IBM Flex System x222 User manual

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 1
I B M ®
IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node
IBM Redbooks Product Guide
The IBM® Flex System™ x222 Compute Node is a high-density dual-server offering that is designed for
virtualization, dense cloud deployments, and hosted clients. The x222 has two independent servers in
one mechanical package, which means that the x222 has a double-density design that allows up to 28
servers to be housed in a single 10U Flex System Enterprise Chassis.
Suggested use : For clients looking to virtualize their workloads while maximizing the density of their
computing resources.
The following figure shows the IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node.
Figure 1. The IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node
Did you know?
IBM Flex System is a new category of computing that integrates multiple server architectures, networking,
storage, and system management capability in to a single system that is easy to deploy and manage. IBM
Flex System has full and 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. IBM Flex System is scalable and extendable with
multigenerational upgrades to protect and maximize IT investments.

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 2
Key features
The IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node is a high-density offering that is designed to maximize the
computing power that is available in the data center. With a balance between cost and system features,
the x222 is an ideal platform for dense workloads, such as virtualization. This section describes the key
features of the x222.
Scalability and performance
The x222 offers numerous features to boost performance, improve scalability, and reduce costs:
Two independent servers in one mechanical package to maximize computing capacity.

Powered by the Intel Xeon processor E5-2400 product family to improve productivity by offering

affordable dual-socket system performance with eight-core processors with up to 2.3 GHz core
speeds, up to 20 MB of L3 cache, and one QPI interconnect link of up to 8 GTps.
Up to two processors in each server, 16 cores total, and 32 threads maximize the concurrent

execution of multithreaded applications.
Intelligent and adaptive system performance with Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 allows processor

cores to run at maximum speed during peak workloads by temporarily going beyond processor
Thermal Design Power (TDP).
Intel Hyper-Threading Technology boosts performance for multithreaded applications by enabling

simultaneous multithreading within each processor core, up to two threads per core.
Intel Virtualization Technology integrates hardware-level virtualization hooks that allow operating

system vendors to better use the hardware for virtualization workloads.
Intel Advanced Vector Extensions (AVT) improve floating-point performance for compute-intensive

technical and scientific applications compared to Intel Xeon 5600 series processors.
There are 12 DIMM sockets in each server, which support low profile (LP) RDIMMs and LRDIMMs,

with a total capacity of up 384 GB using 32 GB LRDIMMs.
Supports memory speeds of up to 1600 MHz to maximize memory performance.

Support for 2.5-inch and 1.8-inch solid-state drives (SSDs) to maximize I/O operations per second

(IOPS), which significantly improves application performance.
The theoretical maximum memory bandwidth of the Intel Xeon processor E5-2400 product family is

38.4 GBps, which is 20% more than in the previous generation of Intel Xeon 5600 processors.
The server offers PCI Express 3.0 I/O expansion capabilities that improve the theoretical maximum

bandwidth by almost 100% (8 GTps per link using 128b/130b encoding) compared to the previous
generation of PCI Express 2.0 (5 GTps per link using 8b/10b encoding)
With Intel Integrated I/O Technology, the PCI Express 3.0 controller is integrated into the Intel Xeon

processor E5 family. This integration reduces I/O latency and increases overall system performance.
Availability and serviceability
The x222 provides many 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 processor,

memory, and adapters.
Use of optional 1.8-inch hot-swap drives allows for greater system uptime.


IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 3
A light path diagnostics panel and individual light path LEDs lead the technician to failed (or failing)

components. These features simplify servicing, speed up problem resolution, and help improve
system availability.
Predictive Failure Analysis (PFA) detects when system components (such as processors, memory,

and hard disk drives) operate outside of standard thresholds and generates proactive alerts in
advance of possible failure, therefore increasing uptime.
Solid-state drives (SSDs), which offer significantly better reliability than traditional mechanical HDDs

for greater uptime.
A built-in Integrated Management Module II (IMM2) continuously monitors system parameters,

triggers alerts, and performs recovery actions in case of failures to minimize downtime.
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, next business day 9x5. Optional

service upgrades are available.
Manageability and security
Powerful systems management features simplify local and remote management of the x222:
Each server includes an Integrated Management Module II (IMM2) to monitor server availability and

perform remote management.
An integrated industry-standard Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) enables improved

setup, configuration, and updates, and simplifies error handling.
Integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) V1.2 support enables advanced cryptographic

functionality, such as digital signatures and remote attestation.
Industry-standard AES NI support for faster and stronger encryption.

