IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node Installation and maintenance instructions

Power Systems
IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node
Installation and Service Guide
IBM

Power Systems
IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node
Installation and Service Guide
IBM

Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, read the information in “Safety notices” on page v, “Notices,” on
page 487, the IBM Systems Safety Notices manual, G229-9054, and the IBM Environmental Notices and User Guide, Z125–5823.
This edition applies to IBM Power Systems servers that contain the POWER7 processor and to all associated
models.
© Copyright IBM Corporation 2013, 2015.
US Government Users Restricted Rights – Use, duplication or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract
with IBM Corp.

Contents
Safety notices ............ v
Chapter 1. Introduction ........ 1
Product registration ............ 1
Related documentation ........... 3
IBM documentation CD .......... 4
Hardware and software requirements ..... 4
Using the documentation browser ...... 4
Notices and statements ........... 5
Features and specifications of the IBM Flex System
p270 Compute Node............ 5
What your compute node offers ........ 7
Chapter 2. Power, controls, indicators,
and connectors ........... 9
Compute node control panel button and LEDs ... 9
Turning on the compute node ........ 10
Turning off the compute node ........ 11
System-board layouts ........... 11
System-board connectors ......... 12
System-board LEDs........... 13
Input/output connectors and devices..... 14
Chapter 3. Configuring the compute
node................ 15
Updating the firmware .......... 16
Starting the TEMP image ......... 18
Verifying the system firmware levels ..... 18
Using the SMS utility ........... 18
Starting the SMS utility ......... 19
SMS utility menu choices ......... 19
Creating a CE login............ 19
Configuring processor cores ......... 20
MAC addresses for integrated Ethernet controllers 21
Configuring a RAID array ......... 21
Chapter 4. Installing the operating
system............... 23
Locating the installation instructions ...... 23
Installing service and productivity tools for Linux 25
Chapter 5. Accessing the service
processor ............. 27
Chapter 6. Installing and removing
components ............ 29
Returning a device or component ....... 29
Installation guidelines ........... 29
System reliability guidelines ........ 30
Handling static-sensitive devices ...... 30
Removing the compute node from an IBM Flex
System Enterprise Chassis ......... 31
Reseating the compute node in a chassis..... 32
Removing and replacing tier 1 CRUs ...... 32
Removing the compute node cover ..... 33
Installing and closing the compute node cover.. 34
Removing a SAS hard disk drive ...... 36
Installing a SAS hard disk drive ...... 37
Removing a solid-state drive carrier ..... 38
Installing a solid-state drive carrier ..... 40
Removing a SATA solid-state drive ..... 42
Installing a SATA solid-state drive ...... 43
Removing a DIMM ........... 44
Installing a DIMM ........... 47
Supported DIMMs ........... 48
Removing an I/O expansion adapter ..... 49
Installing an I/O expansion adapter ..... 52
Removing the battery .......... 56
Installing the battery .......... 56
Removing and replacing tier 2 CRUs ...... 58
Removing the management card ...... 58
Installing the management card ...... 60
Obtaining a PowerVM Virtualization Engine
system technologies activation code ..... 63
Removing the light path diagnostics panel ... 66
Installing the light path diagnostics panel ... 67
Removing and replacing FRUs (trained service
technician only) ............. 69
Removing a microprocessor and heat sink ... 69
Installing a microprocessor and heat sink ... 75
Replacing the system-board and chassis assembly 83
Completing the installation ......... 90
Installing and closing the compute node cover.. 91
Installing the compute node in an IBM Flex
System Enterprise Chassis ........ 92
Chapter 7. Parts listing for IBM Flex
System p270 Compute Node ..... 95
Chapter 8. Troubleshooting ...... 99
Introduction .............. 99
Solving problems ............ 99
Diagnostics .............. 101
Diagnostic tools ........... 101
Collecting dump data ......... 103
Location codes ............ 103
Reference codes ........... 106
System reference codes (SRCs)...... 107
1xxxyyyy SRCs .......... 108
6xxxyyyy SRCs .......... 119
A1xxyyyy service processor SRCs ... 125
A2xxyyyy logical partition SRCs .... 125
A6xxyyyy licensed internal code or
hardware event SRCs........ 126
A7xxyyyy licensed internal code SRCs .. 129
AAxxyyyy partition firmware attention
codes ............. 131
B1xxyyyy service processor SRCs.... 134
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2013, 2015 iii

