IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node User manual

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 1
I B M ®
IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node
IBM Redbooks Product Guide
The IBM Flex System™ x240 Compute Node is a high-performance server that offers outstanding
performance for virtualization with new levels of CPU performance and memory capacity, and flexible
configuration options. The x240 Compute Node is an efficient server designed to run a broad range of
workloads, armed with advanced management capabilities allowing you to manage your physical and
virtual IT resources from a single-pane of glass.
Suggested use: database, virtualization, enterprise applications, collaboration/email, streaming media,
web, HPC, Microsoft RemoteFX, and cloud applications.
Figure 1 shows the IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node.
Figure 1. The IBM Flex System x240 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 into a single system that is easy to deploy and manage. IBM
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. IBM Flex System is scalable and extendable with
multi-generation upgrades to protect and maximize IT investments.

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 2
Key features
The IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node is a high-availability, scalable compute node optimized to
support the next-generation microprocessor technology and is ideally suited for medium and large
businesses. This section describes the key features of the server.
Scalability and performance
The x240 offers numerous features to boost performance, improve scalability, and reduce costs:
The Intel Xeon Processor E5-2600 product family improves productivity by offering superior system

performance with up to 8-core processors and up to 3.3 GHz core speeds depending on the CPU's
number of cores, up to 20 MB of L3 cache, and QPI interconnect links of up to 8 GT/s.
The Intel Xeon Processor E5-2600 provides up to 80% performance boost over the previous

generation, the Intel Xeon Processor 5600 (Westmere EP).
Up to two processors, 16 cores, and 32 threads maximize the concurrent execution of multi-threaded

applications.
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 utilize the hardware for virtualization workloads.
Intel Advanced Vector Extensions (AVT) significantly improve floating point performance for

compute-intensive technical and scientific applications compared with Intel Xeon 5600 series
processors.
Up to 24 DDR3 ECC memory RDIMMs provide speeds up to 1600 MHz and a memory capacity of up

to 384 GB. Load-reduced DIMMs (LRDIMMs) are supported with a maximum capacity of 768 GB.
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.
Up to 16 virtual I/O ports per compute node with integrated 10 Gb Ethernet ports, offering the choice

of Ethernet, Fibre Channel, iSCSI, or 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 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.
Availability and serviceability
The x240 provides many features to simplify serviceability and increase system uptime:
Chipkill, memory mirroring and memory rank sparing for redundancy in the event of a non-correctable

memory failure.

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 3
Tool-less cover removal provides easy access to upgrades and serviceable parts, such as CPU,

memory, and adapter cards.
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 simplifies servicing, speeds 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.
Solid-state drives (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 using 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
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 setup,

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 IBM Flex System platform that help to increase
up-time, reduce costs, and improve productivity through advanced server management capabilities.
IBM Fabric Manager simplifies 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 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 IBM Flex System chassis provides ultimate power and cooling

savings.

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 4
The Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 product family offers significantly better performance over the

previous generation 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 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 x240 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.
Active Energy Manager provides advanced power management features with actual real-time energy

monitoring, reporting, and capping features.
Locations of key components and connectors
Figure 2 shows the front of the server.
Figure 2. Front view of the IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 5
Figure 3 shows the locations of key components inside the server.
Figure 3. Inside view of the IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node
Standard specifications
The following table lists the standard specifications.
Table 1. Standard specifications (part 1)
Components Specification
Form factor Half-wide compute node.
Chassis support IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis.
Processor Up to two Intel Xeon Processor E5-2600 product family CPUs with eight-core (up to 2.9 GHz) or
six-core (up to 2.9 GHz) or quad-core (up to 3.3 GHz) or dual-core (up to 3.0 GHz). Two QPI
links up to 8.0 GT/s each. Up to 1600 MHz memory speed. Up to 20 MB L3 cache.
Chipset Intel C600 series.
Memory Up to 24 DIMM sockets (12 DIMMs per processor) using Low Profile (LP) DDR3 DIMMs.
RDIMMs, UDIMMs, and LRDIMMs supported. 1.5 V and low-voltage 1.35 V DIMMs supported.
Support for up to 1600 MHz memory speed depending on the processor. Four memory
channels per processor (three DIMMs per channel). Supports two DIMMs per channel operating
at 1600 MHz (2 DPC @ 1600MHz) with single and dual rank RDIMMs. Supports three DIMMs
per channel at 1066 MHz 1600MHz) with single and dual rank RDIMMs.
Memory
maximums With LRDIMMs: Up to 768 GB with 24x 32 GB LRDIMMs and two processors.
With RDIMMs: Up to 384 GB with 24x 16 GB RDIMMs and two processors.
With UDIMMs: Up to 64 GB with 16x 4 GB UDIMMs and two processors.
Memory
protection ECC, Chipkill (for x4-based memory DIMMs), memory mirroring, and memory rank sparing.

