IBM Redboks System x3550 M4 User manual

IBM System x3550 M4 1
I B M ®
IBM System x3550 M4
IBM Redbooks Product Guide
The IBM® System x3550 M4 server provides outstanding performance for your business-critical
applications. Its energy-efficient design supports more cores, memory, and data capacity in a compact 1U
package that is easy to service and manage. With more computing power per watt and the latest Intel
Xeon processors, you can reduce costs while maintaining speed and availability.
Suggested use: database, virtualization, enterprise applications, collaboration/email, streaming media,
web, HPC, and cloud applications.
Figure 1 shows the IBM System x3550 M4.
Figure 1. The IBM System x3550 M4
Did you know?
The x3550 M4 offers a flexible, scalable design and a simple upgrade path to eight HDDs plus an optical
drive at the same time, and up to 768 GB of memory. The flexible onboard Ethernet solution provides four
standard integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports and two optional embedded 10 Gb Ethernet ports without
occupying PCIe slots. Comprehensive systems management tools with the next-generation Integrated
Management Module II (IMM2) make it easy to deploy, integrate, service, and manage.

IBM System x3550 M4 2
Key features
The x3550 M4 is a cost- and density-balanced 1U, 2-socket business-critical server, offering improved
performance and pay-as-you grow flexibility along with new features that improve server management
capability. The powerful system is designed for your most important business applications and cloud
deployments.
Combining balanced performance and flexibility, the x3550 M4 is a great choice for small and medium
businesses and up to the large enterprise. It can provide outstanding uptime to keep business-critical
applications and cloud deployments running safely. Ease-of-use and comprehensive systems
management tools make it easy to deploy. Outstanding RAS and high-efficiency design improves your
business environment and helps save operational costs.
Scalability and performance
The x3550 M4 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 8-core processors and up to 2.9 GHz core speeds, up to 20 MB of L3 cache, and up
to two 8 GT/s QPI interconnect links.
Up to two processors, 16 cores, and 32 threads maximize the concurrent execution of multithreaded

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 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 utilize the hardware for virtualization workloads.
Intel Advanced Vector Extensions (AVT) significantly improve floating point performance for

compute-intensive technical and scientific applications compared to Intel Xeon 5600 series
processors.
The 24 Load Reduced DIMMs (LRDIMMs) of 1333 MHz DDR3 ECC memory provide speed, high

availability, and a memory capacity of up to 768 GB (running at 1066 MHz).
The theoretical maximum memory bandwidth of the Intel Xeon processor E5 family is 51.6 GB/s,

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.
The server has four integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports and two optional 10 Gb Ethernet ports with

mezzanine cards that do not consume a PICe slot.
The server offers PCI Express 3.0 I/O expansion capabilities that improve the theoretical maximum

bandwidth by 60% (8 GT/s per link) compared to 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 NVIDIA Quadro graphics processing units (GPUs) to maximize computing power


IBM System x3550 M4 3
Availability and serviceability
The x3550 M4 provides many features to simplify serviceability and increase system uptime:
The server offers memory mirroring and memory rank sparing for redundancy in the event of a

non-correctable memory failure.
Tool-less cover removal provides easy access to upgrades and serviceable parts, such as CPU,

memory, and adapter cards.
The server offers hot-swap drives supporting RAID redundancy for data protection and greater

system uptime.
The server has two redundant hot-swap power supplies and six dual-motor hot-swap redundant fans

(two fan zones with N+1 fan design) to provide availability for business-critical applications.
The power source-independent light path diagnostics panel and individual light path LEDs 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) detects when system components (processors, VRMs, memory,

hard disk drives, fans, and power supplies) operate outside of standard thresholds and generates
proactive alerts in advance of possible failure, therefore increasing uptime.
Solid-state drivers (SSDs) 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 recovery actions in case of failure, 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 available.
Manageability and security
Powerful systems management features simplify local and remote management of the x3550 M4:
The 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.
An integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 support enables advanced cryptographic

functionality such as digital signatures and remote attestation.
There is industry-standard AES NI support for faster, stronger encryption.

IBM Systems Director is included for proactive systems management. It offers comprehensive

systems management tools that help to increase uptime, reduce costs and improve productivity
through advanced server management capabilities.
Intel Execute Disable Bit functionality can help prevent certain classes of malicious buffer overflow

attacks when combined with a supporting operating system.
Intel Trusted Execution Technology provides enhanced security through hardware-based resistance

to malicious software attacks, allowing an application to run in its own isolated space protected from
all other software running on a system.

IBM System x3550 M4 4
Energy efficiency
The x3550 M4 offers the following energy-efficiency features to save energy, reduce operational costs,
increase energy availability, and contribute to a green environment:
Energy-efficient planar components help lower operational costs.

