Lenovo Flex System x240 Compute Node (7162)

The Lenovo Flex System™ x240 Compute Node (machine type 7162) is a high-performance server that offers outstanding performance for virtualization with new levels of CPU performance and memory capacity, and flexible configuration options. With Intel Xeon E5-2600 v2 processors, the x240 Compute Node is an efficient server that is designed to run a broad range of workloads, armed with advanced management capabilities that allow you to manage your physical and virtual IT resources from a single pane of glass.

Suggested uses: Database, virtualization, enterprise applications, collaboration and email, streaming media, web, HPC, Microsoft RemoteFX, and cloud applications.

The Lenovo Flex System x240 Compute Node is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Lenovo Flex System x240 Compute Node

Flex System is a category of computing that integrates multiple server architectures, networking, storage, and system management capability into a single system that is easy to deploy and manage. Flex System has full built-in virtualization support of servers, storage, and networking to speed provisioning and increased resiliency. In addition, it supports open industry standards, such as operating systems, networking and storage fabrics, virtualization, and system management protocols to easily fit within existing and future data center environments. Flex System is scalable and extendable with multi-generation upgrades to protect and maximize IT investments.

The Flex System x240 Compute Node is a high-availability, scalable compute node that is optimized to support the next-generation microprocessor technology. It is ideally suited for medium and large businesses. This section describes the key features of the server.

Scalability and performance

The x240 offers the following features to boost performance, improve scalability, and reduce costs:

• Improves productivity by offering superior system performance with 12-core processors (up to 2.7 GHz core speeds), 10-core processors (up to 3.0 GHz core speeds), 8-core processors (up to 3.3 GHz core speeds), 6-core and 4-core processors (up to 3.5 GHz core speeds), up to 30 MB of L3 cache, and up to two 8 GT/s QPI interconnect links.
• Supports up to 2 processors, 24 cores, and 48 threads to maximize the concurrent execution of multithreaded applications.
• Supports up to 1866 MHz memory speeds.
• Up to 24 DIMM sockets are available for maximum scalability and performance.
• Supports up to 768 GB memory with 24x 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 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) significantly improve floating point performance for compute-intensive technical and scientific applications compared with Intel Xeon 5600 series processors.
• The theoretical maximum memory bandwidth of the Intel Xeon processor E5 family is 51.6 GBps, which is 60% more than in the previous generation of Intel Xeon processors.
• 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.
• Supports the Storage Expansion Node providing another 12 hot-swap 2.5-inch drive bays for local storage.
• Up to 32 virtual I/O ports per compute node with integrated 10 Gb Ethernet ports, offering the choice of Ethernet, iSCSI, or Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) connectivity.
• The x240 offers PCI Express 3.0 I/O expansion capabilities that improve the theoretical maximum bandwidth by 60% (8 GT/s per link), compared with the previous generation of PCI Express 2.0.
• With Intel Integrated I/O Technology, the PCI Express 3.0 controller is integrated into the Intel Xeon processor E5 family. This integration helps to dramatically reduce I/O latency and increase overall system performance.
• Support for high-bandwidth I/O adapters, up to two in each x240 Compute Node. Support for 10 Gb Ethernet, 16 Gb Fibre Channel, and FDR InfiniBand.
• Supports the PCIe Expansion Node for support for up to six more I/O adapters.

Availability and serviceability

The x240 provides the following features to simplify serviceability and increase system uptime:

• Chipkill, memory mirroring, and memory rank sparing for redundancy if there is a non-correctable memory failure.
• Tool-less cover removal provides easy access to upgrades and serviceable parts, such as CPU, memory, and adapters.
• Hot-swap drives supporting integrated RAID 1 redundancy for data protection and greater system uptime.
• A light path diagnostics panel and individual light path LEDs to quickly lead the technician to failed (or failing) components. This panel and LEDs simplify servicing, speed up problem resolution, and helps improve system availability.
• Predictive Failure Analysis (PFA), which detects when system components (such as processors, memory, and hard disk drives) operate outside of standard thresholds and generates pro-active alerts in advance of possible failure, therefore increasing uptime.
• SSDs, which 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 recovering actions in case of failures to minimize downtime.
• Built-in diagnostics that uses 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 are available.