B2xxyyyy logical partition SRCs .... 137
B6xxyyyy licensed internal code or
hardware event SRCs........ 157
B7xxyyyy licensed internal code SRCs .. 160
BAxxyyyy partition firmware SRCs ... 180
POST progress codes (checkpoints) .... 224
C1xxyyyy service processor checkpoints 225
C2xxyyyy virtual service processor
checkpoints ........... 241
IPL status progress codes ...... 252
C7xxyyyy compute node firmware IPL
status checkpoints ......... 252
CAxxyyyy partition firmware checkpoints 253
D1xx1yyy service processor dump status
codes ............. 280
D1xx3yzz service processor dump codes 288
D1xx9yyy to D1xxCyyy service processor
power-off checkpoints ....... 291
Service request numbers (SRNs) ..... 292
Using the SRN tables........ 292
101-711 through FFC-725 SRNs .... 293
A00-FF0 through A24-xxx SRNs .... 429
SCSD devices SRNs (ssss-102 to ssss-640) 429
Failing function codes ....... 437
Controller maintenance analysis
procedures ........... 439
Error logs ............. 441
Checkout procedure .......... 442
About the checkout procedure...... 442
Performing the check-out procedure.... 442
Verifying the partition configuration..... 444
Running the diagnostics program ..... 444
Starting AIX concurrent diagnostics .... 444
Starting stand-alone diagnostics ..... 444
Starting stand-alone diagnostics from a NIM
server .............. 445
Using the diagnostics program ..... 446
Boot problem resolution ......... 447
Troubleshooting by symptom ....... 448
Intermittent problems ........ 448
Connectivity problems ........ 450
PCI expansion card (PIOCARD) problem
isolation procedure ......... 453
Hypervisor problems ......... 454
Service processor problems ....... 457
Software problems.......... 473
Light path diagnostics ......... 473
Viewing the light path diagnostic LEDs .. 474
Light path diagnostics LEDs ...... 476
Isolating firmware problems ....... 478
Save vfchost map data ......... 478
Restore vfchost map data ........ 479
Recovering the system firmware ...... 480
Starting the PERM image ....... 480
Starting the TEMP image ....... 480
Recovering the TEMP image from the PERM
image .............. 481
Verifying the system firmware levels ... 481
Committing the TEMP system firmware
image .............. 482
Solving shared IBM Flex System Enterprise
Chassis resource problems ........ 482
Solving shared network connection problems 483
Solving shared power problems ..... 484
Solving undetermined problems ...... 484
Appendix. Notices ......... 487
Trademarks .............. 488
Electronic emission notices ......... 489
Class A Notices............ 489
Class B Notices............ 493
Terms and conditions........... 496
iv Power Systems: IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node Installation and Service Guide

Safety notices
Safety notices may be printed throughout this guide.
vDANGER notices call attention to a situation that is potentially lethal or extremely hazardous to
people.
vCAUTION notices call attention to a situation that is potentially hazardous to people because of some
existing condition.
vAttention notices call attention to the possibility of damage to a program, device, system, or data.
World Trade safety information
Several countries require the safety information contained in product publications to be presented in their
national languages. If this requirement applies to your country, safety information documentation is
included in the publications package (such as in printed documentation, on DVD, or as part of the
product) shipped with the product. The documentation contains the safety information in your national
language with references to the U.S. English source. Before using a U.S. English publication to install,
operate, or service this product, you must first become familiar with the related safety information
documentation. You should also refer to the safety information documentation any time you do not
clearly understand any safety information in the U.S. English publications.
Replacement or additional copies of safety information documentation can be obtained by calling the IBM
Hotline at 1-800-300-8751.
German safety information
Das Produkt ist nicht für den Einsatz an Bildschirmarbeitsplätzen im Sinne § 2 der
Bildschirmarbeitsverordnung geeignet.
Laser safety information
The servers can use I/O cards or features that are fiber-optic based and that utilize lasers or LEDs.
Laser compliance
The servers may be installed inside or outside of an IT equipment rack.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2013, 2015 v