High-efficiency 550 W and 750 W power supplies with 80 PLUS Platinum certification. Available 750

W dc power supply option.
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 the demands of power and thermally

constrained data centers and telecommunication environments.
Low-voltage 1.35 V DDR3 memory RDIMMs consume 15% less energy compared to 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 Systems Director Active Energy Manager™ provides advanced data center power notification and

management to help achieve lower heat output and reduced cooling needs.
Locations of key components and connectors
Figure 2 shows the front of the server.
Figure 2. Front view of the IBM System x3550 M4

IBM System x3550 M4 5
Figure 3 shows the rear of the server.
Figure 3. Rear view of the IBM System x3550 M4
Figure 4 shows the locations of key components inside the server.
Figure 4. Inside view of the IBM System x3550 M4

IBM System x3550 M4 6
Standard specifications
The following table lists the standard specifications.
Table 1. Standard specifications (part 1)
Components Specification
Form factor 1U Rack.
Processor Up to two Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 product family CPUs with eight cores (up to 2.9 GHz)
or six cores (up to 2.9 GHz) or quad-cores (up to 3.3 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 C604
Memory Up to 24 DIMM sockets (12 DIMMs per processor). RDIMMs, UDIMMs and LR-DIMMs (Load
Reduced DIMMs) supported but memory types cannot be intermixed. Memory DIMM speeds
up to 1600 MHz.
Memory
maximums 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
With LRDIMMs: Up to 768 GB with 24x 32 GB LRDIMMs and two processors
Memory
protection ECC, Chipkill (for x4-based memory DIMMs), memory mirroring, and memory rank sparing.
Disk drive bays Up to eight 2.5" hot-swap SAS/SATA HDDs, or up to three 3.5" hot-swap SAS/SATA HDDs, or
up to three 3.5" Simple Swap SATA HDDs.
Maximum internal
storage Up to 7.2 TB with 900 GB 2.5” SAS HDDs, or up to 8 TB with 1 TB 2.5" NL SAS/SATA HDDs, or up to 9 TB with 3 TB 3.5" NL SAS/SATA HDDs. Intermix of SAS/SATA is supported.
RAID support RAID 0, 1, 10 with H1110, M1115 or M5110. Optional upgrades to RAID 5, 50 available for
M1115. Optional upgrades to RAID 5, 50 are available (zero-cache; 512 MB battery-backed
cache; 512 MB or 1 GB flash-backed cache) for M5110. Optional upgrade to RAID 6. 60 are
available for M5110 with caches.
Optical drive bays One, optional, for models with 2.5” drives. Support for DVD-ROM or Multiburner.
Tape drive bays None.
Network
interfaces Four integrated Gigabit Ethernet 1000BASE-T ports (RJ-45); two integrated 10 Gb Ethernet ports (10GBASE-T RJ-45 or 10GBASE-SR SFP+ based) on optional 10 Gb Ethernet
mezzanine card (does not consume a PCIe slot).
PCI Expansion
slots Two slots, depending on the riser cards installed. The slots are as follows (all PCIe slots are PCIe 3.0, all PCI-X slots are 64 bit/133 MHz):
Slot 1: PCIe x16; low profile, half-length

Slot 2: PCIe x8, opt. PCI-X or PCIe x16; full-height/half-length (PCIe x16 req. 2nd CPU)

Additional dedicated slot for ServeRAID adapter.
Ports Two USB 2.0 (three USB 2.0 for 3.5" HDD models) and one DB-15 video on front. Four USB
2.0, one DB-15 video, one DB-9 serial, one RJ-45 systems management, four RJ-45 GbE
network ports, two optional RJ-45 or SFP+ 10 GbE network ports on rear. One internal USB
ports (for embedded hypervisor).
Cooling IBM Calibrated Vectored Cooling™ with up to six N+N redundant hot-swap fans (four standard,
additional two with second processor); two fan zones with N+1 fan design; each fan has two
motors.
Power supply Up to two redundant hot-swap 550 W ac or 750 W ac power supplies (80+ Platinum
certification), or 750 W dc power supply options.

IBM System x3550 M4 7
Table 1. Standard specifications (part 2)
Components Specification
Hot-swap parts Hard drives, power supplies, fans.
Systems
management UEFI, IBM Integrated Management Module 2 (IMM2), Predictive Failure Analysis, Light Path Diagnostics, Automatic Server Restart, IBM Systems Director and IBM Systems Director
Active Energy Manager™, IBM ServerGuide. Optional IMM Advanced FOD Upgrade for
remote presence (graphics, keyboard and mouse, virtual media).
Security features Power-on password, administrator's password, Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
Video Matrox G200eR2 with 16 MB memory integrated into the IMM2. Maximum resolution is
1600x1200 at 75 Hz with 16 M colors.
Operating
systems
supported
Microsoft Windows Server 2012, 2008 R2 and 2008, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 and 6, SUSE
Linux Enterprise Server 10 and 11, VMware ESX 4.1 and VMware ESXi 4.1 embedded
hypervisor, VMware vSphere 5.
Limited warranty Three-year customer-replaceable unit and onsite limited warranty with 9x5/NBD.
Service and
support Optional service upgrades are available through IBM ServicePacs®: 4-hour or 2-hour response time, 8 hours fix time, one-year or two-year warranty extension, remote technical
support for IBM hardware and selected IBM and third-party (Microsoft, Linux, VMware)
software.
Dimensions Height: 43 mm (1.7 in), width: 429 mm (16.9 in), depth: 734 mm (28.9 in)
Weight Minimum configuration: 12.7 kg (28 lb), maximum: 15.9 kg (35.1 lb)
The x3550 M4 servers are shipped with the following items:
Statement of Limited Warranty

