IBM System x3690 X5 User manual

IBM System x3690 X5 1
򔻐򗗠򙳰®
IBM System x3690 X5
IBM System x at-a-glance guide
IBM® System x3690 X5 is a powerful two-socket 2U rack-mount server using the latest Intel Xeon
processors. The x3690 X5 servers can be combined with the IBM MAX5 memory expansion unit for up to
1 TB of memory. Add to that the 16 2.5-inch disk drive bays and you have a high performance workhorse
in a rack-dense package. The x3690 X5 server belongs to the family of a new generation of Enterprise
X-Architecture® servers. The server delivers innovation with enhanced reliability and availability features
to enable optimal performance for databases, enterprise applications, and virtualized environments.
The IBM System x3690 X5 is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. The IBM System x3690 X5
Did you know?
The x3690 X5 offers a two step approach to expanding the system with memory. You can first start with
16 DIMMs installed just on the system board, then as needs require, install the memory mezzanine and
an additional 16 DIMMs. The for applications that can use the most amount of RAM, use the 1U MAX5
memory expansion unit which adds an additional 32 DIMM sockets. The MAX5 scalability and memory
expansion feature is a unique IBM enhancement, not offered by other x86 server architectures. The total
number of DIMM sockets available to the system is then 64 DIMMs -- in only 3U of rack space -- and with
16 GB DIMMs, that is 1 TB of RAM.
The x3690 X5 servers also contain up to 16 HDD bays that support 2.5-inch hot-swap internal SAS/SATA
drives totaling up to 8TB, or up to 24 solid-state drive bays, supporting 1.8-inch hot-swap SSDs, using up
to three IBM eXFlash storage options.
Each individual SSD is capable of sustaining approximately 4,300
IOPS, which is more than 10X what an enterprise 15,000 RPM 2.5-inch 146.8GB SAS HDD can achieve
(420 IOPS).

IBM System x3690 X5 2
Locations of key components and connectors
Figure 2 shows the front of the server.
Figure 2. Front view of the IBM System x3690 X5
Figure 3 shows the rear of the server.
Figure 3. Rear view of the IBM System x3690 X5

IBM System x3690 X5 3
Figure 4 shows the locations of key components inside the server.
Figure 4. Inside view of the IBM System x3690 X5
Figure 5 shows the MAX5 optional memory expansion unit.
Figure 5. Inside view of the MAX5 optional memory expansion unit for the IBM System x3690 X5

IBM System x3690 X5 4
Standard specifications
Table 1 lists the standard specifications.
Table 1. Standard specifications
Components Specification
Form
factor/height
Rack/2U per chassis; MAX5 adds 1U
Processor (max) Machine type 7147: Intel Xeon E7-2800, E7-4800 and E7-8800 families, up to 10 cores
Machine type 7148: Intel Xeon 7500 and 6500 families, up to 8-cores
Number of
processors
1 or 2 standard (model dependent), 2 maximum
Cache (max) Machine type 7147: up to 30 MB
Machine type 7148: up to 24 MB
Memory DIMM
sockets
Up to 64 DIMM sockets:
16 on the system planar

32 total with optional memory mezzanine

64 total with optional MAX5 and memory mezzanine

Memory
maximums
Up to 1TB of RAM using all 16GB DIMMs:
256 GB without the memory mezzanine

512 GB total with the memory mezzanine populated

1024 GB total with the memory mezzanine and MAX5 populated

Expansion slots Up to 5 PCIe 2.0 slots depending on the riser cards used
Disk bays Up to 16x 2.5-inch SAS hot-swap bays; or
Up to 24x 1.8-inch SSD hot-swap bays
Optical drive Optional
Maximum
internal storage
9.6 TB per chassis (using 600 GB 2.5-inch SAS drives)
Network
interface
2x 1 Gb Ethernet ports
2x 10 Gb Ethernet ports (standard on some models, optional on the others)
1x Intel Ethernet Quad Port Server Adapter I340-T4 (standard on some workload-optimized
models)
Power supply
(std/max)
1 / 4 - 675 W 220 V
Hot-swap
components
Power supplies, fans, hard disk drives
RAID support Most models: ServeRAID M1015 controller standard supporting RAID 0, 1, 10, 5, and 50.
Systems
management
Alert on LAN 2, automatic server restart, IBM Director, IBM ServerGuide, IMM, light path
diagnostics (independently powered), predictive failure analysis on hard disk drives, processors,
VRMs, fans and memory, Wake on LAN, dynamic system analysis
Operating
systems
supported
Microsoft® Windows® Server 2008 (Standard, Enterprise and Datacenter editions 64-bit), 64-bit
Red Hat Enterprise Linux® and SUSE Enterprise Linux, (Server and Advanced Server), VMware
vSphere
Limited warranty 3-year customer replaceable unit and on-site limited warranty