DANGER
When working on or around the system, observe the following precautions:
Electrical voltage and current from power, telephone, and communication cables are hazardous. To
avoid a shock hazard:
vConnect power to this unit only with the IBM provided power cord. Do not use the IBM
provided power cord for any other product.
vDo not open or service any power supply assembly.
vDo not connect or disconnect any cables or perform installation, maintenance, or reconfiguration
of this product during an electrical storm.
vThe product might be equipped with multiple power cords. To remove all hazardous voltages,
disconnect all power cords.
vConnect all power cords to a properly wired and grounded electrical outlet. Ensure that the outlet
supplies proper voltage and phase rotation according to the system rating plate.
vConnect any equipment that will be attached to this product to properly wired outlets.
vWhen possible, use one hand only to connect or disconnect signal cables.
vNever turn on any equipment when there is evidence of fire, water, or structural damage.
vDisconnect the attached power cords, telecommunications systems, networks, and modems before
you open the device covers, unless instructed otherwise in the installation and configuration
procedures.
vConnect and disconnect cables as described in the following procedures when installing, moving,
or opening covers on this product or attached devices.
To Disconnect:
1. Turn off everything (unless instructed otherwise).
2. Remove the power cords from the outlets.
3. Remove the signal cables from the connectors.
4. Remove all cables from the devices.
To Connect:
1. Turn off everything (unless instructed otherwise).
2. Attach all cables to the devices.
3. Attach the signal cables to the connectors.
4. Attach the power cords to the outlets.
5. Turn on the devices.
(D005)
DANGER
vi Power Systems: IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node Installation and Service Guide

Observe the following precautions when working on or around your IT rack system:
vHeavy equipment–personal injury or equipment damage might result if mishandled.
vAlways lower the leveling pads on the rack cabinet.
vAlways install stabilizer brackets on the rack cabinet.
vTo avoid hazardous conditions due to uneven mechanical loading, always install the heaviest
devices in the bottom of the rack cabinet. Always install servers and optional devices starting
from the bottom of the rack cabinet.
vRack-mounted devices are not to be used as shelves or work spaces. Do not place objects on top
of rack-mounted devices.
vEach rack cabinet might have more than one power cord. Be sure to disconnect all power cords in
the rack cabinet when directed to disconnect power during servicing.
vConnect all devices installed in a rack cabinet to power devices installed in the same rack
cabinet. Do not plug a power cord from a device installed in one rack cabinet into a power
device installed in a different rack cabinet.
vAn electrical outlet that is not correctly wired could place hazardous voltage on the metal parts of
the system or the devices that attach to the system. It is the responsibility of the customer to
ensure that the outlet is correctly wired and grounded to prevent an electrical shock.
CAUTION
vDo not install a unit in a rack where the internal rack ambient temperatures will exceed the
manufacturer's recommended ambient temperature for all your rack-mounted devices.
vDo not install a unit in a rack where the air flow is compromised. Ensure that air flow is not
blocked or reduced on any side, front, or back of a unit used for air flow through the unit.
vConsideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the supply circuit so that
overloading of the circuits does not compromise the supply wiring or overcurrent protection. To
provide the correct power connection to a rack, refer to the rating labels located on the
equipment in the rack to determine the total power requirement of the supply circuit.
v(For sliding drawers.) Do not pull out or install any drawer or feature if the rack stabilizer brackets
are not attached to the rack. Do not pull out more than one drawer at a time. The rack might
become unstable if you pull out more than one drawer at a time.
v(For fixed drawers.) This drawer is a fixed drawer and must not be moved for servicing unless
specified by the manufacturer. Attempting to move the drawer partially or completely out of the
rack might cause the rack to become unstable or cause the drawer to fall out of the rack.
(R001)
Safety notices vii