Integrates with the IBM Flex System Manager™ for proactive systems management. It offers

comprehensive systems management for the entire IBM Flex System platform, increasing uptime,
reducing costs, and improving productivity through advanced server management capabilities.
IBM Fabric Manager simplifies the deployment of infrastructure connections by managing network

and storage address assignments.
Intel Execute Disable Bit functionality can help prevent certain classes of malicious buffer overflow

attacks when combined with a supporting operating system.
Intel Trusted Execution Technology provides enhanced security through hardware-based resistance

to malicious software attacks, allowing an application to run in its own isolated space protected from
all other software running on a system.
Energy efficiency
The x222 offers the following energy-efficiency features to save energy, reduce operational costs,
increase energy availability, and contribute to a green environment:
The component-sharing design of the IBM Flex System chassis provides ultimate power and cooling

savings.
The Intel Xeon processor E5-2400 product family offers better performance over the previous

generation while fitting in to the same TDP limits.
Intel Intelligent Power Capability powers individual processor elements on and off as needed to

reduce power draw.

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 4
Low-voltage Intel Xeon processors draw less energy to satisfy the demands of power and thermally

constrained data centers and telecommunication environments.
Low-voltage 1.35 V DDR3 memory RDIMMs consume 15% less energy than 1.5 V DDR3 RDIMMs.

Solid-state drives (SSDs) consume as much as 80% less power than traditional spinning 2.5-inch

HDDs.
The server uses hexagonal ventilation holes, a part of IBM Calibrated Vectored Cooling™ technology.

Hexagonal holes can be grouped more densely than round holes, providing more efficient airflow
through the system.

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 5
Locations of key components and connectors
The following figure shows the front of the server.
Figure 2. Front view of the IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node
The following figure shows how the two servers connect together.
Figure 3. Open view of the IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node
The following figure shows the locations of key components inside the upper server.

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 6
Figure 4. Inside view of the upper server
The following figure shows the locations of key components inside the lower server.
Figure 5. Inside view of the lower server

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 7
Standard specifications
The following table lists the standard specifications.
Table 1. Standard specifications (part 1)
Components Specification
Form factor Standard Flex System form factor with two independent servers.
Chassis support IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis.
Processor Up to four processors in a standard (half-width) Flex System form factor.
Each server: Up to two Intel Xeon Processor E5-2400 product family CPUs with eight-core (up
to 2.3 GHz) or six-core (up to 2.4 GHz) or quad-core (up to 2.2 GHz), one QPI link running at 8.0
GTps, L3 cache up to 20 MB, and memory speeds up to 1600 MHz.
Note: The two servers are independent and cannot be combined to form a single four-socket
system.
Chipset Intel C600 series.
Memory Up to 24 DIMM sockets in a standard (half-width) Flex System form factor.
Each server: Up to 12 DIMM sockets (6 DIMMs per processor) using Low Profile (LP) DDR3
DIMMs. RDIMMs and LRDIMMs are supported. 1.5 V and low-voltage 1.35 V DIMMs are
supported. There is support for up to 1600 MHz memory speed, depending on the processor.
There are three memory channels per processor (two DIMMs per channel). Supports two
DIMMs per channel operating at 1600 MHz (2 DPC @ 1600MHz) with single and dual rank
RDIMMs.
Memory
maximums Each server:
With LRDIMMs: Up to 384 GB with 12x 32 GB LRDIMMs and two processors
With RDIMMs: Up to 192 GB with 12x 16 GB RDIMMs and two processors
Memory
protection ECC, Chipkill, optional memory mirroring, and memory rank sparing.
Disk drive bays Each server: One 2.5" simple-swap SATA drive bay supporting SATA and SSD drives. Optional
SSD mounting kit to convert a 2.5” simple-swap bay into two 1.8” hot-swap SSD bays.
Maximum
internal storage Each server: Up to 1 TB using a 2.5” SATA simple-swap drive or up to 512 GB using two 1.8” SSDs and the SSD Expansion Kit.
RAID support None.
Network
interfaces Each server: Two 10 Gb Ethernet ports with Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Ethernet LAN on motherboard (LOM) controller; Emulex BE3 based. Routes to chassis bays 1 and 2 through a
Fabric Connector to the midplane. Features on Demand upgrade to FCoE and iSCSI. Usage of
both ports on both system boards requires two scalable Ethernet switches in the chassis, each
upgraded to enable 28 internal switch ports.
PCI Expansion
slots Each server: One connector for an I/O adapter; PCI Express 3.0 x16 interface. Supports special mid-mezzanine I/O cards that are shared by both system boards. Only one card is needed to
connect both system boards.
Video Each server: Matrox G200eR2 video core with 16 MB video memory that is integrated into
IMM2. The maximum resolution is 1600x1200 at 75 Hz with 16 M colors.
Ports Each server: One external, two internal USB ports for an embedded hypervisor. A console
breakout cable port on the front of the server provides local KVM and serial ports (cable
standard with chassis; additional cables optional).