Manageability and security

The following powerful systems management features simplify local and remote management of the x240:

• The x240 includes an Integrated Management Module II (IMM2) to monitor server availability and perform remote management.
• Integrated industry-standard Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) enables improved set up, configuration, and updates, and simplifies error handling.
• Integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 support enables advanced cryptographic functionality, such as digital signatures and remote attestation.
• Industry-standard AES NI support for faster, stronger encryption.
• Integrates with the IBM® Flex System™ Manager for proactive systems management. It offers comprehensive systems management for the entire Flex System platform that help to increase up-time, 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, which allows an application to run in its own isolated space protected from all other software running on a system.

Energy efficiency

The x240 offers the following energy-efficiency features to save energy, reduce operational costs, increase energy availability, and contribute to the green environment:

• Component-sharing design of the Flex System chassis provides ultimate power and cooling savings.
• The Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 v2 product family offers significantly better performance over the E5-2600 family 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 demands of power and thermally constrained data centers and telecommunication environments.
• Low-voltage 1.35 V DDR3 memory RDIMMs use 15% less energy than 1.5 V DDR3 RDIMMs.
• SSDs use as much as 80% less power than traditional spinning 2.5-inch HDDs.
• The x240 uses hexagonal ventilation holes, which are a part of Calibrated Vectored Cooling™ technology. Hexagonal holes can be grouped more densely than round holes, which provides more efficient airflow through the system.

The front of the server is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Front view of the Flex System x240 Compute Node

The locations of key components inside the server are shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3. Inside view of the Flex System x240 Compute Node

The standard specifications are listed in the following table.

The x240 servers are shipped with the following items:

• Statement of Limited Warranty
• Important Notices
• Documentation CD that contains the Installation and User's Guide

The standard models are listed in Table 2.

Table 2. Standard models

* Processor detail: Processor quantity, model, cores, core speed, L3 cache, memory speed, and power TDP rating.
† The 2.5-inch drive bays can be replaced and expanded with 1.8-inch SSD bays and a ServeRAID M5115 RAID controller to support up to eight 1.8-inch SSDs.
‡ The x4x models include an Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Ethernet controller; connections are routed by using a Fabric Connector. The Fabric Connector precludes the use of an I/O adapter in I/O connector 1.

The Lenovo Flex System x240 Compute Node (machine type 7162) is supported in the Flex System chassis as listed in the following table.

Table 3. Chassis support

Up to 14 x240 Compute Nodes can be installed in the chassis; however, the actual number that can be installed in a chassis depends on the following factors:

• The TDP power rating for the processors that are installed in the x240
• The number of power supplies that are installed in the chassis
• The capacity of the power supplies that are installed (2100 W or 2500 W)
• The chassis power redundancy policy that is used (N+1 or N+N)

The following table provides guidelines about the number of x240 Compute Nodes that can be installed. For more information, use the Power Configurator that is available at this website:
http://ibm.com/systems/bladecenter/resources/powerconfig.html

Consider the following points about the table:

• Green = No restriction on the number of x240 Compute Nodes that can be installed
• Yellow = Some bays must be left empty in the chassis

Table 4. Maximum number of x240 Compute Nodes installable based on power supplies installed and power redundancy policy used

The x240 supports the processor options that are listed in the following table. The server supports one or two processors. The table also lists which server models have each processor standard, if any.

Table 4. Processor options

* The first feature code is for processor 1 and second feature code is for processor 2.
** Use of the Intel Xeon E5-2667 v2 processor in the Flex System x240 Compute Node is limited to 30 °C up to 914 m (3000 feet). Above 914 m (3000 feet), a de-rating of 1 °C for every 182 m (600 feet) should be applied. Use of the ServeRAID M5115 SAS/SATA RAID Controller with the E5-2667 v2 processor is not supported. Flex System configurations that use the E5-2667 v2 processor operate at acoustic levels that are significantly greater than typical Flex System levels, and the following noise hazard warning might apply: "Notice: Government regulations (such as those prescribed by OSHA or European Community Directives) may govern noise level exposure in the workplace and may apply to you and your server installation. The actual sound pressure levels in your installation depend upon a variety of factors, including the number of racks in the installation; the size, materials, and configuration of the room; the noise levels from other equipment; the room ambient temperature, and employees’ location in relation to the equipment. Further, compliance with such government regulations also depends upon a variety of additional factors, including the duration of employees’ exposure and whether employees wear hearing protection. Lenovo recommends that you consult with qualified experts in this field to determine whether you are in compliance with the applicable regulations."