CAUTION:
Removing components from the upper positions in the rack cabinet improves rack stability during
relocation. Follow these general guidelines whenever you relocate a populated rack cabinet within a
room or building:
vReduce the weight of the rack cabinet by removing equipment starting at the top of the rack
cabinet. When possible, restore the rack cabinet to the configuration of the rack cabinet as you
received it. If this configuration is not known, you must observe the following precautions:
– Remove all devices in the 32U position and above.
– Ensure that the heaviest devices are installed in the bottom of the rack cabinet.
– Ensure that there are no empty U-levels between devices installed in the rack cabinet below the
32U level.
vIf the rack cabinet you are relocating is part of a suite of rack cabinets, detach the rack cabinet from
the suite.
vInspect the route that you plan to take to eliminate potential hazards.
vVerify that the route that you choose can support the weight of the loaded rack cabinet. Refer to the
documentation that comes with your rack cabinet for the weight of a loaded rack cabinet.
vVerify that all door openings are at least 760 x 230 mm (30 x 80 in.).
vEnsure that all devices, shelves, drawers, doors, and cables are secure.
vEnsure that the four leveling pads are raised to their highest position.
vEnsure that there is no stabilizer bracket installed on the rack cabinet during movement.
vDo not use a ramp inclined at more than 10 degrees.
vWhen the rack cabinet is in the new location, complete the following steps:
– Lower the four leveling pads.
– Install stabilizer brackets on the rack cabinet.
– If you removed any devices from the rack cabinet, repopulate the rack cabinet from the lowest
position to the highest position.
vIf a long-distance relocation is required, restore the rack cabinet to the configuration of the rack
cabinet as you received it. Pack the rack cabinet in the original packaging material, or equivalent.
Also lower the leveling pads to raise the casters off of the pallet and bolt the rack cabinet to the
pallet.
(R002)
(L001)
(L002)
viii Power Systems: IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node Installation and Service Guide

(L003)
or
All lasers are certified in the U.S. to conform to the requirements of DHHS 21 CFR Subchapter J for class
1 laser products. Outside the U.S., they are certified to be in compliance with IEC 60825 as a class 1 laser
product. Consult the label on each part for laser certification numbers and approval information.
CAUTION:
This product might contain one or more of the following devices: CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive,
DVD-RAM drive, or laser module, which are Class 1 laser products. Note the following information:
vDo not remove the covers. Removing the covers of the laser product could result in exposure to
hazardous laser radiation. There are no serviceable parts inside the device.
vUse of the controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein
might result in hazardous radiation exposure.
(C026)
Safety notices ix