Important Notices

Rack Installation Instructions

Documentation CD containing Installation and User's Guide

IBM Systems Director 6.3 Base for x86 DVD-ROM

IBM System x Gen-III Slides Kit

IBM System x Gen-III Cable Management Arm (CMA)

2.8 m C13-C14 power cord (one for models with one power supply and two for models with two power

supplies)

IBM System x3550 M4 8
Standard models
The following table lists the standard models.
Table 2. Standard models
Model Intel Xeon Processors†
(2 maximum) Memory RAID Disk bays Disks GbE Optical Power
Models announced August 2012
7914-32x 1x E5-2643 4C 3.3GHz
10MB 1600MHz 130W 1x 4 GB M5110 4x 2.5" HS/8 Open 4 Open 1x 750W
7914-DDx* 2x E5-2620 6C 2.0GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 8x 4 GB M5110 512MB with Battery 4x 2.5" HS/8 2x 600 GB SAS 6* Multi- burner 2x 550W
7914-M2x 1x E5-2690 8C 2.9GHz
20MB 1600MHz 135W 1x 4 GB M5110 4x 2.5" HS/8 Open 4 Open 1x 750W
Models announced March 2012
7914-A2x 1x E5-2603 4C 1.8GHz
10MB 1066MHz 80W 1x 4 GB H1110 4x 2.5" HS/8 Open 4 Open 1x 550W
7914-B2x 1x E5-2609 4C 2.4GHz
10MB 1066MHz 80W 1x 4 GB M1115 4x 2.5" HS/8 Open 4 Open 1x 550W
7914-C2x 1x E5-2620 6C 2.0GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8 GB M1115 4x 2.5" HS/8 Open 4 Open 1x 550W
7914-C4x 1x E5-2620 6C 2.0GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8 GB H1110 3x 3.5" HS/6 Open 4 None 1x 550W
7914-D2x 1x E5-2630 6C 2.3GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8 GB M5110 512MB+Flash 4x 2.5" HS/8 Open 4 Open 1x 550W
7914-F2x 1x E5-2640 6C 2.5GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8 GB M5110 512MB+Flash 4x 2.5" HS/8 Open 4 Open 1x 550W
7914-G2x 1x E5-2650 8C 2.0GHz
20MB 1600MHz 95W 1x 8 GB M5110 1GB+Flash 4x 2.5" HS/8 Open 4 Open 1x 550W
7914-52x 1x E5-2650L 8C 1.8GHz
20MB 1600MHz 70W 1x 8 GB M5110 1GB+Flash 4x 2.5" HS/8 Open 4 Open 1x 550W
7914-H2x 1x E5-2660 8C 2.2GHz
20MB 1600MHz 95W 1x 8 GB M5110 1GB+Flash 4x 2.5" HS/8 Open 4 Open 1x 550W
7914-62x 1x E5-2665 8C 2.4GHz
20MB 1600MHz 115W 1x 8 GB M5110 1GB+Flash 4x 2.5" HS/8 Open 4 Open 1x 550W
7914-J2x 1x E5-2670 8C 2.6GHz
20MB 1600MHz 115W 1x 8 GB M5110 1GB+Flash 4x 2.5" HS/8 Open 4 Open 1x 550W
7914-L2x 1x E5-2680 8C 2.7GHz
20MB 1600MHz 130W 1x 8 GB M5110 1GB+Flash 4x 2.5" HS/8 Open 4 Open 1x 750W
† Processor detail: Processor quantity and model, core speed, number of cores, L3 cache, memory speed.
* Model DDx is a management server for offerings such as cloud. See below
Refer to the Specifications section for information about standard features of the server.

