to provision for additional PDU outlets, cables and power capacity for your x3950 X6 server. Use the Power Configurator to determine your total power draw to assist you in provisioning adequate power. You can download the Power Configurator from http://ibm.com/systems/bladecenter/resources/powerconfig.html
• Additional rack space: An additional 4U of rack space is required when upgrading the x3850 X6 to the x3950 X6, for a total of 8U of rack space.
• Down time: In order to upgrade the x3850 X6 server to a x3950 X6 server you will need to allow for down time. The server will need to be completely powered off and have some of its components removed for re-installation into the new x3950 X6 server.

The x3850 X6 supports up to four Intel Xeon E7 v2 processors. Processors are installed in Compute Books, one processor in each Compute Book. The following figure shows the components of the Compute Book:

• One processor
• A total of 24 DIMM slots, 12 on each side of the book
• Two hot-swap dual-motor fans that are mounted on the front of the book

The x3850 X6 supports two or four Compute Books. Three Compute Books are not supported. A configuration of one Compute Book is only supported in standard model 3837-A4x.

Each Compute Book is installed in the front of the server, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 4. Compute Book

The following table shows the processor options. Each option includes the processor installed in a Compute Book. Compute Books with one of the E7-4800 family of processors are supported only in a four-socket x3850 X6 server and cannot be used in an x3950 X6 server.

The table also shows the maximum memory bus speed each processor supports plus which server models have each processor standard. If there is no corresponding where-used model for a particular processor, this processor is only available through CTO.

† The processors support two memory modes, RAS mode (also known as lockstep mode) and Performance mode (also known as independent mode). In Performance mode, the SMI2 link operates at twice the memory bus speed shown.
* A configuration of one processor is only supported in model 3837-A4x. No other server model or CTO configuration supports one processor.

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

The x3850 X6 supports DDR3 memory operating at speeds up to 1600 MHz. The x3850 X6 supports up to 96 DIMMs when all processors are installed, 24 DIMMs per processor. Each processor has four memory channels that are implemented using Scalable Memory Interface generation 2 (SMI2) chips, and the server implements three DIMMs per channel. The processor and the corresponding memory DIMM slots are on the Compute Book.

The following table lists the memory options that are available for x3850 X6.

Table 5. Memory options

The following rules apply when selecting the memory configuration:

• The server supports RDIMMs and LRDIMMs.
• Mixing different types of memory (RDIMMs and LRDIMMs) is not supported.
• The maximum number of ranks per one DDR3 channel is six with RDIMMs or 24 with LRDIMMs.
• In RAS (lockstep) mode, DIMMs must be installed in a pair.
• The maximum quantity of DIMMs that can be installed in the server depends on the number of processors, DIMM type, rank, and operating voltage, as shown in the "Maximum qty supported" row in the following table.
• All DIMMs in the server operate at the same speed, which is determined as the lowest value of one of the following options:
  • Memory speed that is supported by the specific processor.
  • Lowest of maximum operating speeds for 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 server also supports eXFlash DIMMs, which are also installed in the DIMM slots. The "eXFlash memory-channel storage" section describes these eXFlash DIMMs and the configuration rules.

The following table shows the characteristics of the supported DIMMs. Tables cells that are highlighted with a gray background indicate that the server supports higher memory frequencies or larger memory capacity (or both) than the Intel processor specification defines.

Memory speed: In performance mode, memory channels operate independently, and the SMI2 link operates at twice the DDR3 speed. In RAS mode, two channels operate synchronously, and the SMI2 link operates at the DDR3 speed.

* Maximum quantity supported is shown for all processors that are installed.

The following memory protection technologies are supported:

• ECC
• Chipkill (for x4-based memory DIMMs)
• Redundant bit steering (Double Device Data Correction)
• Memory mirroring
• Memory rank sparing

Chipkill and Redundant Bit Steering are supported in RAS mode. Chipkill is supported in Performance mode.

If memory mirroring is used, DIMMs must be installed in pairs for Performance mode (minimum of one pair per each processor) and quads for RAS mode. DIMMs in the pair/quad must be identical in type and size.

If memory rank sparing is used, then a minimum of 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 that are installed.

eXFlash memory-channel storage are storage offerings in the physical form of memory DIMMs. These eXFlash DIMMs are installed in memory DIMM sockets but appear to the operating system and applications as block storage devices. This new and innovative technology brings storage electrically closer to the processor subsystem, therefore improving performance considerably.