CAUTION:
Data processing environments can contain equipment transmitting on system links with laser modules
that operate at greater than Class 1 power levels. For this reason, never look into the end of an optical
fiber cable or open receptacle. (C027)
CAUTION:
This product contains a Class 1M laser. Do not view directly with optical instruments. (C028)
CAUTION:
Some laser products contain an embedded Class 3A or Class 3B laser diode. Note the following
information: laser radiation when open. Do not stare into the beam, do not view directly with optical
instruments, and avoid direct exposure to the beam. (C030)
CAUTION:
The battery contains lithium. To avoid possible explosion, do not burn or charge the battery.
Do Not:
v___ Throw or immerse into water
v___ Heat to more than 100°C (212°F)
v___ Repair or disassemble
Exchange only with the IBM-approved part. Recycle or discard the battery as instructed by local
regulations. In the United States, IBM has a process for the collection of this battery. For information,
call 1-800-426-4333. Have the IBM part number for the battery unit available when you call. (C003)
Power and cabling information for NEBS (Network Equipment-Building System)
GR-1089-CORE
The following comments apply to the servers that have been designated as conforming to NEBS
(Network Equipment-Building System) GR-1089-CORE:
The equipment is suitable for installation in the following:
vNetwork telecommunications facilities
vLocations where the NEC (National Electrical Code) applies
The intrabuilding ports of this equipment are suitable for connection to intrabuilding or unexposed
wiring or cabling only. The intrabuilding ports of this equipment must not be metallically connected to the
interfaces that connect to the OSP (outside plant) or its wiring. These interfaces are designed for use as
intrabuilding interfaces only (Type 2 or Type 4 ports as described in GR-1089-CORE) and require isolation
from the exposed OSP cabling. The addition of primary protectors is not sufficient protection to connect
these interfaces metallically to OSP wiring.
Note: All Ethernet cables must be shielded and grounded at both ends.
The ac-powered system does not require the use of an external surge protection device (SPD).
The dc-powered system employs an isolated DC return (DC-I) design. The DC battery return terminal
shall not be connected to the chassis or frame ground.
xPower Systems: IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node Installation and Service Guide

Chapter 1. Introduction
The IBM®Flex System p270 Compute Node is based on IBM POWER®technologies. These compute
nodes run in IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis units to provide a high-density, high-performance
compute-node environment with advanced processing technology.
The Installation and User's Guide includes the compute node information on the IBM Flex System Enterprise
Chassis Documentation CD. All of the following information is in the document and also in the information
center:
vSetting up the compute node
vStarting and configuring the compute node
vInstalling optional hardware devices
vA reference to more information about installing supported operating systems
vPerforming basic troubleshooting of the compute node
Packaged with the printed Installation and User's Guide are software CDs that help you to configure
hardware, install device drivers, and install the operating system.
The compute node comes with a limited warranty. For information about the terms of the warranty and
getting service and assistance, see the information center or the Warranty and Support Information
document on the IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis Documentation CD.
The compute node might have features that are not described in the documentation that comes with the
compute node. Occasionally, the documentation might be updated to include information about those
features. Technical updates might also become available to provide additional information that is not
included in the original compute node documentation. The most recent version of all IBM Flex System
Enterprise Chassis documentation is in the IBM Flex System Information Center.
The online information for the IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis is available in the
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/flexsys/information/index.jsp.
Related information:
http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/sas/f/lopdiags/home.html
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/flexsys/information/index.jsp
Product registration
Record vital data about your compute node.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2013, 2015 1

Vital product data
Print Table 1 and use it to record information about your compute node.
You will need this information when you register the compute node with IBM. You can register the
compute node at http://www.ibm.com/support/mynotifications.
To determine the values for your compute node, use the management module and the lsvpd command. If
you are running the Linux operating system, download and install the service and productivity tools for
the Linux operating system to install the lsvpd command.
The model number and serial number are on the ID label that is behind the control panel door on the
front of the compute node, and on a label on the side of the compute node that is visible when the
compute node is not in the IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis.
A set of blank labels comes with the compute node. When you install the compute node in the IBM Flex
System Enterprise Chassis, write identifying information on a label and place the label on the bezel. See
the documentation for your IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis for the location of the label placement.
Important: Do not place the label where it blocks any ventilation holes on the compute node or the IBM
Flex System Enterprise Chassis.
Table 1. Vital product data
Vital product data field Vital product data How to find this data
Product name IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node
Type model number IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node: 7954-24X
vFor FSM:
– Chassis Manager in
the management
software web
interface of the IBM
Flex System
Manager
vFor Hardware
Management Console
(HMC):
1. In the navigation
area, click Systems
Management >
Servers.
2. In the content pane,
select the server
you want to work
with.
3. Click Tasks >
Properties.
vFor Integrated
Virtualization Manager
(IVM), see IVM
lssyscfg command.
2Power Systems: IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node Installation and Service Guide