IBM System x3690 X5 5
The x3690 X5 servers are shipped with the following items:
Rack rails and hardware

Cable management hardware

Country kit carton

Two 2.8m 220 V intra-rack cables

On/off switch cover

Documentation CD

IBM Systems Director 6.2 DVD

Standard models
Tables 2 and 3 list the standard models.
Table 2. Standard models - Machine type 7147 (Intel Xeon E7-2800 and E7-8800 series processors)
Model
7147-
Intel Xeon Processor * (2 max) MAX5 RAM Mem
mez.
RAID Disk
bays
Disks GbE PS
A1x 1x E7-2803 6C 1.73GHz 18MB 800MHz NS** 2x4GB Opt Opt 4x 2.5" / 16 Open 2x1Gb 1
A2x 1x E7-2820 8C 2.00GHz 18MB 978MHz NS** 2x4GB Opt M1015 4x 2.5" / 16 Open 2x1Gb 2
A3x 1x E7-2830 8C 2.13GHz 24MB 1066MHz Opt 2x4GB Opt M1015 4x 2.5" / 16 Open 2x1Gb 2
A5x 1x E7-2850 10C 2.00GHz 24MB 1066MHz Opt 2x4GB Opt M1015 4x 2.5" / 16 Open 2x1Gb 2
A6x 1x E7-2860 10C 2.26GHz 24MB 1066MHz Opt 2x4GB Opt M1015 4x 2.5" / 16 Open 2x1Gb 2
A7x 1x E7-2870 10C 2.40GHz 30MB 1066M Opt 2x4GB Opt M1015 4x 2.5" / 16 Open 2x1Gb 2
C1x 1x E7-8837 8C 2.67GHz 24MB 1066MHz Opt 2x4GB Opt M1015 4x 2.5" / 16 Open 2x1Gb 2
* Processor detail: model, core speed, cores, L3 cache, memory speed
** The MAX5 is not supported on this model.
Table 3. Standard models - Machine type 7148 (Intel Xeon 7500 and 6500 series processors)
Model
7148-
Intel Xeon processor * (2 max) MAX5 Memory Mem
mez.
RAID Disk
bays
Disks Eth. Power
ARx 1x E7520 1.86GHz 4C 18MB 800 Opt 2x 4GB Opt Opt None None 2x1Gb 1 / 4
1Rx 1x E7520 1.86GHz 4C 18MB 800 Opt 2x 4GB Opt M1015 4x2.5"/16 None 2x1Gb 1 / 4
2Rx 1x E6540 2.0GHz 6C 18MB 1066 Opt 2x 4GB Opt M1015 4x2.5"/16 None 2x1Gb 1 / 4
3Rx 1x X6550 2.0GHz 8C 18MB 1066 Opt 2x 4GB Opt M1015 4x2.5"/16 None 2x1Gb 1 / 4
3Gx 1x X6550 2.0GHz 8C 18MB
1066MHz
Opt 2x 4GB Opt M1015 4x2.5"/16 None 2x1Gb
2x10Gb
1 / 4
4Rx 1x X7560 2.26GHz 8C 24M 1066 Opt 2x 4GB Opt M1015 4x2.5"/16 None 2x1Gb 1 / 4
3Sx 1x X7550 2.0GHz 8C 18MB
1066MHz
Std Server: 2x4GB
MAX5: 2x4GB
Opt M1015 4x2.5"/16 None 2x1Gb Server: 2
MAX5: 1
4Sx 1x X7560 2.26GHz 8C 24MB
1066MHz
Std Server: 2x4GB
MAX5: 2x4GB
Opt M1015 4x2.5"/16 None 2x1Gb Server: 2
MAX5: 1
* Processor detail: model, core speed, cores, L3 cache, memory speed
Refer to the Standard Specifications section for information about standard features of the server.