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 6
Table 1. Standard specifications (part 2)
Components Specification
Disk drive bays Two 2.5" hot-swap SAS/SATA drive bays supporting SAS, SATA, and SSD drives. Optional
eXFlash support for up to eight 1.8” SSDs.
Maximum
internal storage With two 2.5” hot-swap drives: Up to 2 TB with 1 TB 2.5" NL SAS HDDs, or up to 1.8 TB with 900 GB 2.5" SAS HDDs, or up to 2 TB with 1 TB 2.5" SATA HDDs, or up to 512 GB with 256 GB
2.5" SATA SSDs. Intermix of SAS and SATA HDDs and SSDs is supported. With eXFlash 1.8”
SSDs and ServeRAID M5115 RAID adapter: Up to 1.6 TB with eight 200 GB 1.8” SSDs.
RAID support RAID 0 and 1 with integrated LSI SAS2004 controller. Optional ServeRAID M5115 RAID
controller with RAID 0, 1, 10, 5, 50 support and 1 GB cache. Supports up to eight 1.8” SSD with
expansion kits. Optional flash-backup for cache, RAID 6/60, SSD performance enabler.
Network
interfaces x2x models: Two 10 Gb Ethernet ports with Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Ethernet LAN-on-motherboard (LOM) controller; Emulex BE3 based.
x1x models: None standard; optional 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet adapters.
PCI Expansion
slots Two I/O connectors for adapters. PCI Express 3.0 x16 interface.
Ports USB ports: One external. Two internal for embedded hypervisor with optional USB Enablement
Kit. Console breakout cable port providing local KVM and serial ports (cable standard with
chassis; additional cables optional).
Systems
management UEFI, IBM Integrated Management Module 2 (IMM2) with Renesas SH7757 controller, Predictive Failure Analysis, light path diagnostics panel, automatic server restart, remote
presence. Support for IBM Flex System Manager, IBM Systems Director and Active Energy
Manager, IBM ServerGuide.
Security
features Power-on password, administrator's password, Trusted Platform Module 1.2.
Video Matrox G200eR2 video core with 16 MB video memory integrated into the IMM2. Maximum
resolution is 1600x1200 at 75 Hz with 16 M colors.
Limited
warranty 3-year customer-replaceable unit and onsite limited warranty with 9x5/NBD.
Operating
systems
supported
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 and 6, SUSE Linux Enterprise
Server 10 and 11, VMware ESX 4. See "Supported operating systems" for details.
Service and
support Optional service upgrades are available through IBM ServicePacs®: 4-hour 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: 215 mm (8.5”), height 51 mm (2.0”), depth 493 mm (19.4”).
Weight Maximum configuration: 6.98 kg (15.4 lb).
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


IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 7
Standard models
Table 2 lists standard models.
Table 2. Standard models
Model___ Processor (2 maximum)* Memory
(max
786 GB)
Disk
adapter Disk bays (used/max)† Disks 10 GbE Embedded
Virtual
Fabric‡
I/O slots
(used/max)
8737-A1x 1x Xeon E5-2630L 6C 2.0GHz
15MB 1333MHz 60W 2x 4 GB SAS/SATA RAID 2.5” hot-swap (0 / 2) Open No 0 / 2
8737-D2x 1x Xeon E5-2609 4C 2.40GHz
10MB 1066MHz 80W 2x 4 GB SAS/SATA RAID 2.5” hot-swap (0 / 2) Open Standard 1 / 2‡
8737-F2x 1x Xeon E5-2620 6C 2.0GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 2x 4 GB SAS/SATA RAID 2.5” hot-swap (0 / 2) Open Standard 1 / 2‡
8737-G2x 1x Xeon E5-2630 6C 2.3GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 2x 4 GB SAS/SATA RAID 2.5” hot-swap (0 / 2) Open Standard 1 / 2‡
8737-H1x 1x Xeon E5-2640 6C 2.5GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 2x 4 GB SAS/SATA RAID 2.5” hot-swap (0 / 2) Open No 0 / 2
8737-H2x 1x Xeon E5-2640 6C 2.5GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 2x 4 GB SAS/SATA RAID 2.5” hot-swap (0 / 2) Open Standard 1 / 2‡
8737-J1x 1x Xeon E5-2670 8C 2.6GHz
20MB 1600MHz 115W 2x 4 GB SAS/SATA RAID 2.5” hot-swap (0 / 2) Open No 0 / 2
8737-L2x 1x Xeon E5-2660 8C 2.2GHz
20MB 1600MHz 95W 2x 4 GB SAS/SATA RAID 2.5” hot-swap (0 / 2) Open Standard 1 / 2‡
8737-M1x 1x Xeon E5-2680 8C 2.7GHz
20MB 1600MHz 130W 2x 4 GB SAS/SATA RAID 2.5” hot-swap (0 / 2) Open No 0 / 2
8737-M2x 1x Xeon E5-2680 8C 2.7GHz
20MB 1600MHz 130W 2x 4 GB SAS/SATA RAID 2.5” hot-swap (0 / 2) Open Standard 1 / 2‡
8737-N2x 1x Xeon E5-2643 4C 3.3GHz
10MB 1600MHz 130W 2x 4 GB SAS/SATA RAID 2.5” hot-swap (0 / 2) Open Standard 1 / 2‡
8737-Q2x 1x Xeon E5-2667 6C 2.9GHz
15MB 1600MHz 130W 2x 4 GB SAS/SATA RAID 2.5” hot-swap (0 / 2) Open Standard 1 / 2‡
8737-R2x 1x Xeon E5-2690 8C 2.9GHz
20MB 1600MHz 135W 2x 4 GB SAS/SATA RAID 2.5” hot-swap (0 / 2) Open Standard 1 / 2‡
* Processor detail: Processor quantity and model, cores, core speed, L3 cache, memory speed, power
consumption.
† The 2.5-inch drive bays can be replaced and expanded with IBM eXFlash and a ServeRAID M5115 RAID
controller to support up to eight 1.8-inch solid state drives (SSDs).
‡ The x2x models include an Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Ethernet controller. Connections are routed using a
Fabric Connector. The Fabric Connector precludes the use of an I/O adapter in I/O connector 1.
Chassis support
The x240 is supported in the IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis.

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 8
Processor options
The x240 supports the processor options listed in the following table. The server supports one or two
processors. The table also shows which server models have each processor standard. If no
corresponding where used model for a particular processor is listed, then this processor is available only
through Configure to Order (CTO).
Table 3. Processor options
Part
number Intel Xeon processor description Models where used
81Y5180 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2603 4C 1.8GHz 10MB Cache 1066MHz 80W -
81Y5182 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2609 4C 2.40GHz 10MB Cache 1066MHz 80W D2x
81Y5183 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2620 6C 2.0GHz 15MB Cache 1333MHz 95W F2x
81Y5184 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2630 6C 2.3GHz 15MB Cache 1333MHz 95W G2x
81Y5206 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2630L 6C 2.0GHz 15MB Cache 1333MHz 60W A1x
49Y8125 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2637 2C 3.0GHz 5MB Cache 1600MHz 80W -
81Y5185 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2640 6C 2.5GHz 15MB Cache 1333MHz 95W H1x, H2x
81Y5190 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2643 4C 3.3GHz 10MB Cache 1600MHz 130W N2x
95Y4670 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2648L 8C 1.8GHz 20MB Cache 1600MHz 70W -
81Y5186 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2650 8C 2.0GHz 20MB Cache 1600MHz 95W -
81Y5179 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2650L 8C 1.8GHz 20MB Cache 1600MHz 70W -
95Y4675 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2658 8C 2.1GHz 20MB Cache 1600MHz 95W -
81Y5187 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2660 8C 2.2GHz 20MB Cache 1600MHz 95W L2x
49Y8144 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2665 8C 2.4GHz 20MB Cache 1600MHz 115W -
81Y5189 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2667 6C 2.9GHz 15MB Cache 1600MHz 130W Q2x
81Y9418 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2670 8C 2.6GHz 20MB Cache 1600MHz 115W J1x
81Y5188 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2680 8C 2.7GHz 20MB Cache 1600MHz 130W M1x, M2x
49Y8116 Intel Xeon Processor E5-2690 8C 2.9GHz 20MB Cache 1600MHz 135W R2x
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 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 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.