The following table shows the supported eXFlash DIMMs.

Table 7. Internal storage expansion options

The following figure shows one eXFlash DIMM installed with RDIMMs in the Compute Book.

Figure 5. eXFlash DIMM installed in the Compute Book

The following rules apply when building a server configuration with eXFlash DIMMs:

• The 200 GB and 400 GB eXFlash DIMMs cannot be mixed.
• Performance memory mode must be selected. RAS (lockstep) memory mode is not supported.
• Only RDIMMs are supported by eXFlash DIMMs; LRDIMMs are not supported
• The maximum quantities of eXFlash DIMMs are as follows:
  • One processor: 8 eXFlash DIMMs
  • Two processors: 16 eXFlash DIMMs
  • Four processors: 32 eXFlash DIMMs

For more information, visit the eXFlash DIMM support page:
http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=SERV-FLASHDM

The server supports 1.8-inch solid-state drives in the eXFlash SSD units and 2.5-inch SSDs and HDDs. Drives are installed in the Storage Book. The x3850 X6 has one Storage Book. The Storage Book supports the following configurations:

• 4x 2.5-inch hot-swap drive bays
• 8x 2.5-inch hot-swap drive bays
• 4x 2.5-inch hot-swap drive bays + 8x 1.8-inch hot-swap SSD bays
• 8x 1.8-inch hot-swap SSD bays
• 16x 1.8-inch hot-swap SSD bays

The following figure shows these configurations.

Figure 6. Internal drive configurations

Backplanes

All standard models ship with four 2.5-inch SAS/SATA hot-swap hard disk drive bays. The following table shows the internal storage expansion options that are available.

Table 8. Internal storage expansion options

The backplanes are connected to one or two RAID controllers or HBAs depending on the number and type of backplane that is installed. The adapters are installed in PCIe slots in the Storage Book, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 7. Storage Book

The following table shows the backplanes that are required per Storage Book and the number of controllers that are required. Note that the table shows the exact number of controllers supported for each drive/backplane configuration, no more, no fewer.

Table 9. Drive combinations per Storage Book

The following table lists the RAID controllers, HBAs, and additional hardware and feature upgrades that are used for internal disk storage. The adapters are installed in slots in the Storage Book.

* These M5210 features upgrades require a cache memory upgrade (47C8656, 47C8660, or 47C8664).

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 0, 1, and 10
• Supports RAID 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 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 Lenovo Press Product Guides in the RAID adapters category at the following address:
http://lenovopress.com/systemx/raid

The following tables lists hard disk drive options for internal storage.

The server does not support internal tape drive options.

The server does not support internal optical drives.

The server supports up to 11 PCIe slots plus dedicated Mezzanine LOM slot (12 total) as follows:

• In the Storage Book (standard in all models): Two PCIe 3.0 x8 slots for supported internal RAID controllers and SAS HBAs
• In the Primary I/O Book (standard in all models):
  • Two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (x16-wired), half length, full height, up to 75 W of power
  • One PCIe 3.0 x16 (x8-wired), half length, full height, up to 75 W of power
  • One mezzanine LOM 2 (ML2) slot for network adapters with the new ML2 form factor (PCIe 3.0 x8)

• Two optional I/O Books, each with three slots, all full height. Optional I/O Books are enabled for hot-swap.

The following figure shows the Primary I/O Book with the air baffle raised to show the internals.

Figure 8. Primary I/O Book

Optional I/O Books can be either of:

• Half-length I/O Book:
  • Two PCIe 3.0 x8 slots (x8 wired)
  • One PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x16 wired)
• Full-length I/O Book:
  • Two PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 wired)
  • One PCIe 2.0 x8 slot (x4 wired)

In order for an I/O Book to be hot-swappable, all adapters that are installed in the book must support hot-swap and the operating system must also support hot-swap. These operating systems support hot-swap:

• Windows Server 2008 R2
• Windows Server 2012
• Windows Server 2012 R2

The adapters listed in the following table support hot-swap.

* Hot-swap is only supported when the adapter is in pNIC mode. Hot-swap is not supported in either vNIC mode (Virtual Fabric mode or Switch Independent mode).

The usage of these Optional I/O Books requires all four processors to be installed.

The following table shows the ordering information for the optional I/O Books.