IBM System x3690 X5 6
Workload Optimized models
Tables 4 and 5 list the announced workload-optimized models. These are systems that are specially
configured to meet the requirements of a particular software stack.
Workload optimized models with Intel Xeon E 7-2800 series processors
Table 4. Workload optimized models - Machine type 7147 (Intel Xeon E7-2800 series processors)
Model Processor* (2 max) MAX5 RAM Mem
mez.
RAID Disk
bays
Disks Network† PS
Database workload -optimized models
7147-D1x 2x Xeon E7-2860 10C
2.26GHz 24MB 1066
Opt 16x
4 GB
Opt 4x B5015 16x1.8"/ 24 16x 200GB
SSD
2x 1Gb+
2x 10Gb
4 / 4
7147-D2x 2x Xeon E7-2860 10C
2.26GHz 24MB 1066
Opt 16x
4 GB
Opt 2x 6Gb
SSD HBA
16x1.8"/ 24 16x 200GB
SSD
2x 1Gb+
2x 10Gb
4 / 4
SAP HANA workload -optimized models
7147-H1x
7147-H7x*
2x Xeon E7-2870 10C
2.40GHz 30MB 1066
NS‡ 8x
16 GB
Std 3x M5015
(+Perf keys)
16x1.8"/24
8x2.5"/16
8x 50GB SSD
8x 300GB SAS
6x 1Gb
2x 10Gb
4 / 4
7147-H2x
7147-H8x*
2x Xeon E7-2870 10C
2.40GHz 30MB 1066
NS‡ 16x
16 GB
Std 3x M5015
(+Perf keys)
16x1.8"/24
8x2.5"/16
8x 50GB SSD
8x 300GB SAS
6x 1Gb
2x 10Gb
4 / 4
7147-H3x
7147-H9x*
2x Xeon E7-2870 10C
2.40GHz 30MB 1066
NS‡ 16x
16 GB
Std 2x M5015
(+Perf keys)
16x1.8"/24 10x 200GB
SSD
6x 1Gb
2x 10Gb
4 / 4
Virtualization workload -optimized models
7147-F1x 2x Xeon E7-2860 10C
2.26GHz 24MB 1066
Std 64x
4GB
Std 1x M1015 4x 2.5" / 16 None 2x 1Gb +
2x 10Gb
4 / 4
* Processor detail: model, core speed, cores, L3 cache, memory speed
** Models H8x and H9x are for Canada only and are the same configuration as H2x and H3x respectively.
† The H models include one Emulex 10GbE Integrated Virtual Fabric Adapter and one Intel Ethernet Quad Port
Server Adapter I340-T4. The D and F models include one Emulex 10GbE Integrated Virtual Fabric Adapter.
‡ NS = Not supported. MAX5 is not currently certified for use with SAP HANA and is therefore not supported.
About these models:
Models 7147-D1x, D2x: These models are designed for database applications and uses solid state

drives for the best I/O performance.
Backplane connections for 16 1.8-inch solid state drives (SSD) are standard as are 16 200 GB
high-performance solid-state drives. Model D1x includes four SSD-optimized ServeRAID B5015 RAID
controllers and models D2x includes two SSD host bus adapters.
Models 7147-H1x, H2x, H3x, H7x, H8x, H9x: The H models are optimized to run the SAP

High-Performance Analytic Appliance (HANA) solution.
HANA is an integrated, ready-to-run, hardware-software offering, featuring the new SAP In-Memory
Computing Engine. These models include a preload comprised of SLES for SAP, IBM GPFS™, and
the SAP HANA software stack. They include two processors, 128 or 256 GB of memory and choice of
either all eXFlash solid state drives or a combination of solid state and spinning disk. They are
designed for use in small to mid-sized SAP HANA configurations. Note: MAX5 is not currently certified
for use with SAP HANA and is therefore not supported. All H models also include a SATA Multiburner
optical drive.

IBM System x3690 X5 7
Models 7147-F1x: This model is designed for virtualization applications and include VMware ESXi

4.1 Update 1 on an integrated bootable USB memory key. The model comes standard with the MAX5
memory expansion unit and 256 GB of memory implemented using cost-effective 4GB memory
DIMMs (128 GB in the server and in the MAX5).
Workload optimized models with Intel Xeon 6500 series processors
Table 5. Workload optimized models - Machine type 7148 (Intel Xeon 6500 series processors)
Model Processor* (2 max) MAX5 Memory Mem
mez.
RAID Disk
bays
Disks GbE Power
Database workload -optimized model
7148-3Dx 2x X6550 2.0GHz
8C 18MB 1066MHz
Opt 4x 4GB Std Opt 16x1.8”
/ 24
None 2x 1Gb 4 / 4
Virtualization workload -optimized model
7148-2Dx 2x E6540 2.0GHz
6C 18MB 1066MHz
Std Server: 32x4GB
MAX5: 32x4GB
Std M1015 4x2.5"
/ 16
None 2x1Gb +
2x10Gb
4 / 4
* Processor detail: model, core speed, cores, L3 cache, memory speed
About these models:
Model 7148-3Dx is designed for database applications and uses solid state drives for the best I/O

performance.
Backplane connections for 16 1.8-inch solid state drives are standard and there is space for an
additional 16 solid state drives. The SSDs themselves must be ordered separately. No SAS
controllers are standard letting you select from the available cards. The memory mezzanine is
standard. The MAX5 is optional.
Model 7148-2Dx is designed for virtualization applications and includes VMware ESXi 4.1 on an

integrated USB memory key.
Backplane connections for four 2.5-inch SAS drives are standard and there is space for an additional
12 2.5-inch disk drives. The drives themselves must be ordered separately. The MAX5 and the
memory mezzanine are both standard