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 9
The following rules apply when selecting the memory configuration:
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 supported per channel is eight.

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:
Memory speed 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 speed indicated is the maximum that the DIMM allows.
Table 4. Maximum memory speeds
Specification UDIMMs RDIMMs LRDIMMs
Rank Dual rank Single rank Dual rank Quad rank Quad rank
Rated speed 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1600
MHz 1333 MHz 1600 MHz 1066 MHz 1333 MHz
Rated voltage 1.35 V 1.35 V 1.5 V 1.35 V 1.5 V 1.35 V 1.35 V
Operating
voltage 1.35 V 1.5 V 1.35 V 1.5 V 1.5 V 1.35 V 1.5 V 1.5 V 1.35 V 1.5 V 1.35 V 1.5 V
Max quantity* 16 16 16 24 24 16 24 24 8 16 24 24
Largest DIMM 4 GB 4 GB 4 GB 4 GB 4 GB 16 GB 16 GB 16 GB 32 GB 32 GB 32 GB 32 GB
Max memory
capacity 64 GB 64 GB 64 GB 96 GB 96 GB 256 GB 384 GB 384 GB 256 GB 512 GB 768 GB 768 GB
Max memory
at rated speed 64 GB 64 GB 64 GB 64 GB 64 GB 256 GB 256 GB 256 GB 128 GB 256 GB 768 GB 512 GB
Maximum operating speed (MHz)
1 DIMMs
per channel 1333
MHz 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1600 MHz 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1600 MHz 800 MHz 1066 MHz 1066 MHz 1333 MHz
2 DIMMs
per channel 1333
MHz 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1600 MHz 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1600 MHz NS** 800 MHz 1066 MHz 1333 MHz
3 DIMMs
per channel NS** NS** NS** 1066
MHz 1066 MHz NS** 1066 MHz 1066 MHz NS** NS** 1066 MHz 1066 MHz
* The maximum quantity supported is shown for two processors installed. When one processor is installed, the
maximum quantity supported is a half of that shown.
** NS = Not supported. When three 1.35 V DIMMs are installed in a memory channel, they operate at 1.5 V instead.
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 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.