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

The memory options that are available for the x240 compute node with E5-2600 v2 processors are listed in the following table. DIMMs can be installed one at a time, but they should be installed in sets of four (one for each of the four memory channels) for performance reasons.

Table 5. Memory options for the x240 with E5-2600 v2 processors

The x240 supports Low Profile (LP) DDR3 memory RDIMMs, UDIMMs, and LRDIMMs. 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 the memory configuration is selected:

• Mixing 1.5 V and 1.35 V DIMMs in the same server is supported. In such a case, all DIMMs operate at 1.5 V.
• Mixing of different types of DIMMs (UDIMM , RDIMM and LRDIMM) in the same server is not supported.
• A maximum of eight ranks is supported per channel.
• The maximum quantity of DIMMs that can be installed in the server depends on the number of CPUs, DIMM rank, and operating voltage, as shown in the "Max. qty supported" row in the following table. The shaded cells indicate that the DIMM type supports the maximum number of DIMMs (24 for the x240).
• All DIMMs in all CPU memory channels operate at the same speed, which is determined as the lowest value of the following factors:
  • Memory speed that is supported by specific CPU.
  • Lowest maximum operating speed for the selected memory configuration that depends on rated speed, as shown under the "Max. operating speed" section in the following table. The shaded cells indicate that the indicated speed is the maximum that the DIMM allows.

The following two tables (Part 1 and Part 2) show the maximum memory speeds that are achievable based on the installed DIMMs and the number of DIMMs per channel. The tables also show maximum memory capacity at any speed supported by the DIMM and maximum memory capacity at rated DIMM speed. In the tables, cells that are highlighted in gray indicate when the specific combination of DIMM voltage and number of DIMMs per channel still allows the DIMMs to operate at rated speed.

Table 6. Maximum memory speeds (Part 1: UDIMMs and LRDIMMs)

* The maximum supported quantity is shown for two processors installed. When one processor is installed, the maximum quantity quantity is half of that shown.
† NS = Not supported. UDIMMs only support up to 2 DIMMs per channel.

Table 7. Maximum memory speeds (Part 2: Single-rank and dual-rank RDIMMs)

† The maximum quantity quantity that is shown for two processors installed. When one processor is installed, the maximum quantity quantity is half of that shown.
* 00D5044 (8 GB) operates at 1066 MHz at three DIMMs per channel; 46W0672 (16 GB) operates at 1333 MHz at three DIMMs per channel
** 00D5028 (4 GB) and 00D5040 (8 GB) operate at 1066 MHz at three DIMMs per channel; 00D5048 (16 GB) operates at 1333 MHz at three DIMMs per channel

The following memory protection technologies are supported:

• ECC
• Chipkill (for x4-based memory DIMMs; look for "x4" in the DIMM description)
• Memory mirroring
• Memory sparing

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

If memory rank sparing is used, 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 to be 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.

The x240 server has two 2.5-inch hot-swap drive bays that are accessible from the front of the blade server (as shown in Figure 2). These bays connect to the integrated LSI SAS2004 6 Gbps SAS/SATA RAID-on-Chip (ROC) controller.

The integrated LSI SAS2004 ROC include the following features:

• A 4-port LSI SAS2004 controller with 6 Gbps throughput per port
• PCIe x4 Gen 2 host interface
• Two SAS ports that are routed internally to the two hot-swap drive bays
• Supports RAID-0, RAID-1 and RAID-1E

The x240 also supports up to eight 1.8-inch drives with the addition of the ServeRAID M5115 controller and SSD tray hardware. These components are described in the next section.

Supported drives are listed in the Internal drive options section.

The x240 supports up to eight 1.8-inch SSDs combined with a ServeRAID M5115 SAS/SATA controller (part number 90Y4390). The M5115 attaches to the I/O adapter 1 connector and can be attached, even if the Compute Node Fabric Connector is installed (used to route the Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter to bays 1 and 2, as described in "I/O expansion options"). The ServeRAID M5115 cannot be installed if an adapter is installed in I/O adapter slot 1.