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 8
Table 1. Standard specifications (part 2)
Components Specification
Systems
management Each server: UEFI, IBM Integrated Management Module II (IMM2) with Renesas SH7757 controller, Predictive Failure Analysis, light path diagnostics panel, automatic server restart, and
remote presence. Support for IBM Flex System Manager, IBM Systems Director, and IBM
ServerGuide.
Security
features Power-on password and admin password, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2.
Limited
warranty 3-year customer-replaceable unit and onsite limited warranty with 9x5/NBD.
Operating
systems
supported
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 and 2012, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 and 6, SUSE Linux
Enterprise Server 10 and 11, and VMware ESXi 4.1, 5.0 and 5.1.
Service and
support Optional country-specific service upgrades are available through IBM ServicePacs: 6, 4, or 2-hour response time, 8-hour fix time, 1-year or 2-year warranty extension, remote technical
support for IBM hardware and selected IBM and OEM software.
Dimensions Width: 217 mm (8.6 in.), height: 56 mm (2.2 in.), depth: 492 mm (19.4 in.)
Weight Maximum configuration: 8.2 kg (18 lb).
The x222 servers are shipped with the following items:
Statement of Limited Warranty

Important Notices

Documentation CD that contains the Installation and User's Guide


IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 9
Standard models
The following table lists the standard models. The components that are listed for each model are for the
entire x222 (half for each server).
Table 2. Standard models
Model Intel Xeon processors
(2 max per server,
4 total)*
Memory (12 max
per server,
24 total)*
Disk adapter
(1 per
server)
Disk bays
(1 per
server)*
Disks Networking*
(2 per
server)
I/O slots
(used/
max)
7916-A2x 2x E5-2418L 4C 2.0GHz
10MB 1333MHz 50W 2x 8 GB 2Rx4 (1333 MHz)** SATA (non-RAID) 2x 2.5” SS Open 4x 10 GbE 0 / 1
7916-B2x 2x E5-2430L 6C 2.0GHz
15MB 1333MHz 60W 2x 8 GB 2Rx4 (1333 MHz)** SATA (non-RAID) 2x 2.5” SS Open 4x 10 GbE 0 / 1
7916-C2x 2x E5-2450L 8C 1.8GHz
20MB 1600MHz 70W 2x 8 GB 2Rx4 1600 MHz SATA (non-RAID) 2x 2.5” SS Open 4x 10 GbE 0 / 1
7916-D2x 2x E5-2403 4C 1.8GHz
10MB 1066MHz 80W 2x 8 GB 2Rx4 (1066 MHz)** SATA (non-RAID) 2x 2.5” SS Open 4x 10 GbE 0 / 1
7916-F2x 2x E5-2407 4C 2.2GHz
10MB 1066MHz 80W 2x 8 GB 2Rx4 (1066 MHz)** SATA (non-RAID) 2x 2.5” SS Open 4x 10 GbE 0 / 1
7916-G2x 2x E5-2420 6C 1.9GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 2x 8 GB 2Rx4 (1333 MHz)** SATA (non-RAID) 2x 2.5” SS Open 4x 10 GbE 0 / 1
7916-H2x 2x E5-2430 6C 2.2GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 2x 8 GB 2Rx4 (1333 MHz)** SATA (non-RAID) 2x 2.5” SS Open 4x 10 GbE 0 / 1
7916-H6x 2x E5-2430 6C 2.2GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 2x 8 GB 2Rx4 (1333 MHz)** SATA (non-RAID) 2x 2.5” SS Open 4x 10 GbE 2x InfiniBand† 1 / 1
7916-J2x 2x E5-2440 6C 2.4GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 2x 8 GB 2Rx4 (1333 MHz)** SATA (non-RAID) 2x 2.5” SS Open 4x 10 GbE 0 / 1
7916-M2x 2x E5-2450 8C 2.1GHz
20MB 1600MHz 95W 2x 8 GB 2Rx4 1600 MHz SATA (non-RAID) 2x 2.5” SS Open 4x 10 GbE 0 / 1
7916-N2x 2x E5-2470 8C 2.3GHz
20MB 1600MHz 95W 2x 8 GB 2Rx4 1600 MHz SATA (non-RAID) 2x 2.5” SS Open 4x 10 GbE 0 / 1
* The quantities here are for the entire x222 Compute Node, half for each server. For example, each x222 model
ships with two processors as standard, one installed in each of the two servers.
** The 1600 MHz memory DIMMs that are standard in these models operate at most at 1333 MHz or 1066 MHz as
indicated, matching the memory speed of the processor.
† Model H6x includes the IBM Flex System IB6132D2-port FDR InfiniBand Adapter.