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 10
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 being identical). In rank sparing
mode, one rank of a DIMM in each populated channel is reserved as spare memory. The size of a rank
varies depending on the DIMMs installed.
The following table lists memory options available for the x240 server. DIMMs can be installed one at a
time, but for performance reasons, install them in sets of four (one for each of the four memory channels).
Table 5. Memory options for the x240
Part number Description Models
where used
Registered DIMM (RDIMM) modules
49Y1405 2GB (1x2GB, 1Rx8, 1.35V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC DDR3 1333MHz LP RDIMM -
49Y1406 4GB (1x4GB, 1Rx4, 1.35V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC DDR3 1333MHz LP RDIMM H1x, H2x, G2x,
F2x, D2x, A1x
49Y1407 4GB (1x4GB, 2Rx8, 1.35V) PC3L-10600 CL9ECC DDR3 1333MHz LP RDIMM -
49Y1559 4GB (1x4GB, 1Rx4, 1.5V) PC3-12800 CL11 ECC DDR3 1600MHz LP RDIMM R2x, Q2x, N2x, M2x,
M1x, L2x, J1x
90Y3178 4GB (1x4GB, 2Rx8, 1.5V) PC3-12800 CL11 ECC DDR3 1600MHz LP RDIMM -
90Y3109 8GB (1x8GB, 2Rx4, 1.5V) PC3-12800 CL11 ECC DDR3 1600MHz LP RDIMM -
49Y1397 8GB (1x8GB, 2Rx4, 1.35V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC DDR3 1333MHz LP RDIMM -
49Y1563 16GB (1x16GB, 2Rx4, 1.35V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC DDR3 1333MHz LP RDIMM -
49Y1400 16GB (1x16GB, 4Rx4, 1.35V) PC3L-8500 CL7 ECC DDR3 1066MHz LP RDIMM -
00D4968 16GB (1x16GB, 2Rx4, 1.5V) PC3-12800 CL11 ECC DDR3 1600MHz LP RDIMM -
Unbuffered DIMM (UDIMM) modules
49Y1404 4GB (1x4GB, 2Rx8, 1.35V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC DDR3 1333MHz LP UDIMM -
Load-reduced (LRDIMM) modules
49Y1567 16GB (1x16GB, 4Rx4, 1.35V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC DDR3 1333MHz LP LRDIMM -
90Y3105 32GB (1x32GB, 4Rx4, 1.35V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC DDR3 1333MHz LP LRDIMM -
Internal disk storage options
The x240 server has two 2.5" hot-swap drive bays accessible from the front of the blade server (Figure 2).
These bays are connected to the integrated 4-port LSI SAS2004 6 Gbps SAS/SATA RAID-on-Chip (ROC)
controller.
The integrated LSI SAS2004 ROC has the following features:
Four-port controller with 6 Gbps throughput per port

PCIe x4 Gen 2 host interface

Two SAS ports routed internally to the two hot-swap drive bays

Supports RAID levels 0 (Integrated Striping), 1 (Integrated Mirroring), 10 (Integrated Mirroring and

Striping), and 1E (Integrated Mirroring Enhanced)

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 11
The 2.5" drive bays support SAS or SATA hard disk drives (HDDs) or SATA solid state drives (SSDs).
The following table lists the supported 2.5" drive options.
Table 6. 2.5-inch drive options for internal disk storage
Part number Description Maximum quantity supported
10K SAS hard disk drives
42D0637 IBM 300GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 2
49Y2003 IBM 600GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 2
81Y9650 IBM 900GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF HS HDD 2
15K SAS hard disk drives
42D0677 IBM 146GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 2
81Y9670 IBM 300GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF HS HDD 2
NL SATA
81Y9722 IBM 250GB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 2.5" SFF HS HDD 2
81Y9726 IBM 500GB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 2.5" SFF HS HDD 2
81Y9730 IBM 1TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 2.5" SFF HS HDD 2
NL SAS
42D0707 IBM 500GB 7200 6Gbps NL SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 2
81Y9690 IBM 1TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SAS 2.5" SFF HS HDD 2
Solid state drives
43W7718 IBM 200GB SATA 2.5" MLC HS SSD 2
90Y8643 IBM 256GB SATA 2.5" MLC HS Entry SSD 2
90Y8648 IBM 128GB SATA 2.5" MLC HS Entry SSD 2
Support for eXFlash: 1.8" solid state drives
In addition, the x240 supports eXFlash with up to eight 1.8-inch solid-state drives combined with a
ServeRAID M5115 SAS/SATA controller (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 discussed 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 combinations of 2.5-inch drives and 1.8-inch solid state drives:
Up to two 2.5-inch drives only

Up to four 1.8-inch drives only

Up to two 2.5-inch drives, plus up to four 1.8-inch solid state drives

Up to eight 1.8-inch solid state drives

The ServeRAID M5115 SAS/SATA Controller (90Y4390) provides an advanced RAID controller
supporting 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 included with the optional ServeRAID M5100 Series
Enablement Kit (90Y4342).