The ServeRAID M5115 supports the following combinations of 2.5-inch drives and 1.8-inch SSDs:

• Up to two 2.5-inch drives only
• Up to four 1.8-inch drives only
• Up to two 2.5-inch drives and up to four 1.8-inch SSDs
• Up to eight 1.8-inch SSDs

The ServeRAID M5115 SAS/SATA Controller (part number 90Y4390) provides an advanced RAID controller that supports RAID 0, 1, 10, 5, 50, and optional 6 and 60. It includes 1 GB of cache, which can be backed up to Flash when attached to the supercapacitor that is included with the optional ServeRAID M5100 Series Enablement Kit (part number 90Y4342).

At least one hardware kit is required with the ServeRAID M5115 controller. There are three hardware kits that are supported that enable specific drive support.

The ordering information for the controller and hardware kits is listed in the following table.

Table 8. ServeRAID M5115 and hardware kits

The hardware kits include the following features:

• ServeRAID M5100 Series Enablement Kit for Flex System x240 (part number 90Y4342)

  This kit enables support for up to two 2.5-inch HDDs or SSDs in the hot-swap bays in the front of the server. It includes a CacheVault unit, which enables MegaRAID CacheVault flash cache protection. This enablement kit replaces the standard two-bay backplane (which is attached via the planar to an onboard controller) with a new backplane that attaches to an included flex cable to the M5115 controller. It also includes an air baffle, which also serves as an attachment for the CacheVault unit.

  MegaRAID CacheVault flash cache protection uses NAND flash memory that is powered by a supercapacitor to protect data stored in the controller cache. This module eliminates the need for a lithium-ion battery that is commonly used to protect DRAM cache memory on PCI RAID controllers. To avoid the possibility of data loss or corruption during a power or server failure, CacheVault technology transfers the contents of the DRAM cache to NAND flash by using power from the supercapacitor. After the power is restored to the RAID controller, the saved data is transferred from the NAND flash back to the DRAM cache, which can then be flushed to disk.

  Tip: The Enablement Kit is required only if 2.5-inch drives are to be used. This kit is not required if you plan to install four or eight 1.8-inch SSDs only.

• ServeRAID M5100 Series Flex System Flash Kit v2 for x240 (part number 47C8808)

  This kit enables support for up to four 1.8-inch SSDs. This kit replaces the standard two-bay backplane with a four-bay SSD backplane that attaches to an included flex cable to the M5115 controller. Because only SSDs are supported, a CacheVault unit is not required; therefore, this kit does not have a supercap. This v2 kit provides support for the latest high-performance SSDs.

  Note: The original ServeRAID M5100 Series Flex System Flash Kit for x240, 90Y4341 is not supported.

• ServeRAID M5100 Series SSD Expansion Kit for Flex System x240 (pert number 90Y4391)

  This kit enables support for up to four internal 1.8-inch SSDs. This kit includes two air baffles (left and right), which can attach two 1.8-inch SSD attachment locations and Flex cables for attachment to up to four 1.8-inch SSDs.

  Note: The SSD Expansion Kit cannot be installed if the USB Enablement Kit (part number 49Y8119) is installed because these kits occupy the same location in the server.

The required kits for each combination of drives are listed in the following table. For example, if you plan to install eight 1.8-inch SSDs, you need the M5115 controller, Flash kit, and SSD Expansion kit.

Table 9. ServeRAID M5115 hardware kit usage matrix

How the ServeRAID M5115 and the Enablement Kit are installed in the server to support two 2.5-inch drives with MegaRAID CacheVault flash cache protection (row 1 of the preceding table) is shown in the following figure.

Figure 4. The ServeRAID M5115 and the Enablement Kit installed

How the ServeRAID M5115 and Flash and SSD Expansion Kits are installed in the server to support eight 1.8-inch SSDs (row 4 of the preceding table) is shown in the following table.

Figure 5. ServeRAID M5115 with Flash and SSD Expansion Kits installed

The eight SSDs are installed in the following locations:

• Four in the front of the system in place of the two 2.5-inch drive bays
• Two in a tray above one of the memory banks for CPU 1
• Two in a tray above one of the memory banks for CPU 2

The ServeRAID M5115 controller features the following specifications:

• Eight internal 6 Gbps SAS/SATA ports
• PCI Express 3.0 x8 host interface
• 6 Gbps throughput per port
• 800 MHz dual-core IBM PowerPC® processor with LSI SAS2208 6 Gbps RAID on Chip (ROC) controller
• Support for RAID levels 0, 1, 10, 5, 50 standard; support for RAID 6 and 60 with optional upgrade using 90Y4411
• Onboard 1 GB data cache (DDR3 running at 1333 MHz) with optional flash backup (MegaRAID CacheVault technology) as part of the Enablement Kit 90Y4342.
• Support for SAS and SATA HDDs and SSDs
• Support for intermixing SAS and SATA HDDs and SSDs; mixing different types of drives in the same array (drive group) is not recommended
• Support for self-encrypting drives (SEDs) with MegaRAID SafeStore
• Optional support for SSD performance acceleration with MegaRAID FastPath and SSD caching with MegaRAID CacheCade Pro 2.0 (part number 90Y4447)
• Support for up to 64 virtual drives, up to 128 drive groups, up to 16 virtual drives per one drive group, and up to 32 physical drives per one drive group
• Support for logical unit number (LUN) sizes up to 64 TB
• Configurable stripe size up to 1 MB
• Compliant with Disk Data Format (DDF) configuration on disk (COD)
• S.M.A.R.T. support
• MegaRAID Storage Manager management software

Optional add-ons to the ServeRAID M5115 controller are RAID 6 support, SSD performance accelerator, and SSD caching enabler. The feature upgrades (which are FoD license upgrades) are as listed in the following table.

Table 10. Supported upgrade features

These upgrades include the following features:

• RAID 6 Upgrade (part number 90Y4410)

  Adds support for RAID 6 and RAID 60. This is an FoD license.

• Performance Upgrade (part number 90Y4412)

  The Performance Upgrade for Flex System (which is implemented by using the LSI MegaRAID FastPath software) provides high-performance I/O acceleration for SSD-based virtual drives by exploiting an extremely low-latency I/O path to increase the maximum I/O per second (IOPS) capability of the controller. This feature boosts the performance of applications with a highly random data storage access pattern, such as transactional databases. This part number is an FoD license.

• SSD Caching Enabler for traditional hard drives (part number 90Y4447)

  The SSD Caching Enabler for Flex System (implemented by using the LSI MegaRAID CacheCade Pro 2.0) is designed to accelerate the performance of HDD arrays with only an incremental investment in SSD technology. The feature enables the SSDs to be configured as a dedicated cache to help maximize the I/O performance for transaction-intensive applications, such as databases and web serving. The feature tracks data storage access patterns and identifies the most frequently accessed data. The hot data is then automatically stored on the SSDs that are assigned as a dedicated cache pool on the ServeRAID controller. This part number is an FoD license. This feature requires at least one SSD drive be installed.

  Note: Not all SSDs support SSD Caching Enabler (CacheCade) feature. For more information, see this website:
  http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-5094754

The 2.5" drive bays support SAS or SATA hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs). The following table lists the supported 2.5" drive options that are currently available.

The x240 supports the attachment of the Flex System Storage Expansion Node. The Flex System Storage Expansion Node provides the ability to attach 12 more hot-swap 2.5-inch HDDs or SSDs locally to the attached compute node. The Storage Expansion Node provides storage capacity for Network Attach Storage (NAS) workloads, which provides flexible storage to match capacity, performance, and reliability needs.

Model 7162-HBx includes the Storage Expansion Node as standard as listed in Table 2. All other models support the SEN as an option.

The following figure shows the Flex System Storage Expansion Node attached to a compute node.

Figure 6. Flex System Storage Expansion Node (right) attached to a compute node (left)

The ordering information for the Storage Expansion Node is listed in the following table.

Table 12. Ordering part number and feature code

The Storage Expansion Node includes the following features:

• Connects directly to supported compute nodes via a PCIe 3.0 interface to the compute node's expansion connector (for more information, see Figure 3)
• Support for 12 hot-swap 2.5-inch drive, accessible via a sliding tray
• Support for 6 Gbps SAS and SATA drives (HDDs and SSDs)
• Based on an LSI SAS2208 6 Gbps RAID on Chip (ROC) controller
• Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and 50 as standard. JBOD also supported. Optional RAID 6 and 60 with an FoD upgrade.
• Optional 512 MB or 1 GB cache with cache-to-flash super capacitor offload

Note: The use of the Storage Expansion Node requires that the x240 Compute Node have both processors installed.

For more information, see the Lenovo Press Product Guide, which is available at this website:
http://lenovopress.com/tips0914

The server does not support an internal tape drive. However, it can be attached to external tape drives by using Fibre Channel connectivity.