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 10
Chassis support
The x222 is supported in the IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis.
Up to 14 x222 Compute Nodes can be installed in the chassis, allowing a total of 28 servers to be
deployed in 10U of rack space. The actual number of x222 Compute Nodes that can be installed in a
chassis depends on these factors:
The TDP power rating for the processors that are installed in the x222

The number of power supplies installed

The capacity of the power supplies installed (2100 W or 2500 W)

The power redundancy policy used (N+1 or N+N)

The following table provides guidelines about what number of x222 Compute Nodes can be installed. For
more guidance, use the Power Configurator, found at the following website:
http://ibm.com/systems/bladecenter/resources/powerconfig.html
In the table:
Green = No restriction to the number of x222 Compute Nodes that are installable

Yellow = Some bays must be left empty in the chassis

Table 3. Maximum number of x222 Compute Nodes installable based on power supplies installed and
power redundancy policy used
2100 W power supplies installed 2500 W power supplies installed
x222 TDP
rating
N+1, N=5
6 power
supplies
N+1, N=4
5 power
supplies
N+1, N=3
5 power
supplies
N+N, N=3
6 power
supplies
N+1, N=5
6 power
supplies
N+1, N=4
5 power
supplies
N+1, N=3
4 power
supplies
N+N, N=3
6 power
supplies
50W 14 14 13 14 14 14 14 14
60W 14 14 12 13 14 14 14 14
70W 14 14 11 12 14 14 14 14
80W 14 14 10 11 14 14 13 14
95W 14 13 9 10 14 14 12 13
Expansion Node support
The x222 does not support the IBM Flex System Storage Expansion Node or the IBM Flex System PCIe
Expansion Node.