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 12
At least one hardware kit is required with the ServeRAID M5115 controller, and there are three hardware
kits that are supported that enable specific drive support:
ServeRAID M5100 Series Enablement Kit for IBM Flex System x240 (90Y4342) enables support

for up to two 2.5” 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 powered by a
supercapacitor to protect data stored in the controller cache. This module eliminates the need for a
lithium-ion battery 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 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 only required if 2.5-inch drives are to be used. If you plan to install four or
eight 1.8-inch SSDs only, then this kit is not required.
ServeRAID M5100 Series IBM eXFlash Kit for IBM Flex System x240 (90Y4341) enables eXFlash

support for up to four 1.8-inch SSDs. This kit replaces the standard two-bay backplane with a four-bay
eXFlash backplane that attaches to an included flex cable to the M5115 controller. Because only
SSDs are supported, a CacheVault unit is not required, and therefore this kit does not have a
supercap.
ServeRAID M5100 Series SSD Expansion Kit for IBM Flex System x240 (90Y4391) 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.
The following table shows the kits required for each combination of drives. For example, if you plan to
install eight 1.8-inch SSDs, then you will need the M5115 controller, the eXFlash kit, and the SSD
Expansion kit.
Table 7. ServeRAID M5115 hardware kits
Desired drive support Components required
Maximum
number of
2.5" drives
Maximum
number of
1.8" SSDs
ServeRAID
M5115
90Y4390 Enablement Kit 90Y4342 eXFlash Kit 90Y4341
SSD
Expansion Kit
90Y4391
2 0 => Add this ... and this
0 4 (front) => Add this ... and this
2 4 (internal) => Add this ... and this ... and this
0 8 (both) => Add this ... and this ... and this

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 13
The following figure shows 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).
Figure 4. The ServeRAID M5115 and the Enablement Kit installed
The following figure shows how the ServeRAID M5115 and eXFlash and SSD Expansion Kits are installed
in the server to support eight 1.8-inch solid-state drives (row 4 of the preceding table).
Figure 5. ServeRAID M5115 with eXFlash and SSD Expansion Kits installed

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 14
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 the memory banks for CPU 1

Two in a tray above one the memory banks for CPU 2

The ServeRAID M5115 controller has 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
Optional 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) not recommended
Optional support for SSD performance acceleration with MegaRAID FastPath and SSD caching with

MegaRAID CacheCade Pro 2.0 (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 are as listed in the following table. These are all Feature
on Demand (FoD) license upgrades.
Table 8. Supported upgrade features
Part number Description Maximum quantity supported
90Y4410 ServeRAID M5100 Series RAID 6 Upgrade for IBM Flex
System 1
90Y4412 ServeRAID M5100 Series Performance Accelerator for
IBM Flex System (MegaRAID FastPath) 1
90Y4447 ServeRAID M5100 Series SSD Caching Enabler for IBM
Flex System (MegaRAID CacheCade Pro 2.0) 1

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 15
These features are described as follows:
RAID 6 Upgrade (90Y4410)

Adds support for RAID 6 and RAID 60. This is a Feature on Demand license.
Performance Accelerator (90Y4412)

The Performance Accelerator for IBM Flex System (implemented 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. Part number 90Y4412 is a Feature on Demand
license.
SSD Caching Enabler for traditional hard drives (90Y4447)

The SSD Caching Enabler for IBM Flex System (implemented using the LSI MegaRAID CacheCade
Pro 2.0) is designed to accelerate the performance of hard disk drive (HDD) arrays with only an
incremental investment in solid-state drive (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. Part number
90Y4447 is a Feature on Demand license. This feature requires at least one SSD drive be installed.
The 1.8-inch solid state drives supported with the ServeRAID M5115 controller are listed in the following
table.
Table 9. Supported 1.8-inch solid state drives
Part number Description Maximum quantity supported
43W7746 IBM 200GB SATA 1.8" MLC SSD 8
43W7726 IBM 50GB SATA 1.8" MLC SSD 8
Internal tape drives
The server does not support an internal tape drive. However, it can be attached to external tape drives
using Fibre Channel connectivity.
Optical drives
The server 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.