Table 1. Vital product data (continued)
Vital product data field Vital product data How to find this data
Serial number
________________________ (7 characters)
vFor FSM:
– Chassis Manager in
the management
software web
interface of the IBM
Flex System
Manager
vFor HMC:
1. In the navigation
area, click Systems
Management >
Servers.
2. In the content pane,
select the server
you want to work
with.
3. Click Tasks >
Properties.
vFor IVM, see IVM
lssyscfg command.
System unique ID _________________________________ (12 characters)
lsvpd | grep SU
command
Worldwide port number _________________________________ (12 characters)
lsvpd | grep WN
command
Brand B0 (B followed by zero) lsvpd | grep BR
command
Related documentation
Documentation for the IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node includes PDF files on the IBM Flex System
Enterprise Chassis Documentation CD and in the information center.
The most recent version of all IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis documentation is in the IBM Flex
System Information Center.
PDF versions of the following documents are on the IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis Documentation CD
and in the information center:
vProblem Determination and Service Guide
This document contains information to help you solve problems, and it contains information for service
technicians.
vSafety Information
This document contains translated caution and danger statements. Each caution and danger statement
that appears in the documentation has a number that you can use to locate the corresponding
statement in your language in the Safety Information document.
vWarranty and Support Information
This document contains information about the terms of the warranty and about getting service and
assistance.
Chapter 1. Introduction 3

The compute node might have features that are not described in the documentation that comes with the
compute node. Occasional updates to the documentation might include information about those features,
or technical updates might be available to provide additional information that is not included in the
documentation that comes with the compute node.
Review the IBM Flex System Information Center or the Planning Guide and the Installation Guide for your
IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis. The information can help you prepare for system installation and
configuration. The most current version of each document is available in the IBM Flex System
Information Center.
Related information:
IBM Flex System Information Center
IBM documentation CD
You can run the IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis Documentation CD on any personal computer that
meets the hardware and software requirements.
The CD contains documentation for your compute node in a PDF file and includes the IBM
documentation browser to help you find information quickly.
Hardware and software requirements
The IBM Documentation CD requires the following minimum hardware and software levels.
vMicrosoft Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000, or Red Hat Enterprise Linux
v100 MHz Microprocessor
v32 MB of RAM
vAdobe Acrobat Reader 3.0 (or later) or xpdf viewer, which comes with Linux operating systems
Using the documentation browser
Use the documentation browser to browse the contents of the CD, to read brief descriptions of the
documents, and to view documents by using Adobe Acrobat Reader or xpdf viewer.
About this task
The documentation browser automatically detects the regional settings in your system and displays the
documents in the language for that region (if available). If a document is not available in the language for
that region, the English-language version is displayed.
To start the documentation browser, use one of the following procedures:
vIf Autostart is enabled, insert the CD into the CD or DVD drive. The documentation browser starts
automatically.
vIf Autostart is disabled or is not enabled for all users, use one of the following procedures:
– If you are using a Windows operating system, insert the CD into the CD or DVD drive and click
Start > Run. In the Open field, type the following string, where eis the drive letter of the CD or
DVD drive, and click OK:
e:\win32.bat
– If you are using Red Hat Enterprise Linux, insert the CD into the CD or DVD drive, and then run
the following command from the /mnt/cdrom directory:
sh runlinux.sh
4Power Systems: IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node Installation and Service Guide