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 11
Processor options
The x222 supports the processor options that are listed in the following table. The x222 supports up to
four Intel Xeon E5-2400 processors, one or two in each independent server. All four processors that are
used in an x222 must be identical.
Note: The two servers are independent and cannot be combined to form a single four-socket system.
The table also shows which server models have each processor as standard. If no corresponding where
used model for a particular processor is listed, then this processor is available only through the
configure-to-order (CTO) process.
Table 4. Processor options
Part
number Feature code* Intel Xeon processor description Models where used
Intel Xeon processors
00D1266 A35X / A370 Intel Xeon E5-2403 4C 1.8GHz 10MB 1066MHz 80W D2x
00D1265 A35W / A36Z Intel Xeon E5-2407 4C 2.2GHz 10MB 1066MHz 80W F2x
00D1264 A35V / A36Y Intel Xeon E5-2420 6C 1.9GHz 15MB 1333MHz 95W G2x
00D1263 A35U / A36X Intel Xeon E5-2430 6C 2.2GHz 15MB 1333MHz 95W H2x, H6x
00D1262 A35T / A36W Intel Xeon E5-2440 6C 2.4GHz 15MB 1333MHz 95W J2x
00D1261 A35S / A36V Intel Xeon E5-2450 8C 2.1GHz 20MB 1600MHz 95W M2x
00D1260 A35R / A36U Intel Xeon E5-2470 8C 2.3GHz 20MB 1600MHz 95W N2x
Intel Xeon processors - Low power
00D1269 A360 / A373 Intel Xeon E5-2418L 4C 2.0GHz 10MB 1333MHz 50W A2x
00D1271 A362 / A375 Intel Xeon E5-2428L 6C 1.8GHz 15MB 1333MHz 60W -
00D1268 A35Z / A372 Intel Xeon E5-2430L 6C 2.0GHz 15MB 1333MHz 60W B2x
00D1270 A361 / A374 Intel Xeon E5-2448L 8C 1.8GHz 20MB 1333MHz 70W -
00D1267 A35Y / A371 Intel Xeon E5-2450L 8C 1.8GHz 20MB 1600MHz 70W C2x
* The first feature code is for processor 1 and the second feature code is for processor 2.
Memory options
IBM DDR3 memory is compatibility tested and tuned for optimal performance and throughput. IBM
memory specifications are integrated into the light path diagnostics panel for immediate system
performance feedback and optimum system uptime. From a service and support standpoint, IBM memory
automatically assumes the IBM system warranty, and IBM provides service and support worldwide.
The servers in the x222 supports Low Profile (LP) DDR3 memory RDIMMs and LRDIMMs. UDIMMs are
not supported. Each of the two servers in the x222 has 12 DIMM sockets. Each server supports up to six
DIMMs when one processor is installed and up to 12 DIMMs when two processors are installed. Each
processor has three memory channels, and there are two DIMMs per channel.

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 12
The following rules apply when you select the memory configuration:
The memory configurations of the two servers in the x222 must be identical

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.
The maximum number of ranks that are supported per channel is eight.

The maximum quantity of DIMMs that can be installed in each server in the x222 depends on the

number of processors, as shown in the "Max. qty supported" row in the following table.
All DIMMs in all processor memory channels operate at the same speed, which is determined as the

lowest value of the following situations:
The memory speed that is supported by a specific processor.

The lowest maximum operating speed for the selected memory configuration that depends on the

rated speed, as shown under the "Max. operating speed" section in the following table. The
shaded cells indicate that the speed that is indicated is the maximum speed that the DIMM
allows.
The following table shows the maximum memory speeds that are achievable based on the installed
DIMMs and the number of DIMMs per channel. The table also shows the maximum memory capacity at
any speed that is supported by the DIMM and the maximum memory capacity at the rated DIMM speed. In
the table, cells that are highlighted with a gray background indicate when the specific combination of
DIMM voltage and number of DIMMs per channel still allows the DIMMs to operate at rated speed.
Note: The quantities and capacities are for one server (that is, half of the x222). The maximums for the
entire x222 (both servers) is double these numbers.
Table 5. Maximum memory speeds
Spec RDIMMs LRDIMMs
Rank Single rank Dual rank Quad rank
Part numbers 49Y1406 (4 GB) 49Y1559 (4 GB) 49Y1407 (4 GB)
49Y1397 (8 GB)
49Y1563 (16 GB)
90Y3178 (4 GB)
90Y3109 (8 GB)
00D4968 (16GB)
90Y3105 (32 GB)
Rated speed 1333 MHz 1600 MHz 1333 MHz 1600 MHz 1333 MHz
Rated voltage 1.35 V 1.5 V 1.35 V 1.5 V 1.35 V
Operating
voltage 1.35 V 1.5 V 1.5 V 1.35 V 1.5 V 1.5 V 1.35 V 1.5 V
Max quantity* 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Largest DIMM 4 GB 4 GB 4 GB 16 GB 16 GB 16 GB 32 GB 32 GB
Max memory
capacity 48 GB 48 GB 48 GB 192 GB 192 GB 192 GB 384 GB 384 GB
Max memory
at rated speed 48 GB 48 GB 48 GB 129 GB 192 GB 192 GB N/A 192 GB
Maximum operating speed (MHz)
1 DIMM
per channel 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1600 MHz 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1600 MHz 1066 MHz 1333 MHz
2 DIMMs
per channel 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1600 MHz 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1600 MHz 1066 MHz 1066 MHz
* The maximum quantity that is supported is shown for two installed processors. When one processor is installed,
the maximum quantity that is supported is half of that shown.