The server does not support an internal optical drive option; however, you can connect an external USB optical drive. For information about available external optical drives from Lenovo, see this website:
http://support.lenovo.com/en/documents/pd011281

Note: The USB port on the compute nodes supply up to 0.5 A at 5 V. For devices that require more power, another power source is required.

Some models of the x240 (those with a model of the form 7162-x4x) include an Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter (VFA, also known as LAN on Motherboard or LOM) built into the system board. The models of the x240 that include the Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter are listed in Table 2. Each x240 model that includes the embedded 10Gb VFA also has the Compute Node Fabric Connector installed in I/O connector 1 (and physically screwed onto the system board) to provide connectivity to the Enterprise Chassis midplane. Figure 3 shows the location of the Fabric Connector.

The Fabric Connector enables port 1 on the embedded 10Gb VFA to be routed to I/O module bay 1 and port 2 to be routed to I/O module bay 2. The Fabric Connector can be unscrewed and removed (if required) to allow the installation of an I/O adapter on I/O connector 1.

The Embedded 10Gb VFA is based on the Emulex BladeEngine 3R (BE3R), which is a single-chip, dual-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) Ethernet Controller.

The Embedded 10Gb VFA includes the following features:

• PCI-Express Gen2 x8 host bus interface
• Supports connection to 10 Gb and 1 Gb Flex System Ethernet switches
• Supports multiple virtual NIC (vNIC) functions
• TCP/IP Offload Engine (TOE enabled)
• SR-IOV capable
• RDMA over TCP/IP capable
• iSCSI and FCoE upgrade offering via FoD

The ordering information for the Virtual Fabric Advanced Software Upgrade (LOM), which enables the iSCSI and FCoE support on the Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter, is listed in the following table.

Table 13. FoD upgrade for FCoE and iSCSI support

The x240 has two I/O expansion connectors for attaching I/O adapters. There is a third expansion connector that is designed to connect an expansion node, such as the PCIe Expansion Node. The I/O expansion connectors are a high-density, 216-pin PCIe connector. Installing I/O adapters allows the server to connect with switch modules in the Flex System Enterprise Chassis. Each slot has a PCI Express 3.0 x16 host interface and both slots support the same form-factor adapters.

The location of the I/O expansion connectors is shown in the following figure.

Figure 7. Location of the I/O adapter slots in the Flex System x240 Compute Node

All I/O adapters are the same shape and can be used in any available slot.. A compatible switch or pass-through module must be installed in the corresponding I/O bays in the chassis, as listed in the following table. Installing two switches means that all ports of the adapter are enabled, which improves performance and network availability.

Table 14. Adapter to I/O bay correspondence

The location of the switch bays in the Flex System Enterprise Chassis is shown in the following figure.

Figure 8. Location of the switch bays in the Flex System Enterprise Chassis

How two-port adapters are connected to switches that are installed in the chassis is shown in the following figure.

Figure 9. Logical layout of the interconnects between I/O adapters and I/O modules

As described in "Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter," certain models (those with a model number of the form 7162-x4x) have a 10Gb Ethernet controller on the system board. Its ports are routed to the midplane and switches installed in the chassis via a Compute Note Fabric Connector that takes the place of an adapter in I/O slot 1.

Models without the Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter (those with a model number of the form 7162-x2x) do not include any other Ethernet connections to the Enterprise Chassis midplane as standard. Therefore, for those models, an I/O adapter must be installed in I/O connector 1 or I/O connector 2 to provide network connectivity between the server and the chassis midplane and, ultimately, to the network switches.

The supported network adapters and upgrades are listed in the following table. Adapters can be installed in either slot. However, compatible switches must be installed in the corresponding bays of the chassis. All adapters can also be installed in the PCIe Expansion Node. The number of adapter than can be installed in the server and in the PCIe Expansion Node (PEN) is indicated in the "Maximum supported" column.

Table 15. Network adapters

* Withdrawn from marketing
** For x4x models (where the Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter standard), only one extra adapter can be installed in the compute node.

For more information about adapter-to-switch compatibility, see the Flex System Interoperability Guide that is available at this website:
http://lenovopress.com/fsig

The storage HBAs that are supported by the x240 server (internally in the compute node and in the PCIe Expansion Node) are listed in the following table.