Select the compute node from the Product menu. The Available Topics list displays all the documents for
the compute node. Some documents might be in folders. A plus sign (+) indicates each folder or
document that has additional documents under it. Click the plus sign to display the additional
documents.
When you select a document, a description of the document is displayed under Topic Description. To
select more than one document, press and hold the Ctrl key while you select the documents. Click View
Book to view the selected documents in Acrobat Reader or xpdf viewer.
To search all the documents, type a word or text string in the Search field and click Search. The
documents in which the word or text string occurs are listed in order of the most occurrences. Click a
document to view it, and press Ctrl+F to use the Acrobat Reader search function, or press Alt+F to use
the xpdf viewer search function within the document.
Notices and statements
The CAUTION and DANGER statements in this document are also in the multilingual Safety Information.
Each statement is numbered for reference to the corresponding statement in your language in the Safety
Information document.
The following notices and statements are used in this document:
vNote: These notices provide important tips, guidance, or advice.
vImportant: These notices provide information or advice that might help you avoid inconvenient or
problem situations.
vAttention: These notices indicate potential damage to programs, devices, or data. An attention notice is
placed just before the instruction or situation in which damage might occur.
vCAUTION: These statements indicate situations that can be potentially hazardous to you. A CAUTION
statement is placed just before the description of a potentially hazardous procedural step or situation.
vDANGER: These statements indicate situations that can be potentially lethal or extremely hazardous to
you. A DANGER statement is placed just before the description of a potentially lethal or extremely
hazardous procedural step or situation.
Features and specifications of the IBM Flex System p270 Compute
Node
Features and specifications of the IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node are summarized in this
overview.
Chapter 1. Introduction 5

The IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node is a one-bay compute node and is used in an IBM Flex System
Enterprise Chassis.
Notes:
vPower, cooling, removable-media drives, external ports, and Advanced System Management (ASM) are
provided by the IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis.
vThe operating system in the compute node must provide support for the Universal Serial Bus (USB) to
enable the compute node to recognize and communicate internally with the removable-media drives
and front-panel USB ports.
Core electronics:
64-bit 2 x POWER7®processors
IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node
1-bay:
v24-way SMP 1-bay compute node:
2 sockets, 2x6-core per socket at 3.1
or 3.4 GHz
v16 DIMM DDR3 slots. Maximum
capacity is 512 GB. With hard disk
drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives
(SSDs) installed, supports 4 GB and
8 GB very low profile (VLP)
DIMMs. With SSDs installed or in
diskless configurations, also
supports 16 GB and 32 GB low
profile (LP) DIMMs.
POWER7 IOC I/O hub x 2 for the
IBM Flex System p270 Compute
Node
On-board, integrated features:
vService processor: IPMI, serial over
LAN (SOL)
vSAS controller
vUSB 2.0
Local storage:
vZero, one, or two SAS 2.5 in. 300
GB, 600 GB, or 900 GB HDDs
vZero, one, or two SATA 1.8 in. 177
GB SSDs with SAS-to-SATA
conversion
vHardware mirroring supported
Network and storage adapter card
I/O options:
For a mapping of location codes, see
“System-board connectors” on page
12.
v1 Gb Ethernet 4-port or 10 Gb
Ethernet KR 4-port card or 8-port
10 Gb converged network adapter
card in the I/O expansion card
slots (P1-C18, P1-C19) of the IBM
Flex System p270 Compute Node.
v8 Gb 2-port, 16 Gb 2-port, and 16
Gb 4-port Fibre Channel cards in
I/O expansion card slot P1-C19 of
the IBM Flex System p270 Compute
Node.
v2-port 4X InfiniBand QDR network
adapter form factor expansion card
in the P1-C19 slot of the IBM Flex
System p270 Compute Node.
v2-port 10 Gb RoCE card form factor
expansion card in the P1-C19 slot
of the IBM Flex System p270
Compute Node.
v3 Gb SAS ETE card in the I/O
expansion card slot P1-C20 of the
IBM Flex System p270 Compute
Node. This card enables
independent dual Virtual I/O
Server (VIOS) on the two internal
disk drives.
Integrated functions:
vTwo 1 Gb Ethernet ports for
communication with the
management module
vAutomatic compute node restart
vSOL over the management network
vSingle USB 2.0 on base system
board for communication with
removable-media drives
vOptical media available by shared
chassis feature
Environment: These compute nodes
comply with ASHRAE class A3
specifications. For details, see the
Environment specifications at
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/
infocenter/flexsys/information/
topic/com.ibm.acc.8721.doc/
features_and_specifications.html.
Size:
vHeight: 55 mm (2.2 in.)
vDepth: 492 mm (19.4 in.)
vWidth: 215 mm (8.5 in.)
Systems management:
vSupported by IBM Flex System
Enterprise Chassis management
module (CMM)
vFront panel LEDs
vManagement console: IBM Flex
System Manager, Hardware
Management Console (HMC), or
Integrated Virtualization Manager
(IVM)
Note: The compute node can be
managed by only one management
console at a time.
vEnergy scale thermal management
for power management, power
oversubscription (throttling), and
environmental sensing
vField core override to disable cores
and save on licensing costs
vConcurrent code update by using
IBM Flex System Manager Update
Manager, Inventory Collection,
multiple VIOS, and PowerVM®
Enterprise
6Power Systems: IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node Installation and Service Guide