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 13
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, then the DIMMs must be installed in pairs (minimum of one pair per
processor), and both DIMMs in a pair must be identical in type and size.
If memory rank sparing is used, then a minimum of one quad-rank DIMM or two single-rank or dual-rank
DIMMs must be installed per populated channel (the DIMMs do not need 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 following table lists the memory options that are available for the x222. DIMMs can be installed one
at a time in each server, but for performance reasons, install them in sets of three (one for each of the
three memory channels).
Table 6. Memory options for the x222
Part
number Feature code Description Models
where
used
Registered DIMMs (RDIMMs) - 1333 MHz
49Y1406 8941 4GB (1x4GB, 1Rx4, 1.35V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC DDR3 1333MHz LP
RDIMM -
49Y1407 8942 4GB (1x4GB, 2Rx8, 1.35V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC DDR3 1333MHz LP
RDIMM -
49Y1397 8923 8GB (1x8GB, 2Rx4, 1.35V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC DDR3 1333MHz LP
RDIMM -
49Y1563 A1QT 16GB (1x16GB, 2Rx4, 1.35V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC DDR3 1333MHz
LP RDIMM -
Registered DIMMs (RDIMMs) - 1600 MHz
49Y1559 A28Z 4GB (1x4GB, 1Rx4, 1.5V) PC3-12800 CL11 ECC DDR3 1600MHz LP
RDIMM -
90Y3178 A24L 4GB (1x4GB, 2Rx8, 1.5V) PC3-12800 CL11 ECC DDR3 1600MHz LP
RDIMM -
90Y3109 A292 8GB (1x8GB, 2Rx4, 1.5V) PC3-12800 CL11 ECC DDR3 1600MHz LP
RDIMM All models
00D4968 A2U5 16GB (1x16GB, 2Rx4, 1.5V) PC3-12800 CL11 ECC DDR3 1600MHz
LP RDIMM -
Load-reduced DIMMs (LRDIMMs)
90Y3105 A291 32GB (1x32GB, 4Rx4, 1.35V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC DDR3 1333MHz
LP LRDIMM -

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 14
Internal disk storage options
The x222 has two 2.5-inch simple-swap drive bays that are accessible from the front of the unit (Figure 2),
with one bay for each of the servers. Each server offers a 6 Gbps SATA controller that is implemented by
the Intel C600 chipset. RAID functionality is not provided by the chipset and must be implemented by the
operating system.
The 2.5-inch drive bays support SATA hard disk drives (HDDs) or SATA solid-state drives (SSDs). Each
server in the x222 optionally supports 1.8-inch SSDs by first installing the Flex System SSD Expansion
Kit in to the 2.5-inch bay. This kit then provides two 1.8-inch hot-swap drive bays. The storage
configurations of the two servers in the x222 must be identical.
The following table lists the supported drives.
Table 7. Supported drives
Part number Feature
code Description Maximum supported per server*
1.8-inch drives and expansion kit
00W0366 A3HV IBM Flex System SSD Expansion Kit
(used to convert the 2.5-inch bay in to two 1.8-inch bays) 1
00W1120 A3HQ IBM 100GB SATA 1.8" MLC Enterprise SSD 2
49Y6119 A3AN IBM 200GB SATA 1.8" MLC Enterprise SSD 2
2.5-inch drives
90Y8974 A369 IBM 500GB 7.2K 6Gbps SATA 2.5'' G2 SS HDD 1
90Y8979 A36A IBM 1TB 7.2K 6Gbps SATA 2.5'' G2 SS HDD 1
90Y8984 A36B IBM 128GB SATA 2.5” MLC Enterprise Value SSD for Flex
System x222 1
90Y8989 A36C IBM 256GB SATA 2.5” MLC Enterprise Value SSD for Flex
System x222 1
90Y8994 A36D IBM 100GB SATA 2.5” MLC Enterprise SSD for Flex System
x222 1
* The quantities that are listed here are for each of the two servers in the x222.
Internal tape drives
The x222 does not support an internal tape drive. However, it can be attached to external tape drives by
using Fibre Channel connectivity.
Optical drives
The x222 does not support an internal optical drive option. However, you can connect an external USB
optical drive, such as the IBM and Lenovo part number 73P4515 or 73P4516, or use the remote media
feature of the IMMv2 and the Chassis Management Module.
Note: The USB port on the server supplies up to 0.5 A at 5 V. For devices that require more power, an
additional power source is required.