IBM System x3690 X5 8
Processor options
The server supports the processor options listed in the following two tables. The server supports one or
two processors. Some processors do not support the attachment of the MAX5 memory expansion unit -
these are noted in the tables. The tables also show 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 configure-to-order (CTO).
Table 6. Processor options - Machine type 7147 (Intel Xeon E7-2800 and E7-8800 series processors)
Part
number
Intel Xeon processor description MAX5
supported
Models
where used
88Y5654 Xeon E7-8867L 10C 2.13GHz 30MB 1066MHz 105w Yes -
88Y5657 Xeon E7-8837 8C 2.67GHz 24MB 1066MHz 130W Yes 7147-C1x
88Y5662 Xeon E7-4807 6C 1.86GHz 18MB 800MHz 95w Yes -
88Y5663 Xeon E7-2870 10C 2.40GHz 30MB 1066MHz 130w Yes 7147-A7x, H1x, H2x, H3x, H7x,
H8x, H9x
88Y5664 Xeon E7-2860 10C 2.26GHz 24MB 1066MHz 130w Yes 7147-A6x, D1x, D2x, F1x
88Y5720 Xeon E7-2850 10C 2.00GHz 24MB 1066MHz 130w Yes 7147-A5x
88Y5665 Xeon E7-2830 8C 2.13GHz 24MB 1066MHz 105w Yes 7147-A3x
88Y5666 Xeon E7-2820 8C 2.00GHz 18MB 978MHz 105w No 7147-A2x
88Y5667 Xeon E7-2803 6C 1.73GHz 18MB 800MHz 105w No 7147-A1x
Table 7. Processor options - Machine type 7148 (Intel Xeon 7500 and 6500 series processors)
Part
number
Intel Xeon processor description MAX5
supported
Models
where used
60Y0311 Xeon X7560 8C 2.26GHz 24MB 1066MHz 130W Yes 7148-4Rx, 4Sx
60Y0313 Xeon X7550 8C 2.0GHz 18MB 1066MHz 130W Yes 7148-3Sx, E3x
60Y0321 Xeon X7542 6C 2.66GHz 18MB 978MHz 130W Yes -
60Y0319 Xeon X6550 8C 2.00GHz 18MB 978MHz 130w Yes 7148-3Dx, 3Gx, 3Rx
60Y0312 Xeon L7555 8C 1.86GHz 24MB 978MHz 95w Yes -
60Y0314 Xeon L7545 6C 1.86GHz 18MB 978MHz 95W Yes -
60Y0315 Xeon E7540 6C 2.00GHz 18MB 978MHz 105w Yes -
60Y0316 Xeon E7530 6C 1.86GHz 12MB 978MHz 105w Yes -
60Y0317 Xeon E7520 4C 1.86GHz 18MB 800MHz 95w Yes 7148-ARx, 1Rx
60Y0320 Xeon E6540 6C 2.00GHz 18MB 978MHz 105w Yes 7148-2Dx, 2Rx
60Y0318 Xeon E6510 4C 1.73GHz 12MB 800MHz 105w No -

IBM System x3690 X5 9
MAX5 memory expansion unit
The IBM MAX5 memory expansion unit is a 1U unit that has 32 DDR3 DIMM sockets, one or two 675-watt
power supplies, and five 40-mm hot-swap speed-controlled fans. It provides added memory for the x3690
X5 server. Some models include the MAX5 standard as listed in the model tables above. For power
supply fault redundancy order the optional second power supply. The MAX5 options are listed in Table 8.
There are two MAX5 options available as listed in the table:
IBM MAX5 for System x®, part number 59Y6265, is for x3690 X5 models with Intel Xeon 7500 and

6500 series processors (machine type 7148)
IBM MAX5 V2 for System x, part number 88Y6529, is for x3690 X5 models with Intel Xeon E7-2800

and E7-8800 series processors (machine type 7147)
Note that some models and some processors do not support the MAX5. See the model tables and the
processor options tables for details.
Table 8. MAX5
Part number Description Maximum quantity
supported
59Y6265 IBM MAX5 for System x (for machine type 7148 only) 1
88Y6529 IBM MAX5 V2 for System x (for machine type 7147 only) 1
60Y0332 IBM 675W HE Redundant Power Supply 1
59Y6269 IBM MAX5 to x3690 X5 Cable Kit 1