Table 17. I/O Book options

* The Full-length I/O Book can be ordered only as an option. It is not available through CTO because the Full-length I/O Book cannot be shipped installed in the server

The following figure shows the two optional I/O Books, the Half-length I/O Book and the Full-length I/O Book.

Figure 9. Half-length I/O Book and the Full-length I/O Book

The following figure shows the inside of the Half-length I/O Book.

Figure 10. Half-length I/O Book

Each slot in the Half-length I/O Book and the Full-length I/O Book supplies up to 75 W of power.

The Full-length I/O Book also includes two auxiliary power connectors. With the use of these connectors and the supplied power cords, the I/O book supports one double-wide adapter up to 300 W. The auxiliary power connectors are as follows:

• One 2x4 power connector, which supplies up to 150 W of additional power to the adapter
• One 2x3 power connector, which supplies up to 75 W of additional power to the adapter

The combined power consumption of all the adapters that are installed in the Full-length I/O Book cannot exceed 300 W.

Note: The 2x3 connector is intended to be used only when one adapter is installed in the first x16 slot (the up-most slot in the following figure), either requiring 225 W or 300 W of power. The location of the 2x3 connector prevents an adapter from being installed in the other x16 slot.

Figure 11. Full-length I/O Book

The Half-length I/O Book installs flush with the Primary I/O Book at the rear of the server. The Full-length I/O Book, when installed, adds a 99 mm (3.9 in.) mechanical extension to the base length dimension of the chassis.

The following figure shows a Full-length I/O Book and a Half-length I/O Book installed in the server.

Figure 12. I/O Books that are installed in the x3850 X6

The server supports ML2 adapters that are installed in the custom ML2 slot. This slot supports adapters with either two 10 Gb ports or four Gigabit ports and supports direct connectivity to the IMM2 service processor for out-of-band systems management.

As listed in Table 2, Model B3x includes the Broadcom NetXtreme II ML2 Dual Port 10GbE SFP+ adapter as standard. All other standard models include an Intel I350-T4 ML2 Quad Port GbE Adapter (I350-AM4 based).

The Broadcom NetXtreme II ML2 Dual Port 10GbE SFP+ Adapter has the following specifications:

• Dual-port 10 Gb Ethernet connectivity
• Broadcom BCM57810S ASIC
• SFP+ ports supporting fiber optic and direct-attach copper (DAC) cables

For more information about this adapter, see the Lenovo Press Product Guide found at the following address:
http://lenovopress.com/tips1027

The Intel I350-T4 ML2 Quad Port GbE Adapter has the following specifications:

• Quad-port 1 Gb Ethernet connectivity
• Intel I350-AM4 ASIC
• RJ45 ports for copper cables

For more information about this adapter, see the Lenovo Press Product Guide:
http://lenovopress.com/tips1155

The following table lists the supported ML2 adapters.

Table 18. ML2 adapters

The server also supports various other Ethernet and InfiniBand network adapters, as listed in the following table. The maximum quantity listed is for configurations with all processors and I/O books installed.

For more information, see the list of Lenovo Press Product Guides in the Networking adapters category found at the following address:
http://lenovopress.com/systemx/networkadapters

The following table lists the supported Fibre Channel HBAs

For more information, see the list of Lenovo Press Product Guides in the Host bus adapters category found at the following address:
http://lenovopress.com/systemx/hba

The following table lists the supported SAS HBAs and RAID adapters.

* These M5120 features upgrades require a cache memory upgrade (81Y4487, 81Y4559, or 47C8670).

The ServeRAID M5225 SAS/SATA Controller has the following specifications:

• Eight external 12 Gbps SAS/SATA ports
• Supports 12, 6, and 3 Gbps SAS and 6 and 3 Gbps SATA data transfer rates
• Two external x4 mini-SAS HD connectors (SFF-8644)
• Supports 2 GB flash-backed cache (standard)
• Supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 10, and 50 (standard)
• Supports RAID 6 and 60 with the optional M5200 Series RAID 6 Upgrade
• Supports optional M5200 Series Performance Accelerator and SSD Caching upgrades
• PCIe x8 Gen 3 host interface
• Based on the LSI SAS3108 12 Gbps ROC controller
• Supports connectivity to the EXP2512 and EXP2524 storage expansion enclosures

For more information about the ServeRAID M5225, see the Lenovo Press Product Guide at http://lenovopress.com/tips1258