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 15
Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter
Each server in the x222 includes an Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter (VFA, also known as LAN on
Motherboard or LOM) built in to the system board. The x222 has one Fabric Connector (which is
physically on the lower server) and the Ethernet connections from both Embedded 10 Gb VFAs are routed
through it. Figure 5 shows the physical location of the Fabric Connector.
The following figure shows the internal connections between the Embedded 10Gb VFAs and the switches
in chassis bays 1 and 2.
Figure 6. Embedded 10 Gb VFA connectivity to the switches
In the figure:
The blue lines show that the two Ethernet ports in the upper server route to switches in bay 1 and bay

2. These connections require that the switch have Upgrade 1 enabled so as to enable the second
bank of internal ports, ports 15-28.
The red lines show that the two Ethernet ports in the lower server also route to switches in bay 1 and

bay 2. These connections both go to the base ports of the switch, ports 1-14.
Switch upgrade 1 required: You must have Upgrade 1 enabled in the two switches. Without this feature
upgrade, the upper server will not have any Ethernet connectivity.
The Embedded 10Gb VFA is based on the Emulex BladeEngine 3 (BE3), which is a single-chip, dual-port
10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) Ethernet Controller. These are some of the features of the Embedded 10Gb
VFA:
PCI-Express Gen2 x8 host bus interface

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 through FoD

The following table lists the ordering information for the IBM Flex System Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric
Upgrade, which enables the iSCSI and FCoE support on the Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter.

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 16
Two licenses required: To enable the FCoE/iSCSI upgrade for both servers in the x222 Compute Node,
two licenses are required.
Table 8. Feature on Demand upgrade for FCoE and iSCSI support
Part number Feature
code Description Maximum supported*
90Y9310 A2TD IBM Virtual Fabric Advanced Software Upgrade (LOM) 1 per server
2 per x222 Compute Node
* To enable the FCoE/iSCSI upgrade for both servers in the x222 Compute Node, two licenses are
required.
Network and storage adapters
In addition to the Embedded 10GbE VFAs on each server, the x222 supports one I/O adapter that is
shared between the two servers and is routed to the I/O Modules that are installed in bays 3 and 4 of the
chassis.
The shared I/O adapter is mounted in the lower server, as shown in the following figure. The adapter has
two host interfaces, one on either side, for connecting to the servers. Each host interface is PCI Express
3.0 x16.
Figure 7. Location of the I/O adapter

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 17
The following table lists the supported network and storage adapter. Adapters are shared between the two
servers with half the ports routing to each server.
Table 9. Network adapters
Part
number Feature
code Description Number of ports Maximum supported
InfiniBand
90Y3486 A365 IBM Flex System IB6132D2-port FDR InfiniBand Adapter 2 1*
Fibre Channel
95Y2379 A3HU IBM Flex System FC5024D 4-port 16Gb FC Adapter 4 1*
* One adapter is supported per x222. The adapter is shared between the two servers.
A compatible switch module must be installed in the corresponding I/O bays in the chassis, as indicated
in the following table. Installing four switches in all four switch bays of the chassis means that all ports of
the adapter are enabled, which improves performance and network availability.
Table 10. Adapter to I/O bay correspondence
Server Adapter With
FC5024D
4-port
With
IB6132D
2-port
Corresponding
I/O module bay
in the chassis
Port 1 Module bay 1
Upper server Embedded 10 GbE
Virtual Fabric Adapter Port 2 Module bay 2
Port 1 Module bay 1
Lower server Embedded 10 GbE
Virtual Fabric Adapter Port 2 Module bay 2
Port 1 Not used Module bay 3
Upper server Port 2 Port 1 Module bay 4
Port 1 Port 1 Module bay 3
Lower server
I/O Expansion adapter
FC5024D 4-port 16Gb FC
or
IB6132D2-port FDR InfiniBand
Port 2 Not used Module bay 4
The FC5024D is a four-port adapter where two ports are routed to each server. Port 1 of each server is
connected to the switch in bay 3 and Port 2 of each server is connected to the switch in bay 4. To take
advantage of all four ports, you must install a supported Fibre Channel switch in both switch bays.
The following figure shows how the FC5024D 4-port 16 Gb FC adapter and the Embedded 10Gb VFAs
are connected to the Ethernet and Fibre Channel switches installed in the chassis.