IBM System x3690 X5 10
Memory options
The IBM System x3690 X5 supports DDR3 memory. Memory is installed in DIMM sockets either on the
system planar (16 sockets) in an optional memory mezzanine tray (16 sockets). The DIMMs on the
system planar are directly connected to the first processor, and the DIMMs on the mezzanine are directly
connected to the second processor. If you install the mezzanine then you must install the second
processor. However the reverse is different: you do not have to install the mezzanine if you have two
processors installed (although for performance reasons the mezzanine is recommended).
The following two tables list memory options available for x3690 X5 server and for the MAX5 memory
expansion unit.
Table 9. Memory options - Machine type 7147 (Intel Xeon E7-2800 and E7-8800 series processors)
Part
number
Description Supported
in MAX5 V2
(88Y6529)
Maximum
quantity
supported
81Y8926 IBM x3690 X5 16-DIMM Internal Memory Expansion (for machine type 7147
only)
No 1
44T1592 2GB (1x2GB, 1Rx8, 1.5V) PC3-10600 CL9 ECC DDR3 1333MHz Yes 32
49Y1433 2GB (1x2GB, 2Rx8, 1.5V) PC3-10600 CL9 ECC DDR3 1333MHz No 32
49Y1407 4GB (1x4GB, 2Rx8, 1.35V) PC3L-10600 CL9 ECC DDR3 1333MHz No 32
44T1599 4GB (1x4GB, Dual Rankx8) PC3-10600 CL9 ECC DDR3 1333MHz Yes 32
46C7448 4GB (1x4GB, Quad Rankx8) PC3-8500 CL7 ECC DDR3 1066MHz No 32
49Y1399 8GB (1x8GB, 4Rx8, 1.35V) PC3L-8500 CL7 ECC DDR3 1066MHz No 32
46C7482 8GB (1x8GB, Quad Rankx8) PC3-8500 CL7 ECC DDR3 1066MHz Yes 32
49Y1400 16GB (1x16GB, 4Rx4, 1.35V) PC3L-8500 CL7 ECC DDR3 1066MHz No 32
46C7483 16GB (1x16GB, 4Rx4, 1.5V) PC3-8500 CL7 ECC DDR3 1066MHz Yes 32
Table 10. Memory options - Machine type 7148 (Intel Xeon 7500 and 6500 series processors)
Part
number
Description Supported
in MAX5
(59Y6265)
Maximum
quantity
supported
60Y0323 IBM x3690 X5 16-DIMM Internal Memory Expansion (for machine
type 7148 only)
No 1
44T1592 2 GB (1x 2GB) 1Rx8, 2 Gb PC3-10600R DDR3-1333 Yes 32
44T1599 4 GB (1x 4GB), 2Rx8, 2 Gb PC3-10600R DDR3-1333 Yes 32
46C7448 4 GB (1x 4GB), 4Rx8, 1 Gb PC3-8500 DDR3-1066 No 32
46C7482 8 GB (1x 8GB), 4Rx8, 2 Gb PC3-8500 DDR3-1066 Yes 32
46C7483 16 GB (1x 16GB), 4Rx4, 2 Gb PC3-8500 DDR3-1066 Yes 32

IBM System x3690 X5 11
The MAX5 supports a subset of the memory DIMMs listed as shown in the tables. The 16 GB memory
options that are supported in the MAX5 as listed in the above tables are only supported when it is the only
type of memory used in the MAX5. No other memory options can be used in the MAX5 if the 16GB DIMM
are used in the MAX5. This DIMM also supports redundant bit steering (RBS) when used in the MAX5 or
when used in x3690 X5 servers with E7 processors (machine type 7147).
The following memory protection technologies are supported:
ECC

ChipKill

Memory Mirroring

Memory Sparing

Redundant Bit Steering (MAX5 or servers with E7 processors only, x4 DIMMs only)


IBM System x3690 X5 12
Internal disk storage options
IBM System x3690 X5 server supports internally up to 16 2.5-inch SAS or SATA drives, or up to 24
1.8-inch solid state drives (SSDs). The number of drives that can be inserted depends on the backplanes
that are installed. Backplane options are listed in the following table. The backplanes that are standard in
each model are listed in Table 2 and Table 3. Only certain combinations of backplanes are supported; see
the
Installation and User's Guide for information.
Table 11. Drive backplane options
Part number Name Maximum quantity
supported
60Y0339 IBM 4x 2.5" HS SAS HDD Backplane
Supports up to eight 2.5-inch SAS or SATA hot-swap drives.
4
60Y0381 IBM 8x 2.5" HS SAS HDD Backplane
Supports up to eight 2.5-inch SAS or SATA hot-swap drives.
2
60Y0360 IBM eXFlash 8x 1.8" HS SAS SSD Backplane
Supports up to eight 1.8-inch hot-swap SSDs.
4
The following table lists the hard drive options available for internal storage.
Table 12. Disk drive options for internal disk storage
Part number Description Maximum quantity
supported
2.5-inch SATA hot-swap HDDs
- IBM 500GB 7200 SATA 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 1
43W7714 IBM 50GB SATA 2.5" SFF Slim-HS High IOPS SSD 16
2.5-inch SAS hot-swap HDDs
42D0632 IBM 146GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 16
42D0637 IBM 300GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 16
42D0672 IBM 73GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 16
42D0677 IBM 146GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 16
42D0707 IBM 500GB 7200 6Gbps NL SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 16
44W2264 IBM 300GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS SED 16
44W2294 IBM 146GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS SED 16
49Y2003 IBM 600GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 16
1.8-inch solid state drives (SSDs)
43W7734 IBM 50GB SATA 1.8" NHS SSD 24
43W7726 IBM 50 GB SATA 1.8-inch MLC SSD 24
43W7746 IBM 200 GB SATA 1.8-inch MLC SSD 24