Reliability and service features:
vDual alternating current power
supply
vIBM Flex System Enterprise
Chassis: chassis redundant and
hot-plug power and cooling
modules
vBoot-time processor deallocation
vCompute node hot plug
vCustomer setup and expansion
vAutomatic reboot on power loss
vInternal and chassis-external
temperature monitors
vECC, chipkill memory
vSystem management alerts
vLight path diagnostics
vElectronic Service Agent™call-home
capability
Electrical input: 12 V dc
Security: Fully compliant with NIST
800-131A. The security cryptography
mode set by the managing device
(CMM or FSM node) determines the
security mode in which the compute
node operates.
See the ServerProven website for information about supported operating-system versions and all compute
node optional devices.
What your compute node offers
The design of the compute node takes advantage of advancements in chip technology, memory
management, and data storage.
The compute node uses the following features and technologies:
vService processor
The service processor for the IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node provides support for the following
functions:
– Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI)
– The operating system
– Power control and advanced power management
– Reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS) features
– Serial over LAN (SOL)
– Continuous health monitoring and control
– Configurable notification and alerts
– Event logs that are time stamped and saved in nonvolatile memory and that can be attached to
email alerts
– Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) support
– Remote power control
– Remote firmware update and access to critical compute node settings
vDisk drive support
Chapter 1. Introduction 7

The compute node supports either Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) solid-state drives
(SSDs) or serial-attached SCSI (SAS) hard disk drives (HDDs) in one of the following configurations:
– Up to two 1.8 in. SATA SSDs
– Up to two 2.5 in. SAS HDDs
vImpressive performance using the latest microprocessor technology
The compute node comes with two POWER7 microprocessors for the IBM Flex System p270 Compute
Node.
vI/O expansion
The compute node has connectors on the system board for optional PCI Express (PCIe) network
adapter cards for adding more network communication capabilities to the compute node.
vLarge system memory capacity
The memory bus in the IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node supports up to 512 GB of system
memory. For the official list of supported dual-inline memory modules (DIMMs), see
http://www.ibm.com/systems/info/x86servers/serverproven/compat/us/ (http://www.ibm.com/
systems/info/x86servers/serverproven/compat/us/).
vLight path diagnostics
Light path diagnostics provides light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to help diagnose problems. An LED on
the compute node control panel is lit if an unusual condition or a problem occurs. If this happens, you
can look at the LEDs on the system board to locate the source of the problem.
vPower throttling
If your IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis supports power management, the power consumption of
the compute node can be dynamically managed through the management module. For more
information, see http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/flexsys/information/topic/
com.ibm.acc.cmm.doc/cmm_product_page.html or the IBM support site at http://www.ibm.com/
support/entry/portal/Overview.
8Power Systems: IBM Flex System p270 Compute Node Installation and Service Guide