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 18
Figure 8. Logical layout of the interconnects - Ethernet and Fibre Channel
The IB6132Dis a two-port adapter and has one port that is routed to each server. One port of the adapter
connects to the InfiniBand switch in switch bay 3 and the other adapter port connects to the InfiniBand
switch in switch bay 4 in the chassis. The IB6132D requires that two InfiniBand switches be installed in
the chassis.
The following figure shows how the IB6132D2-port FDR InfiniBand adapter and the four ports of the two
Embedded 10 GbE VFAs are connected to the Ethernet and InfiniBand switches that are installed in the
chassis.
Figure 9. Logical layout of the interconnects - Ethernet and InfiniBand

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 19
Supported switches
The x222 supports only Ethernet scalable switches with at least the first internal port upgrade enabled or
Fibre Channel switches with dynamic port assignment. The following table shows which Ethernet, Fibre
Channel, and InfiniBand switches are supported:
Table 11. Supported switches
Adapter Switches supported Minimum required switch
upgrades
EN2092 1Gb Ethernet Scalable Switch (49Y4294) Upgrade 1 (90Y3562)
EN4093 10Gb Scalable Switch (49Y4270) Upgrade 1 (49Y4798)
EN4093R 10Gb Scalable Switch (95Y3309) Upgrade 1 (49Y4798)
CN4093 10Gb Converged Scalable Switch
(00D5823) Upgrade 1 (00D5845) or
Upgrade 2 (00D5847)
Embedded 10 GbE
Virtual Fabric
Adapter
SI4093 System Interconnect Module (95Y3313) Upgrade 1 (95Y3318)
FC5022 16Gb SAN Scalable Switch (88Y6374)
FC5022 24-port 16Gb SAN Scalable Switch
(00Y3324)
FC5024D 4-port
16Gb FC Adapter
FC5022 24-port 16Gb ESB SAN Scalable Switch
(90Y9356)
Switch port licenses can be used for
internal or external ports. Additional
ports may be needed depending on
your configuration. See the FC5022
Product Guide*
IB6132D2-port
FDR InfiniBand
Adapter
IB6131 InfiniBand Switch (90Y3450) None required†
* IBM Redbooks Product Guide for the IBM Flex System FC5022 SAN Scalable Switch can be found at the following
website: http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0870.html
† A switch upgrade is not required to activate the necessary ports. However, to run the ports at FDR speeds, you
need the FDR upgrade 90Y3462.
The following switches are not supported by the x222 because they do not provide enough internal ports
to connect to both servers in the x222 Compute Node:
IBM Flex System EN4091 10Gb Ethernet Pass-thru Module

IBM Flex System FC3171 8Gb SAN Switch

IBM Flex System FC3171 8Gb SAN Pass-thru

IBM Flex System EN6131 40Gb Ethernet Switch

For more information, see the list of IBM Redbooks Product Guides in the Adapter cards category at the
following website:
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/portals/puresystems?Open&page=pg&cat=switches
Power supplies
Server power is derived from the power supplies that are installed in the chassis. There are no server
options regarding power supplies. Support for the x222 might be affected by the choice of the power
supply that is installed in the chassis, as described in the Chassis support section.

IBM Flex System x222 Compute Node 20
Integrated virtualization
Each server in the x222 supports the ESXi hypervisor on a USB memory key through two internal USB
ports (see Figure 3). The supported USB memory keys are listed in the following table.
There are two types of USB keys: preload keys or blank keys. Blank keys allow you to download an IBM
customized version of ESXi and load it onto the key. Each server supports one or two keys that are
installed, but only certain combinations:
Supported combinations:
One preload key

One blank key

One preload key and one blank key

Two blank keys

Unsupported combinations:
Two preload keys

Installing two preload keys prevents ESXi from booting, as described at the website
http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1035107. Having two keys that are 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 becomes corrupted.
Table 12. Virtualization options
Part number Feature
code Description Maximum supported
41Y8298 A2G0 IBM Blank USB Memory Key for VMware ESXi Downloads 2
41Y8307 A383 IBM USB Memory Key for VMware ESXi 5.0 Update1 1
41Y8311 A2R3 IBM USB Memory Key for VMWare ESXi 5.1 1