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

• Eight external 6 Gbps SAS/SATA ports
• Up to 6 Gbps throughput per port
• Two external x4 mini-SAS connectors (SFF-8088)
• Supports RAID 0, 1, and 10
• Supports RAID 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 or 1 GB flash-backed cache
• PCIe 3.0 x8 host interface
• Based on the LSI SAS2208 6 Gbps ROC controller
• Supports connectivity to the EXP2512 and EXP2524 storage expansion enclosures

Cache upgrade required: The ServeRAID M5120 SAS/SATA Controller ships standard without a cache. One of the available cache upgrades (81Y4487, 81Y4559, or 47C8670) is required for the M5120 adapter operations, and it must be purchased together with the controller.

For more information about the ServeRAID M5120, see the Lenovo Press Product Guide at http://lenovopress.com/tips0858

The server supports the High IOPS SSD adapters that are listed in the following table. The maximum quantity listed is for configurations with all processors and I/O books installed.

Table 22. SSD adapters

* These adapters cannot be ordered via CTO. It can only be ordered as an option. The server cannot be shipped with this adapter installed. See http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=SERV-IO3

For more information about these adapters, see the Lenovo Press Product Guides in the Internal Storage category: http://lenovopress.com/systemx/internalstorage

The server supports the co-processors and graphics processing units (GPUs) that are listed in the following table. Each is installed in a Full-length I/O Book. No other adapter can be installed in the Full-length I/O Book. The Full-length I/O Book includes the necessary auxiliary power cables.

Notes:

• These adapters are not available through CTO and cannot be shipped installed in the server because they are installed in the Full-length I/O Book, which extends beyond the rear of the chassis (see Figure 12). These adapters must be shipped separately from the server. Order the adapter and Full-length I/O Book as separate options.
• If a NVIDIA Grid K1, Grid K2, Tesla K20, Tesla K40c, Quadro K4000 or Quadro K6000 is installed, the maximum system memory that can be installed is 1 TB.

Table 23. GPU adapters

* Not available through CTO.

The x3850 X6 server supports up to four redundant power supplies. Standard models come with one, two, or four power supplies (model dependent). The following table lists the power supplies.

Table 24. Power supplies

An AC power supply ships standard with one 2.8 m C13 - C14 power cord.

Configuration rules are as follows:

• Power supplies must be in pairs (x3850 X6) or quads (x3950 X6), with the exception of model 3837-A4x, where one power supply is supported.
• The AC power supplies can be mixed. Valid combinations for the x3850 X6 for example, are:
  • Two 44X4132 and two 44X4152
  • Two 44X4132 and two 44X4150
• It is not recommended you mix the two 1400 W options (44X4152 for low altitude and 44X4150 for high altitude) as you will nullify the high-altitude capabilities of 44X4150.
• You cannot mix the AC power supplies with the DC power supply
• Use the Power Configurator to determine exactly what power your server needs:
  http://ibm.com/systems/bladecenter/resources/powerconfig.html

The server supports VMware ESXi that is installed on a USB memory key. The key is installed in a USB socket that is on the primary I/O book inside the server. The following table lists the virtualization options.

Table 25. Virtualization options

The server contains 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 IMM2 lights LEDs to help you diagnose the problem, records the error in the event log, and alerts you to the problem. The IMM2 also provides a virtual presence capability for remote server management capabilities.

The IMM2 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 remote presence provides the following functions:

• Remotely viewing video with graphics resolutions up to 1600 x 1200 at 75 Hz with up to 23 bits per pixel colors, regardless of the system state
• Remotely accessing the server by 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 feature to assist in determining the cause of the hang condition.

The server supports the following operating systems:

• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 Server x64 Edition
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
• SUSE Enterprise Linux Server (SLES) 12
• SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 11 for AMD64/EM64T
• SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 11 with Xen for AMD64/EM64T
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 with XEN
• VMware vSphere 5.1 (ESXi)
• VMware vSphere 5.5 (ESXi)

For the latest information about the specific versions and service levels that are supported and any other prerequisites, see the Lenovo Operating System Interoperability Guide:
http://lenovopress.com/osig

Dimensions and weight:

• Height: 173 mm (6.8 in.)
• Width: 482 mm (19.0 in.)
• Depth: 804 mm (31.6 in)
• Depth with cable management brackets installed: 836 mm (32.9”)
• Depth with Full-length I/O Book installed: 921 mm (36.2 in)
• Weight:
  • Minimum configuration: 35.9 kg (79.2 lb)
  • Typical configuration: 46.4 kg (102.3 lb)
  • Maximum configuration: 54.7 kg (120 lb)

Supported environment:

• Air temperature:
  • Server on: 5 °C to 40 °C (41 °F to 104 °F); altitude: 0 - 3,050 m (10,000 ft).
  • Server off: 5 °C to 45 °C (41 °F to 113 °F); altitude: 0 - 3,050 m (10,000 ft).
  • Shipment: -40 °C to 60 °C (-40 °F to 140 °F)

• Humidity:
  • Server on: 8% - 85%, maximum dew point 24 °C
  • Server off: 8% - 85%, maximum dew point 27 °C

• Electrical:
  • Models with 1400 W AC power supplies:
    • 100 -127 (nominal) V AC; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 10 A (900 W DC output)
    • 200 - 240 (nominal) V AC; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 8 A (1400 W DC output)
    • Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA) (approximately):
      • Minimum configuration: 0.16 kVA
      • Maximum configuration: 3.2 kVA
  • Models with 900 W AC power supplies:
    • 100 - 127 (nominal) V AC; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 10.7 A
    • 200 - 240 (nominal) V AC; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 5.3 A
    • Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA) (approximately):
      • Minimum configuration: 0.16 kVA
      • Maximum configuration: 2.0 kVA
  • Models with 750 W DC power supplies:
    • -40 to -75 (nominal) V DC
    • Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA) (approximately):
      • Minimum configuration: 0.16 kVA
      • Maximum configuration: 1.7 kVA

• BTU output:
  • Minimum configuration: 546 Btu/hr (160 watts)
  • Maximum configuration: 10,912 Btu/hr (3,200 watts)

• Noise level:
  • 6.6 bels (operating)
  • 6.4 bels (idle)

The system has a three-year warranty with 24x7 standard call center support and 9x5 Next Business Day onsite coverage. Also available are Lenovo Services 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.

The following table explains warranty service definitions in more detail.

The following Lenovo warranty service upgrades are available:

• Warranty and maintenance service upgrades:
  • Three, four, or five years of 9x5 or 24x7 service coverage
  • Onsite response from next business day to 2 or 4 hours
  • Committed repair service
  • Warranty extension of up to 5 years
  • Post warranty extensions
• Committed Repair Service

  Committed Repair Services enhances the level of Warranty Service Upgrade or Post Warranty/Maintenance Service offering associated with the selected systems. Offerings vary and are available in select countries.

  • Priority handling to meet defined time frames to restore the failing machine to good working condition
  • Committed repair service levels are measured within the following coverage hours:
    • 24x7x6: Service performed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, within 6 hours
    • 24x7x8: Service performed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, within 8 hours
    • 24x7x24: Service performed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, within 24 hours
• Hard Disk Drive Retention

  Lenovo’s Hard Disk Drive Retention (HDDR) service is a multi-drive hard drive retention offering that ensures your data is always under your control, regardless of the number of hard drives that are installed in your Lenovo server. In the unlikely event of a hard drive failure, you retain possession of your hard drive while Lenovo replaces the failed drive part. Your data stays safely on your premises, in your hands. The Hard Drive Retention service can be purchased in convenient bundles with our warranty upgrades and extensions.

• Microcode Support

  Keeping microcode current helps prevent hardware failures and security exposure. There are two levels of service: analysis of the installed base and analysis and update where required. Offerings vary by region and can be bundled with other warranty upgrades and extensions.

• Remote Technical Support Services (RTS)

  RTS provides comprehensive technical call center support for covered servers, storage, operating systems, and applications. Providing a single source for support of hardware and software issues, RTS can reduce problem resolution time, decreasing the cost to address technical problems and increasing uptime. Offerings are available for Windows, Linux, IBM Systems Director, VMware, Microsoft business applications, and Lenovo System x storage devices, and IBM OEM storage devices.

The server conforms to the following regulations:

• 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, and 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, and EN61000-3-3)
• CISPR 22, Class A
• TUV-GS (EN60950-1 /IEC60950-1, EK1-ITB2000)

The server supports attachment to external drive enclosures using a RAID controller with external ports or a SAS host bus adapter. Adapters supported by the server are listed in the SAS adapters for external storage section.