IBM System x3550 M4 9
Management node
Model 7914-DDx is a model optimized as a management node and is preloaded with Windows Server
2008 R2 Standard and IBM Systems Director.
The model also includes these components as standard:
Intel Ethernet Dual Port Server Adapter I340-T2 (49Y4230)

IBM Integrated Management Module Advanced Upgrade (90Y3901)

Two PCIe x16 slots

Express models
The following table lists the express models.
Table 3. Express models (Part 1)
Model Intel Xeon Processors†
(2 maximum) Memory RAID Disk bays Disks GbE DVD Power
North America (NA)
7914-EAU 1x E5-2609 4C 2.4GHz
10MB 1066MHz 80W 1x 4 GB M1115 4x 2.5" HS / 8 Optional 4 Multi- burner 1x 550W
7914-EBU 1x E5-2620 6C 2.0GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8GB M5110 512MB Flash 4x 2.5" HS / 8 Optional 4 Multi- burner 1x 550W
7914-ECU 1x E5-2630 6C 2.3GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8GB M5110 512MB Flash 4x 2.5" HS / 8 Optional 4 Multi- burner 1x 550W
7914-EDU 1x E5-2650 8C 2.0GHz
20MB 1600MHz 95W 1x 8GB M5110 1TB Flash 4x 2.5" HS / 8 Optional 4 Multi- burner 1x 550W
Latin America (LA)
7914-EAU 1x E5-2609 4C 2.4GHz
10MB 1066MHz 80W 1x 4 GB M1115 4x 2.5" HS / 8 Optional 4 Multi- burner 1x 550W
7914-EBU 1x E5-2620 6C 2.0GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8GB M5110 512MB Flash 4x 2.5" HS / 8 Optional 4 Multi- burner 1x 550W
7914-ECU 1x E5-2630 6C 2.3GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8GB M5110 512MB Flash 4x 2.5" HS / 8 Optional 4 Multi- burner 1x 550W
7914-EDU 1x E5-2650 8C 2.0GHz
20MB 1600MHz 95W 1x 8GB M5110 1TB Flash 4x 2.5" HS / 8 Optional 4 Multi- burner 1x 550W
Europe Integrated Operating Team (IOT)
7914-E1G 1x E5-2603 4C 1.8GHz
10MB 1066MHz 80W 1x 4 GB M1115 4x 2.5" HS / 8 Optional 4 Multi- burner 1x 550W
7914-E2G 1x E5-2603 4C 1.8GHz
10MB 1066MHz 80W 1x 4 GB M1115 4x 2.5" HS / 8 2 x 500GB HS SATA 4 Multi- burner 1x 550W
7914-E3G 1x E5-2620 6C 2.0GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8 GB M5110 512MB Cache 8x 2.5" HS / 8 Optional 4 Multi- burner 1x 550W
7914-E4G 1x E5-2620 6C 2.0GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8 GB M1115 3x 3.5" HS/ 3 Optional 4 Open 1x 550W
7914-E5G 1x E5-2630 6C 2.3GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8 GB M5110 512MB Flash 4x 2.5" HS / 8 2 x 300GB 10K HS SAS 4 Multi- burner 2x 550W
† Processor detail: Processor quantity and model, core speed, number of cores, L3 cache, memory speed.

IBM System x3550 M4 10
Table 3. Express models (Part 2)
Model Intel Xeon Processors†
(2 maximum) Memory RAID Disk bays Disks GbE DVD Power
Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Middle East & Africa (MEA)
7914-E1G 1x E5-2603 4C 1.8GHz
10MB 1066MHz 80W 1x 4 GB M1115 4x 2.5" HS / 8 Optional 4 Multi- burner 1x 550W
7914-E2G 1x E5-2603 4C 1.8GHz
10MB 1066MHz 80W 1x 4 GB M1115 4x 2.5" HS / 8 2 x 500GB HS SATA 4 Multi- burner 1x 550W
7914-E3G 1x E5-2620 6C 2.0GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8 GB M5110 512MB Cache 8x 2.5" HS / 8 Optional 4 Multi- burner 1x 550W
7914-E4G 1x E5-2620 6C 2.0GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8 GB M1115 3x 3.5" HS/ 3 Optional 4 Open 1x 550W
7914-E5G 1x E5-2630 6C 2.3GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8 GB M5110 512MB Flash 4x 2.5" HS / 8 2 x 300GB 10K HS SAS 4 Multi- burner 2x 550W
7914-K2G 1x E5-2620 6C 2.0GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8 GB M5110 512MB Flash 3x 3.5" HS/ 3 Optional 4 Open 1x 550W
7914-K3G 1x E5-2630 6C 2.3GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 2x 8 GB M5110 512MB Flash 8x 2.5" HS / 8 Optional 4 Multi- burner 2x 550W
Russia/Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
7914-E1G 1x E5-2603 4C 1.8GHz
10MB 1066MHz 80W 1x 4 GB M1115 4x 2.5" HS / 8 Optional 4 Multi- burner 1x 550W
7914-K1G 1x E5-2620 6C 2.0GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8 GB M5110 512MB Flash 8x 2.5" HS / 8 Optional 4 Multi- burner 1x 550W
7914-K2G 1x E5-2620 6C 2.0GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 1x 8 GB M5110 512MB Flash 3x 3.5" HS/ 3 Optional 4 Open 1x 550W
7914-K3G 1x E5-2630 6C 2.3GHz
15MB 1333MHz 95W 2x 8 GB M5110 512MB Flash 8x 2.5" HS / 8 Optional 4 Multi- burner 2x 550W
Refer to the Specifications section for information about standard features of the server.