IBM System x3690 X5 13
The following table lists the RAID controllers and other options used for internal disk storage of x3690 X5
server.
Table 13. RAID controllers for internal storage
Part number Description Maximum quantity
supported
44E8689 ServeRAID-BR10i SAS/SATA Controller 2
46M0831 ServeRAID M1015 SAS/SATA Controller 2
46M0916 ServeRAID M5014 SAS/SATA Controller 4
46M0829 ServeRAID M5015 SAS/SATA Controller 4
46M0969 ServeRAID B5015 SSD Controller 4
60Y0309 ServeRAID Expansion Adapter 1
46M0930 ServeRAID M5000 Series Advance Feature Key† 1 per one M5015 or M5014
81Y4426 ServeRAID M5000 Series Performance Accelerator Key† 1 per one M5015 or M5014
† Only one key is supported in each controller, either the Advance Feature Key or the Performance Accelerator Key.
The ServeRAID-BR10i SAS/SATA Controller has the following specifications:
Two internal x4 SFF-8087 connectors

Supports RAID levels 0, 1, and 1E

3 Gbps throughput per port

Based on the LSI 1068e controller

PCI Express 2.0 x8 host interface

Stripe size: 64 KB (fixed)

For more information, see the at-a-glance guide ServeRAID-BR10i SAS/SATA Controller , TIPS0737 at:
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0737.html?Open
The ServeRAID M1015 SAS/SATA Controller has the following specifications:
Two Mini-SAS internal connectors

Supports RAID levels 0, 1, and 10

Supports RAID levels 5 and 50 with optional ServeRAID M1000 Series Advanced Feature Key

6 Gbps throughput per port

Based on the LSI SAS2008 6 Gbps RAID on Chip (ROC) controller

PCI Express 2.0 x8 host interface

Configurable stripe size up to 64 KB

For more information, see the at-a-glance guide ServeRAID M1015 SAS/SATA Controller for System x ,
TIPS0740 at: http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0740.html?Open

IBM System x3690 X5 14
The ServeRAID M5014 SAS/SATA Controller has the following specifications:
Two Mini-SAS internal connectors

Supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 10, and 50

Supports RAID 6 and 60 with the optional M5000 Advanced Feature Key

Performance optimization for SSD drives with optional M5000 Series Performance Accelerator Key

6 Gbps throughput per port

PCI Express 2.0 x8 host interface

Based on the LSI SAS2108 6 Gbps ROC controller

256 MB of onboard cache

Optional Intelligent Li-Ion-based battery backup unit with the ServeRAID M5000 Series Battery Kit

For more information, see the at-a-glance guide ServeRAID M5015 and M5014 SAS/SATA Controllers for
IBM System x
, TIPS0738 at: http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0738.html?Open
The ServeRAID M5015 SAS/SATA Controller has the following specifications:
Two Mini-SAS internal connectors

Supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 10, and 50

Supports RAID 6 and 60 with the optional M5000 Advanced Feature Key

Performance optimization for SSD drives with optional M5000 Series Performance Accelerator Key

6 Gbps throughput per port

PCI Express 2.0 x8 host interface

Based on the LSI SAS2108 6 Gbps ROC controller

512 MB of onboard cache

Standard Intelligent Li-Ion-based battery backup unit with up to 48 hours of data retention

For more information, see the at-a-glance guide ServeRAID M5015 and M5014 SAS/SATA Controllers for
IBM System x
, TIPS0738 at: http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0738.html?Open
The ServeRAID B5015 SSD Controller has the following specifications:
Two Mini-SAS internal connectors