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 16
Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter
Some models of the x240 include an Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter (VFA, also known as LAN
on Motherboard or LOM) built into the system board. Table 2 lists what models of the x240 include the
Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter. 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 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)

SRIOV capable

RDMA over TCP/IP capable

iSCSI and FCoE upgrade offering via 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.
Table 10. Feature on Demand upgrade for FCoE and iSCSI support
Part number Description
90Y9310 IBM Flex System Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Upgrade

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 17
I/O expansion options
The x240 has two I/O expansion connectors for attaching I/O adapter cards. There is a third expansion
connector designed for future expansion options. The I/O expansion connectors are a very high-density
216-pin PCIe connector. Installing I/O adapter cards allows the server to connect with switch modules in
the IBM 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 following figure shows the location of the I/O expansion connectors.
Figure 6. Location of the I/O adapter slots in the IBM 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 indicated in the
following table. Installing two switches means that all ports of the adapter are enabled, which improves
performance and network availability.
Table 11. Adapter to I/O bay correspondence
I/O adapter slot in the server Port on the adapter Corresponding I/O module bay in the chassis
Port 1 Module bay 1
Port 2 Module bay 2
Port 3 (for 4-port cards) Module bay 1
Slot 1
Port 4 (for 4-port cards) Module bay 2
Port 1 Module bay 3
Port 2 Module bay 4
Port 3 (for 4-port cards) Module bay 3
Slot 2
Port 4 (for 4-port cards) Module bay 4

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 18
The following figure shows the location of the switch bays in the IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis.
Figure 7. Location of the switch bays in the IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis
The following figure shows how two-port adapters are connected to switches installed in the chassis.
Figure 8. Logical layout of the interconnects between I/O adapters and I/O modules

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 19
Network adapters
As described in "Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter," certain models (those with a model number of
the form x2x) have a 10Gb Ethernet controller on the system board, and 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 x1x)
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 either 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 following table lists the supported network adapters and upgrades. Adapters can be installed in either
slot. However, compatible switches must be installed in the corresponding bays of the chassis.
Table 12. Network adapters
Part
number Description Number
of ports Maximum supported*
10 Gb Ethernet
90Y3554 IBM Flex System CN4054 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter 4 2
90Y3558 IBM Flex System CN4054 Virtual Fabric Adapter (SW Upgrade)
(Feature on Demand to provide FCoE and iSCSI support) License 2
90Y3466 IBM Flex System EN4132 2-port 10Gb Ethernet Adapter 2 2
1 Gb Ethernet
49Y7900 IBM Flex System EN2024 4-port 1Gb Ethernet Adapter 4 2
InfiniBand
90Y3454 IBM Flex System IB6132 2-port FDR InfiniBand Adapter 2 2
* For x2x models with the Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter standard, the Compute Node Fabric Connector
occupies the same space as an I/O adapter in I/O slot 1, so you have to remove the Fabric Connector if you plan to
install an adapter in I/O slot 1.

IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node 20
Storage host bus adapters
The following table lists storage HBAs supported by the x240 server.
Table 13. Storage adapters
Part
number Description Number
of ports Maximum supported*
Fibre Channel
88Y6370 IBM Flex System FC5022 2-port 16Gb FC Adapter 2 2
69Y1938 IBM Flex System FC3172 2-port 8Gb FC Adapter 2 2
95Y2375 IBM Flex System FC3052 2-port 8Gb FC Adapter 2 2
* For x2x models with the Embedded 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter standard, the Compute Node Fabric Connector
occupies the same space as an I/O adapter in I/O slot 1, so you have to remove the Fabric Connector if you plan to
install an adapter in I/O slot 1.
Power supplies
Server power is derived from the power supplies installed in the chassis. There are no server options
regarding power supplies.
Integrated virtualization
The x240 offers USB flash drive options preloaded with versions of VMware ESXi. This is an embedded
version of VMware ESXi and is fully contained on the flash drive, without requiring any disk space. The
USB memory key plugs into one of the USB ports on the optional x240 USB Enablement Kit, 49Y8119.
The kit offers two ports and enables you to install two memory keys. If you do, both devices will be 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.
The x240 USB Enablement Kit and the supported USB memory keys are listed in the following table.
Table 14. Virtualization options
Part number Description Maximum quantity
supported
49Y8119 x240 USB Enablement Kit 1
41Y8300 IBM USB Memory Key for VMWare ESXi 5.0 2
41Y8298 IBM Blank USB Memory Key for VMWare ESXi Downloads 2
Light path diagnostics
For quick problem determination when located physically at the server, the x240 offers a three-step
guided path:
The Fault LED on the front panel
1. The light path diagnostics panel, shown in the following figure.
2. LEDs next to key components on the system board
3.
The x240 light path diagnostics panel is visible when you remove the server from the chassis. The panel