Table 16. Storage adapters

* For x4x models (where the Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter standard) and for xMx models (where a CN4022 2-port 10Gb Converged Adapter is standard), only one extra adapter can be installed in the compute node.

For more information about adapter-to-switch compatibility, see the Flex System Interoperability Guide that is available at this website:
http://lenovopress.com/fsig

The compute node supports the PCIe Flash Storage Adapters when installed in an attached PCIe Expansion Node (PEN), however the PEN is now withdrawn from marketing.

For customers who already have x240 compute nodes with attached PCIe Expansion Nodes, see the PCIe Expansion Node Product Guide for details about supported adapters: https://lenovopress.com/tips0906-flex-system-pcie-expansion-node

The compute node supports GPUs when installed in an attached PCIe Expansion Node (PEN), however the PEN is now withdrawn from marketing.

For customers who already have x240 compute nodes with attached PCIe Expansion Nodes, see the PCIe Expansion Node Product Guide for details about supported adapters: https://lenovopress.com/tips0906-flex-system-pcie-expansion-node

Server power is derived from the power supplies that are installed in the chassis. There are no server options regarding power supplies.

The x240 supports the ESXi hypervisor on a USB memory key via the x240 USB Enablement Kit. This kit offers two internal USB ports. The x240 USB Enablement Kit and the supported USB memory keys are listed in the following table.

Table 17. Virtualization options

There are two types of USB keys, preloaded keys or blank keys. By using blank keys, you can download a Lenovo customized version of ESXi and load it onto the key. Preload keys are shipped with a specific version of ESXi already loaded. The x240 supports one or two keys installed, but only the following combinations:

• One preload key
• One blank key
• One preload key and one blank key
• Two blank keys

Note: A two preload keys combination is not supported.

Having two keys installed provides a backup boot device. Both devices are listed in the boot menu, which allows you to boot from either device or to set one as a backup in case the first one gets corrupted.

Installing two preloaded keys prevents ESXi from booting. For more information, see this website:
http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1035107

Note: The x240 USB Enablement Kit and USB memory keys are not supported if the SSD Expansion Kit (part number 90Y4391) is installed because these kits occupy the same location in the server.

For quick problem determination when located physically at the server, the x240 offers the following three-step guided path:

1. The Fault LED on the front panel.
2. The light path diagnostics panel, as shown in the following figure.
3. LEDs next to key components on the system board.

The x240 light path diagnostics panel is visible when you remove the server from the chassis. The panel is on the top, right-hand side of the compute node, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 10. Location of x240 light path diagnostics panel

To illuminate the light path diagnostics LEDs, power off the compute node, slide it out of the chassis, and press the power button. The power button doubles as the light path diagnostics remind button when the server is removed from the chassis.

The meanings of the LEDs in the light path diagnostics panel are listed in the following table.

Table 18. Light path diagnostic panel LEDs

Lenovo XClarity Administrator is a centralized resource management solution designed to reduce complexity, speed response, and enhance the availability of Lenovo systems and solutions.

Lenovo XClarity Administrator provides agent-free hardware management for ThinkServer, System x and Flex System servers. The administration dashboard, shown in the following figure, based on HTML 5, allows fast location of resources so tasks can be run quickly.

Figure 11. Lenovo XClarity Administrator dashboard

Because Lenovo XClarity Administrator does not include any agent software that must be installed on the managed endpoints, there are no CPU cycles spent on agent execution and no memory is used, which means that up to 1GB of RAM and 1 - 2% CPU usage is saved, compared to a typical managed system where an agent is required.

Lenovo XClarity Administrator supports the following functions with Flex System systems:

• Discovery
• Inventory
• Monitoring and alerting
• Call home
• Centralized user management
• Cryptography modes, server certificates, and encapsulation
• Configuration patterns
• Operating system deployment
• Firmware updates

For more information about Lenovo XClarity Administrator, including ordering part numbers, see the Lenovo XClarity Administrator Product Guide:
https://lenovopress.com/tips1200-lenovo-xclarity-administrator

The server contains an IMM2, which interfaces with the advanced management module in the chassis. The combination of these components provides advanced service-processor control, monitoring, and an alerting function. If an environmental condition exceeds a threshold or if a system component fails, LEDs on the system board are lit to help you diagnose the problem, the error is recorded in the event log, and you are alerted to the problem. A virtual presence capability comes standard for remote server management.