Supports RAID levels 1 and 5

6 Gbps throughput per SAS port

PCI Express 2.0 x8 host interface

Based on PMC-Sierra PM8013 maxSAS 6 Gb/s SAS RoC controller

Performance optimized for SSDs

Stripe size of up to 1 MB

For more information, see the at-a-glance guide ServeRAID B5015 SSD Controller , TIPS0763 at:
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0763.html?Open
The ServeRAID Expansion Adapter (also known as the IBM x3690 X5 RAID Expansion Adapter or IBM
4x4 Drive Backplane ServeRAID Expansion adapter) is a SAS expander that allows you to create RAID
arrays of up to 16 drives and across up to four backplanes. You can use only the 2.5-inch hot-swap drive
backplanes with this adapter. You can use the Expansion Adapter only with the following RAID
controllers:
ServeRAID M1015 SAS/SATA adapter

ServeRAID M5014 SAS/SATA adapter

ServeRAID M5015 SAS/SATA adapter

The Expansion Adapter must be installed in PCI Slot 1 and the ServeRAID adapter must be installed in
PCI Slot 3.

IBM System x3690 X5 15
Internal tape drives
The server does not support an internal tape drive option.
Optical drives
The server supports the optical drive options listed in the following table.
Table 14. Optical drives
Part number Description Maximum quantity
supported
Standard models
where used
46M0901 IBM UltraSlim Enhanced SATA DVD-ROM 1 -
46M0902 UltraSlim Enhanced SATA Multi-Burner 1 -
IBM UltraSlim Enhanced SATA DVD-ROM (part number 46M0901) supports the following media and
speeds for reading:
CD-ROM 24X

CD-DA (DAE) 20X

CD-R 24X

CD-RW 24X

DVD-ROM (single layer) 8X

DVD-ROM (dual layer) 8X

DVD-R (4.7 GB) 6X

DVD-R DL 4X

DVD+R 6X

DVD+R DL 4X

DVD-RW (4.7 GB) 4X

DVD+RW 4X

DVD-RAM (4.7/9.4 GB) 4X

IBM UltraSlim Enhanced SATA Multi-Burner (part number 46M0902) supports the same media and
speeds for reading as DVD-ROM (46M0901). In addition, this drive supports the following media and
speeds for writing:
CD-R 24X

CD-RW 4X

High Speed CD-RW 10X

Ultra Speed CD-RW 16X

Ultra Speed Plus CD-RW 16X

DVD-R 8X

DVD-R DL 6X

DVD+R 8X

DVD+R DL 6X

DVD-RW 6X

DVD+RW 8X

DVD-RAM 5X


IBM System x3690 X5 16
External disk storage expansion
The external SAS disk storage expansion enclosures listed in the following table are available.
Table 15. External SAS storage expansion enclosures
Part number Description Maximum quantity
supported per one M5025
172701X IBM System Storage® EXP3000 18 (9 per port)
174712X IBM System Storage EXP2512 Express 18 (9 per port)
174724X IBM System Storage EXP2524 Express 9 (9 per port)
The hard disk drives listed in the following table are supported with external expansion enclosures.
Table 16. Hard drive options for external expansion enclosures
Part number Description Maximum quantity supported
per one enclosure
SATA Hot-Swap HDDs
- IBM 500GB 7200 SATA 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 1
43W7714 IBM 50GB SATA 2.5" SFF Slim-HS High IOPS SSD 16
43W7734 IBM 50GB SATA 1.8" NHS SSD 24
SAS Hot-Swap HDDs
42D0632 IBM 146GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 16
42D0637 IBM 300GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 16
42D0672 IBM 73GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 16
42D0677 IBM 146GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 16
42D0707 IBM 500GB 7200 6Gbps NL SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 16
44W2264 IBM 300GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS SED 16
44W2294 IBM 146GB 15K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS SED 16
49Y2003 IBM 600GB 10K 6Gbps SAS 2.5" SFF Slim-HS HDD 16

IBM System x3690 X5 17
The RAID controllers listed in the following table are supported with external expansion enclosures.
Table 17. RAID controllers for external storage expansion enclosures
Part number Description Maximum quantity
supported
46M0830 ServeRAID M5025 SAS/SATA Controller 4
46M0930 ServeRAID M5000 Series Advance Feature Key† 1 per one M5025
81Y4426 ServeRAID M5000 Series Performance Accelerator Key† 1 per one M5025
† Only one key is supported in each controller, either the Advance Feature Key or the Performance Accelerator Key.
The ServeRAID M5025 SAS/SATA Controller has the following specifications:
Two Mini-SAS external connectors

Supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 10, and 50

Supports RAID 6 and 60 with the optional M5000 Advanced Feature Key

Performance optimization for SSD drives with optional M5000 Series Performance Accelerator Key

6 Gbps throughput per port

PCI Express 2.0 x8 host interface

Based on the LSI SAS2108 6 Gbps ROC controller

512 MB of onboard cache

Intelligent Li-Ion-based battery backup unit with up to 48 hours of data retention