IBM System x3550 M4 11
Processor options
The x3550 M4 supports the processor options listed in the following table. The server supports up to two
processors. This table shows which server models have each processor standard. If there is no
corresponding where used model for a particular processor, then this processor is only available through
CTO.
Table 4. Processor options
Part number* Feature
codes** Description Standard models where used
Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 product family
69Y5672 A1LG / A1LT Intel Xeon E5-2603 4C 1.8GHz 10MB 1066MHz 80W A2x
69Y5674 A1LJ / A1LV Intel Xeon E5-2609 4C 2.4GHz 10MB 1066MHz 80W B2x
69Y5675 A1LK / A1LW Intel Xeon E5-2620 6C 2.0GHz 15MB 1333MHz 95W C2x, C4x, DDx
69Y5676 A1LL / A1LX Intel Xeon E5-2630 6C 2.3GHz 15MB 1333MHz 95W D2x
94Y7464 A2B3 / A2B6 Intel Xeon E5-2630L 6C 2.0GHz 15MB 1333MHz 60W -
94Y7546 A2VR / A2QK Intel Xeon E5-2637 2C 3.0GHz 5MB 1600MHz 80W -
69Y5677 A1LM / A1LY Intel Xeon E5-2640 6C 2.5GHz 15MB 1333MHz 95W F2x
94Y7465 A2B4 / A2B7 Intel Xeon E5-2643 4C 3.3GHz 10MB 1600MHz 130W 32x
00D9441 A39A / A39D Intel Xeon E5-2648L 8C 1.8GHz 20MB 1600MHz 70W
69Y5678 A1LN / A1LZ Intel Xeon E5-2650 8C 2.0GHz 20MB 1600MHz 95W G2x
69Y5685 A1LS / A1M3 Intel Xeon E5-2650L 8C 1.8GHz 20MB 1600MHz 70W 52x
00D9440 A399 / A39C Intel Xeon E5-2658 8C 2.1GHz 20MB 1600MHz 95W
69Y5679 A1LP / A1M0 Intel Xeon E5-2660 8C 2.2GHz 20MB 1600MHz 95W H2x
94Y7547 A2GN / A2GP Intel Xeon E5-2665 8C 2.4GHz 20MB 1600MHz 115W 62x
69Y5682 A1LR / A1M2 Intel Xeon E5-2667 6C 2.9GHz 15MB 1600MHz 130W -
94Y7463 A2B2 / A2B5 Intel Xeon E5-2670 8C 2.6GHz 20MB 1600MHz 115W J2x
69Y5680 A1LQ / A1M1 Intel Xeon E5-2680 8C 2.7GHz 20MB 1600MHz 130W L2x
94Y7545 A2VQ / A2QJ Intel Xeon E5-2690 8C 2.9GHz 20MB 1600MHz 135W M2x
* The option for the second processor includes two additional system fans.
** The first feature code is for the first processor; the second feature code is for the second processor
Memory options
IBM DDR3 memory is compatibility tested and tuned for optimal IBM System x® 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.

IBM System x3550 M4 12
The IBM System x3550 M4 supports DDR3 memory. The server supports up to 12 DIMMs when one
processor is installed, and up to 24 DIMMs when two processors are installed. Each processor has four
memory channels, and there are three DIMMs per channel.
The following rules apply when selecting the memory configuration:
Mixing different types of memory (UDIMMs, RDIMMs, and LRDIMMs) is not supported.

Mixing 1.5 V and 1.35 V DIMMs in the same server is supported; in such cases, all DIMMs operate at

1.5 V.
The maximum number of ranks supported per one channel is eight (with the exception of Load

Reduced DIMMs, where more than eight ranks are supported because one quad-rank LRDIMM
provides the same electrical load on a memory bus as a single-rank RDIMM).
The maximum quantity of DIMMs that can be installed in server depends on number of CPUs, DIMM

type, rank, and operating voltage as shown in the "Maximum quantity" row in the following table.
All DIMMs in all CPU memory channels operate at the same speed, which is determined as the

lowest value of:
The memory speed supported by the specific CPU.

The lowest of maximum operating speeds for the selected memory configuration that depends on