Remote server management is provided through the following 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 server also supports virtual media and remote control features, which provide 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 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 IMM2 memory and mapping it to the server as a virtual drive
• Capturing blue-screen errors

The server supports the following operating systems:

• Microsoft Windows Server 2012
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.6 x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.7 x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.8 x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.10 x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.0
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.1
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.2
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.3
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.4
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.5
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.6
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.7
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.8
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.9
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Xen x64 SP3
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Xen x64 SP4
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 x64 SP3
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 x64 SP4
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP1
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP2
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP3
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 Xen
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 Xen SP1
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 Xen SP2
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 Xen SP3
• VMware ESXi 5.5 U2
• VMware ESXi 5.5 U3
• VMware ESXi 6.0
• VMware ESXi 6.0 U1
• VMware ESXi 6.0 U2
• VMware ESXi 6.0 U3

For a complete list of supported, certified and tested operating systems, plus additional details and links to relevant web sites, see the Operating System Interoperability Guide: https://lenovopress.com/osig#servers=x240-7162

The Flex System x240 Compute Node features the following dimensions and weight (approximate):

• Height: 56 mm (2.2 in)
• Depth: 492 mm (19.4 in)
• Width: 217 mm (8.6 in)
• Maximum weight: 7.1 kg (15.6 lb)

The Flex System x240 Compute Node features the following shipping dimensions and weight (approximate):

• Height: 197 mm (7.8 in)
• Depth: 603 mm (23.7 in)
• Width: 430 mm (16.9 in)
• Weight: 8 kg (17.6 lb)

The Flex System x240 Compute Node complies with ASHRAE Class A3 specifications and is supported in the following operating environment:

• Power on:

• Temperature: 5 - 40 °C (41 - 104 °F)
• Humidity, non-condensing: -12 °C dew point (10.4 °F) and 8 - 85% relative humidity
• Maximum dew point: 24 °C (75 °F)
• Maximum altitude: 3048 m (10,000 ft)
• Maximum rate of temperature change: 5 °C/hr (41 °F/hr)

• Power off:

• Temperature: 5 - 45 °C (41 - 113 °F)
• Relative humidity: 8 - 85%
• Maximum dew point: 27 °C (80.6 °F)

• Storage (non-operating):

• Temperature: 1 - 60 °C (33.8 - 140 °F)
• Altitude: 3050 m (10,006 ft)
• Relative humidity: 5 - 80%
• Maximum dew point: 29 °C (84.2°F)

• Shipment (non-operating):

• Temperature: -40 - 60 °C (-40 - 140 °F)
• Altitude: 10,700 m (35,105 ft)
• Relative humidity: 5 - 100%
• Maximum dew point: 29 °C (84.2 °F)

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 standards:

• ASHRAE Class A3
• FCC - Verified to comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules Class A
• Canada ICES-004, issue 3 Class A
• UL/IEC 60950-1
• CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1
• NOM-019
• Argentina IEC 60950-1
• Japan VCCI, 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
• Australia/New Zealand AS/NZS CISPR 22, Class A
• Korea KN22, Class A, KN24
• Russia/GOST ME01, IEC 60950-1, GOST R 51318.22, GOST R
• 51318.249, 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/IEC 60950-1, EK1-ITB2000)

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

  Our in-depth knowledge of the products, services and various market segments allows us to offer greater flexibility in structures, documentation and end of lease options.

• 100% Solution Financing

  Financing your entire solution including hardware, software, and services, ensures more predictability in your project planning with fixed, manageable payments and low monthly payments.

• 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.

• 24/7 Asset management

  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 the following resources:

• Flex System Information Center:
  http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/flexsys/information/index.jsp
• Flex System x240 Compute Node Installation and Service Guide:
  http://pic.dhe.ibm.com/infocenter/flexsys/information/topic/com.ibm.acc.8737.doc/printable_doc.html
• ServerProven for Flex System:
  http://www.lenovo.com/us/en/serverproven/flexsystem.shtml
• Operating System Interoperability Guide:
  http://lenovopress.com/osig
• Flex System Interoperability Guide:
  http://lenovopress.com/fsig
• xREF - System x Reference Sheets:
  http://lenovopress.com/xref
• US Announcement Letter:
  http://ibm.com/common/ssi/cgi-bin/ssialias?infotype=dd&subtype=ca&&htmlfid=897/ENUS113-198