For details about supported drives and cables for the Lenovo Storage E1012 and E1024, see the Lenovo Press Product Guide:
http://lenovopress.com/lp0043

The following table lists the 12 Gbps SAS external drive enclosures offered by Lenovo that can be used with the server for storage expansion.

Note: Information provided in this section is for ordering reference purposes only. For the operating system and adapter support details, refer to the interoperability matrix for a particular storage enclosure that can be found on the Lenovo Data Center Support web site:
http://datacentersupport.lenovo.com

For details about supported drives, adapters, and cables, see the following Lenovo Press Product Guides:

• Lenovo Storage D1212 and D1224
  http://lenovopress.com/lp0512
• Lenovo Storage D3284
  http://lenovopress.com/lp0513

Lenovo offers the ThinkSystem DE Series and ThinkSystem DM Series external storage systems for high-performance storage. See the DE Series and DM Series product guides for specific controller models, expansion enclosures and configuration options:

• ThinkSystem DE Series Storage
  https://lenovopress.com/storage/thinksystem/de-series#rt=product-guide
• ThinkSystem DM Series Storage
  https://lenovopress.com/storage/thinksystem/dm-series#rt=product-guide
• ThinkSystem DG Series Storage
  https://lenovopress.com/storage/thinksystem/dg-series#rt=product-guide

The following table lists the external backup options that are offered by Lenovo.

For more information, see the list of Product Guides in the Backup units category:
https://lenovopress.com/servers/options/backup

Lenovo offers the ThinkSystem DB Series of Fibre Channel SAN switches for high-performance storage expansion. See the DB Series product guides for models and configuration options:

• ThinkSystem DB Series SAN Switches:
  https://lenovopress.com/storage/switches/rack#rt=product-guide

The following table lists the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units that are offered by Lenovo.

For more information, see the list of Product Guides in the UPS category:
https://lenovopress.com/servers/options/ups

The following table lists the power distribution units (PDUs) that are offered by Lenovo.

For more information, see the Lenovo Press documents in the PDU category:
https://lenovopress.com/servers/options/pdu

The Lenovo racks supported by the server are listed in the following table.

Table 33. Rack cabinets

* No support for Full-length I/O Books

For more information, see the list of Lenovo Press Product Guides in the Rack cabinets and options category found at the following address:
http://lenovopress.com/systemx/rack

The following table lists the supported KVM consoles, keyboards, and KVM switches.

For more information, see the list of Product Guides in the KVM Switches and Consoles category:
http://lenovopress.com/servers/options/kvm

Why wait to obtain the technology you need now? No payments for 90 days and predictable, low monthly payments make it easy to budget for your Lenovo solution.

• Flexible

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• Device as a Service (DaaS)

  Leverage latest technology to advance your business. Customized solutions aligned to your needs. Flexibility to add equipment to support growth. Protect your technology with Lenovo's Premier Support service.

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  Manage your financed solutions with electronic access to your lease documents, payment histories, invoices and asset information.

• Fair Market Value (FMV) and $1 Purchase Option Leases

  Maximize your purchasing power with our lowest cost option. An FMV lease offers lower monthly payments than loans or lease-to-own financing. Think of an FMV lease as a rental. You have the flexibility at the end of the lease term to return the equipment, continue leasing it, or purchase it for the fair market value. In a $1 Out Purchase Option lease, you own the equipment. It is a good option when you are confident you will use the equipment for an extended period beyond the finance term. Both lease types have merits depending on your needs. We can help you determine which option will best meet your technological and budgetary goals.

Ask your Lenovo Financial Services representative about this promotion and how to submit a credit application. For the majority of credit applicants, we have enough information to deliver an instant decision and send a notification within minutes.

For more information, see these resources:

• Lenovo System x3850 X6 product page
  http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/systems/servers/mission-critical/x3850-x6/
• Lenovo System x3850 X6 Installation and Service Guide
  http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/systemx/documentation/topic/
  com.ibm.sysx.3837.doc/printable_doc.html
• ServerProven hardware compatibility page for the x3850 X6 and x3950 X6
  http://www.lenovo.com/us/en/serverproven/xseries/3837.shtml
• xREF: System x Reference
  http://lenovopress.com/xref
• Golden Egg Visual Diagram
  http://www.goldeneggs.fi/documents/GE-IBM-X3850X6-A.pdf