rated speed, operating voltage, and quantity of DIMMs per channel, as shown under "Maximum
operating speed" section in the following table.
The following table (Parts 1 and 2) shows the characteristics of the supported DIMMs. Tables cells
highlighted with a gray background indicate when the combination of DIMM voltage and the number of
DIMMs per channel still allows the DIMMs to operate at a rated speed.
Table 5. Maximum memory speeds (Part 1: RDIMMs)
Specification RDIMMs
Rank Single rank Dual rank Quad rank
Part numbers 49Y1405 (2 GB)
49Y1406 (4 GB) 49Y1559 (4 GB) 49Y1407 (4 GB) 49Y1397 (8 GB)
49Y1563 (16 GB)
90Y3178 (4 GB)
90Y3109 (8 GB)
00D4968 (16 GB)
49Y1399 (8 GB)
Rated speed 1333 MHz 1600 MHz 1333 MHz 1600 MHz 1066 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
Maximum quantity* 16 24 24 16 24 24 16 16
Largest DIMM 4 GB 4 GB 4 GB 16 GB 16 GB 16 GB 8 GB 8 GB
Maximum memory
capacity 64 GB 96 GB 96 GB 256 GB 384 GB 384 GB 128 GB 128 GB
Maximum memory
at rated speed 64 GB 64 GB 64 GB 256 GB 256 GB 256 GB 128 GB 64 GB
Maximum operating speed (MHz)
1 DIMM per channel 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1600 MHz 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1600 MHz 800 MHz 1066 MHz
2 DIMMs per channel 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1600 MHz 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1600 MHz 800 MHz 800 MHz
3 DIMMs per channel NS** 1066 MHz 1066 MHz NS** 1066 MHz 1066 MHz NS** NS**
* Maximum quantity supported is shown for two processors installed. When one processor installed the maximum
quantity supported is a half of shown.
** NS = Not Supported

IBM System x3550 M4 13
Table 5. Maximum memory speeds (Part 2: UDIMMs and LRDIMMs)
Specification UDIMMs LRDIMMs
Rank Dual rank Quad rank
Part numbers 49Y1404 (4 GB) 90Y3105 (32 GB)
Rated speed 1333 MHz 1333 MHz
Rated voltage 1.35 V 1.35 V
Operating voltage 1.35 V 1.5 V 1.35 V 1.5 V
Maximum quantity* 16 16 24 24
Largest DIMM 4 GB 4 GB 32 GB 32 GB
Maximum memory
capacity 64 GB 64 GB 768 GB 768 GB
Maximum memory
at rated speed 32 GB 64 GB 256 GB 512 GB
Maximum operating speed (MHz)
1 DIMM per channel 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1333 MHz 1333 MHz
2 DIMMs per channel 1066 MHz 1333 MHz 1066 MHz 1333 MHz
3 DIMMs per channel Not supported Not supported 1066 MHz 1066 MHz
* Maximum quantity supported is shown for two processors installed. When one processor installed the maximum
quantity supported is a half of shown.
** NS = Not Supported
The following memory protection technologies are supported:
ECC

Chipkill (for x4-based memory DIMMs)

Memory mirroring

Memory rank sparing

If memory mirroring is used, then DIMMs must be installed in pairs (a minimum of one pair per each
CPU), 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 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.

IBM System x3550 M4 14
The following table lists memory options available for the x3550 M4 server.
Table 6. Memory options
Part
number Feature code Description Maximum
supported Standard models where used
UDIMMs
49Y1404 8648 4 GB (1x 4 GB, 2Rx8, 1.35 V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC
1333 MHz LP UDIMM 16 (8 per CPU) -
RDIMMs - 1066 MHz and 1333 MHz
49Y1405 8940 2 GB (1x 2 GB, 1Rx8, 1.35 V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC
DDR3 1333 MHz LP RDIMM 24 (12 per CPU) -
49Y1406 8941 4 GB (1x 4 GB, 1Rx4, 1.35 V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC
DDR3 1333 MHz LP RDIMM 24 (12 per CPU) A2x, B2x
49Y1407 8942 4 GB (1x 4 GB, 2Rx8, 1.35 V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC
DDR3 1333 MHz LP RDIMM 24 (12 per CPU) DDx
49Y1397 8923 8 GB (1x 8 GB, 2Rx4, 1.35 V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC
1333 MHz LP RDIMM 24 (12 per CPU) C2x, C4x, D2x, F2x
49Y1399 A14E 8 GB (1x 8 GB, 4Rx8, 1.35 V) PC3L-8500 CL7 ECC
DDR3 1066 MHz LP RDIMM 16 (8 per CPU) -
49Y1563 A1QT 16 GB (1x 16 GB, 2Rx4, 1.35 V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC
DDR3 1333 MHz LP RDIMM 24 (12 per CPU) -
RDIMMs - 1600 MHz
49Y1559 A28Z 4 GB (1x 4 GB, 1Rx4, 1.5 V) PC3-12800 CL11 ECC
DDR3 1600 MHz LP RDIMM 24 (12 per CPU) 32x, M2x
90Y3178 A24L 4 GB (1x 4 GB, 2Rx8, 1.5 V) PC3-12800 CL11 ECC
DDR3 1600 MHz LP RDIMM 24 (12 per CPU) -
90Y3109 A292 8 GB (1x 8 GB, 2Rx4, 1.5 V) PC3-12800 CL11 ECC
DDR3 1600 MHz LP RDIMM 24 (12 per CPU) 52x, 62x, G2x, H2x, J2x, L2x
00D4968 A2U5 16GB (1x16GB, 2Rx4, 1.5V) PC3-12800 CL11 ECC
DDR3 1600MHz LP RDIMM 24 (12 per CPU) -
LRDIMMs
90Y3105 A291 32 GB (1x 32 GB, 4Rx4, 1.35 V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC
DDR3 1333 MHz LP LRDIMM 24 (12 per CPU) -

IBM System x3550 M4 15
Internal disk storage options
IBM System x3550 M4 server supports the following internal storage configurations:
Eight 2.5" Slim-SFF SAS/SATA hot-swap hard drive bays

Four 2.5" Slim-SFF SAS/SATA hot-swap hard drive bays

Three 3.5" hot-swap SAS/SATA hard drive bays

Three 3.5" Simple Swap SATA hard drive bays (only available in CTO)

Figure 5 shows the first three of these configurations.
Figure 5. Internal drive configurations
Backplanes
All standard models, except C4x, ship with four 2.5" Slim-SFF SAS/SATA hot-swap hard drive bays.
Model C4x ships with three 3.5" SAS/SATA hot-swap hard drive bays. The following table shows the
internal storage expansion options available for the x3550 M4 server.
Table 7. Internal storage expansion options
Part number Feature
code Name Maximum supported
81Y6657 A1HN x3550 M4 plus 4x 2.5" HDD Assembly Kit 1
Option 81Y6657 upgrades models with four hot-swap HDD bays to eight hot-swap HDD bays. Model A2x
requires H1110 to be replaced by M1115 or M5110 to support eight HDDs. An optical drive can be
installed internally when this option is used.

IBM System x3550 M4 16
RAID controllers
The following table lists the RAID controllers and the additional options used for the internal disk storage
of the x3550 M4 server.
Table 8. RAID controllers for internal storage
Part
number Feature code Description Maximum supported Standard models
where used
81Y4492 A1XL ServeRAID H1110 SAS/SATA Controller 1 A2x, C4x
81Y4448 A1MZ ServeRAID M1115 SAS/SATA Controller 1 B2x, C2x
81Y4542 A1X1 ServeRAID M1100 Series Zero Cache/RAID
5 Upgrade 1 -
81Y4481 A347 ServeRAID M5110 SAS/SATA Controller 1 D2x, F2x, G2x, 52x,
H2x, 62x, J2x, L2x,
32x, DDx, M2x
81Y4544 A1X2 ServeRAID M5100 Series Zero Cache/RAID
5 Upgrade 1 -
81Y4484 A1J3 ServeRAID M5100 Series 512MB
Cache/RAID 5 Upgrade 1 DDx
81Y4487 A1J4 ServeRAID M5100 Series 512MB
Flash/RAID 5 Upgrade 1 D2x, F2x
81Y4559 A1WY ServeRAID M5100 Series 1GB Flash/RAID
5 Upgrade 1 G2x, H2x, J2x, L2x, 52x, 62x
81Y4508 A22E ServeRAID M5100 Series Battery Kit 1* DDx
81Y4546 A1X3 ServeRAID M5100 Series RAID 6 Upgrade 1† -
90Y4273 A2MC ServeRAID M5100 Series Performance
Accelerator 1 -
90Y4318 A2MD ServeRAID M5100 Series SSD Caching
Enabler 1 -
46M0912 3876 IBM 6Gb Performance Optimized HBA 1 -
* The ServeRAID M5100 Series Battery Kit (81Y4508) is only supported with ServeRAID M5100 Series 512MB
Cache/RAID 5 Upgrade (81Y4484).
† The ServeRAID M5100 Series RAID 6 Upgrade (81Y4546) requires RAID 5 Upgrade with caches (81Y4484,
81Y4487, or 81Y4559 only).
The RAID controller is installed into a dedicated PCIe slot.
The ServeRAID H1110 adapter has the following specifications:
Four internal 6 Gbps SAS/SATA ports

One x4 mini-SAS internal connector (SFF-8087)

6 Gbps throughput per port

Based on LSI SAS2004 6 Gbps RAID on Chip (ROC) controller

PCIe x4 Gen 3 host interface

Supports RAID 0, 1, 1E, and 10

Connects to up to four SAS or SATA drives


IBM System x3550 M4 17
The ServeRAID M1115 SAS/SATA Controller has the following specifications:
Eight internal 6 Gbps SAS/SATA ports

Two x4 mini-SAS internal connectors (SFF-8087)

Supports RAID levels 0, 1, and 10

Supports RAID levels 5 and 50 with optional M1100 Series RAID 5 upgrades

6 Gbps throughput per port

PCIe x8 Gen 3 host interface

Based on the LSI SAS2008 6 Gbps ROC controller

The ServeRAID M5110 SAS/SATA Controller has the following specifications:
Eight internal 6 Gbps SAS/SATA ports

Two x4 mini-SAS internal connectors (SFF-8087)

Supports RAID levels 0, 1, and 10

Supports RAID levels 5 and 50 with optional M5100 Series RAID 5 upgrades

Supports RAID 6 and 60 with the optional M5100 Series RAID 6 Upgrade

Supports 512 MB battery-backed cache or 512 MB or 1 GB flash-backed cache

6 Gbps throughput per port

PCIe x8 Gen 3 host interface

Based on the LSI SAS2208 6 Gbps ROC controller

For more information, see the list of IBM Redbooks Product Guides in the RAID adapters category:
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/portals/systemx?Open&page=pg&cat=raid

IBM System x3550 M4 18
Drive options for internal storage
The following table lists hard drive options for internal disk storage of the x3550 M4 server.
Table 9. Disk drive options for internal disk storage (Part 1)
Part number Feature
code Description Maximum supported
3.5" simple-swap HDDs - NL SATA*
81Y9802 A22U IBM 500GB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 3.5" G2SS HDD 3
81Y9806 A22X IBM 1TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 3.5" G2SS HDD 3
81Y9810 A22W IBM 2TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 3.5" G2SS HDD 3
81Y9814 A22V IBM 3TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 3.5" G2SS HDD 3
49Y6012 A3WA IBM 4TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 3.5" G2SS HDD 3
3.5-inch hot-swap HDDs - SAS
49Y6092 A3DV IBM 300GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 3.5" G2HS HDD 3
49Y6097 A3DW IBM 450GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 3.5" G2HS HDD 3
49Y6102 A3DX IBM 600GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 3.5" G2HS HDD 3
3.5-inch hot-swap HDDs - NL SAS
90Y8577 A2R2 IBM 3TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SAS 3.5" G2HS HDD 3
90Y8572 A2U0 IBM 2TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SAS 3.5" G2HS HDD 3
90Y8567 A26M IBM 1TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SAS 3.5" G2HS HDD 3
3.5-inch hot-swap HDDs - NL SATA
81Y9786 A22Y IBM 500GB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 3.5" G2HS HDD 3
81Y9790 A22P IBM 1TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 3.5" G2HS HDD 3
81Y9794 A22T IBM 2TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 3.5" G2HS HDD 3
81Y9798 A22S IBM 3TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 3.5" G2HS HDD 3
49Y6002 A3W9 IBM 4TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 3.5" G2HS HDD 3
* These drives are for use in a configuration that is only available through special bid or the Configure To Order
(CTO) process.

IBM System x3550 M4 19
Table 9. Disk drive options for internal disk storage (Part 2)
Part number Feature
code Description Maximum supported
2.5-inch hot-swap HDDs - SAS
90Y8926 A2XB IBM 146GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF G2HS HDD 8
90Y8944 A2ZK IBM 146GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF G2HS SED 8
90Y8877 A2XC IBM 300GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF G2HS HDD 8
90Y8913 A2XF IBM 300GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF G2HS SED 8
81Y9670 A283 IBM 300GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF HS HDD 8
90Y8872 A2XD IBM 600GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF G2HS HDD 8
90Y8908 A3EF IBM 600GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF G2HS SED 8
81Y9650 A282 IBM 900GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF HS HDD 8
81Y9662 A3EG IBM 900GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF G2HS SED 8
2.5-inch hot-swap HDDs - NL SAS
90Y8953 A2XE IBM 500GB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SAS 2.5" SFF G2HS HDD 8
81Y9690 A1P3 IBM 1TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SAS 2.5" SFF HS HDD 8
2.5-inch hot-swap HDDs - NL SATA
81Y9722 A1NX IBM 250GB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 2.5" SFF HS HDD 8
81Y9726 A1NZ IBM 500GB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 2.5" SFF HS HDD 8
81Y9730 A1AV IBM 1TB 7.2K 6Gbps NL SATA 2.5" SFF HS HDD 8
2.5" hot-swap SSDs
00W1125 A3HR IBM 100GB SATA 2.5" MLC HS Enterprise SSD 8
43W7718 A2FN IBM 200GB SATA 2.5" MLC HS SSD 8
49Y5839 A3AS IBM 64GB SATA 2.5" MLC HS Enterprise Value SSD 8
90Y8648 A2U4 IBM 128GB SATA 2.5" MLC HS Enterprise Value SSD 8
90Y8643 A2U3 IBM 256GB SATA 2.5" MLC HS Enterprise Value SSD 8
49Y5844 A3AU IBM 512GB SATA 2.5" MLC HS Enterprise Value SSD 8
49Y6139 A3F0 IBM 800GB SAS 2.5" MLC HS Enterprise SSD 8
49Y6134 A3EY IBM 400GB SAS 2.5" MLC HS Enterprise SSD 8
49Y6129 A3EW IBM 200GB SAS 2.5" MLC HS Enterprise SSD 8
2.5" simple-swap SSDs
43W7742 5419 IBM 200GB SATA 2.5" MLC SS SSD 8
90Y8668 A2UB IBM 128GB SATA 2.5" MLC SS Enterprise Value SSD 8
90Y8663 A2UC IBM 256GB SATA 2.5" MLC SS Enterprise Value SSD 8

IBM System x3550 M4 20