Supports connectivity to the EXP3000, EXP2512, and EXP2524 storage expansion enclosures

For more information, see the ServeRAID M5025 SAS/SATA Controller for IBM System x , TIPS0739
at-a-glance guide: http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0739.html?Open
The external SAS cables listed in the following table are supported with external expansion enclosures
and M5025 RAID controllers.
Table 18. External SAS cables for external storage expansion enclosures
Part number Description Maximum quantity
supported per enclosure *
39R6531 IBM 3 m SAS Cable 1
39R6529 IBM 1 m SAS Cable 1
2018 IBM 11U Office Enablement Kit 1
* Note: The EXP3000 and EXP2500 series can be chained with each other. In such a case, one cable is used to
connect first EXP25xx or EXP3000 to the RAID controller, and every consecutive EXP unit is connected to previous
one by one cable.

IBM System x3690 X5 18
External tape backup
The server supports the external tape attachment options listed in the following table .
Table 19. External tape options
Part number Description
Tape drives
43W8478 IBM Half High LTO Gen 3 SAS Tape Drive
44E8895 IBM Half High LTO Gen 4 SAS Tape Drive
Tape libraries
3572-Sxx IBM System Storage TS2900 Tape Autoloader
3573-xxx IBM System Storage TS3100/TS3200 Tape Library (all models)
3576-xxx IBM System Storage TS3310 Modular Tape Library (all models)
3580-S3x IBM System Storage TS2230 Tape Drive Express Model
3580-S4x IBM System Storage TS2240 Tape Drive Model S4E
3584-xxx IBM System Storage TS3500 Tape Library (all models)
Tape enclosures
2107-92E/9AE IBM TotalStorage® DS8000® Expansion Unit 2107 model 92E/9AE
87651NX IBM TotalStorage DS8000 Expansion Unit 2107 model 92E/9AE
87651UX IBM 1U Rackmount Tape Enclosure
8767HHX IBM Half High Tabletop Tape Enclosure
8767HNX IBM Half High Tabletop Tape Enclosure
Associated tape options
39R6521 IBM System Storage SAN10Q

IBM System x3690 X5 19
I/O expansion options
The server offers the up to five PCI Express 2.0 slots through two riser slots. The slots available depend
on the riser cards used. None of the slots are hot-swap. All slots are available regardless of whether one
or two processors are installed.
Riser slot 1 can accept one of the riser cards listed in Table 20, however, all standard models have the
2x8 riser card installed. This card provides the following PCIe 2.0 slots:
Slot 1, PCIe 2.0 x8 full height, half length slot

Slot 2, PCIe 2.0 x8 full height, half length slot

For CTO customers, the 2x8 riser can be replaced by another riser with one PCIe 2.0 x16 slot, either a
full-length slot or a 3/4-length slot, as listed in Table 20. This x16 slot is suitable for graphics processing
unit (GPU) adapters. Additional power for the adapter is available from an on-board power connector if
needed. Note that you cannot install the full-length riser (60Y0337) if the memory mezzanine is installed.
Table 20. Riser cards for riser slot 1
Part number Description
60Y0329 IBM System x3690 X5 PCI-Express (2x8) Riser Card (standard in all models)
60Y0331 IBM System x3690 X5 PCI-Express (1x16) Riser Card-3/4 length
60Y0337 IBM System x3690 X5 PCI-Express (1x16) Riser Card- full length*
* The 1x16 full-length riser cannot be used if the memory mezzanine is installed in the server.
Riser slot 2 has the 3x8 riser card installed in all standard models, except for model 7148-ARx. For model
ARx, it can be ordered using 60Y0366. See Table 21. This riser card has the following three slots:
Slot 3, PCIe 2.0 x8 low profile adapter.

Slot 4, PCIe 2.0 x4 low profile adapter (x8 mechanical).

Slot 5, PCIe 2.0 x8 low profile adapter. The Emulex 10Gb Ethernet adapter is installed in this slot if

the adapter is part of the server configuration.
Table 21. Riser cards for riser slot 2
Part number Description
60Y0366 IBM System x3690 X5 PCI-Express (3x8) Riser Card (standard in all models except 7148-ARx)
Note: Full-length adapters cannot be installed in any slots if the memory mezzanine is also installed.
Instead, adapters up to 3/4 length are supported.

IBM System x3690 X5 20
Network adapters
The x3690 X5 offers two integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports, based on the Broadcom BCM5709C controller.
Some models also have an Emulex 10Gb Dual-port Ethernet Adapter (feature 1648) installed as standard
in Slot 5. See Tables 2 and 3 for specifics. This adapter is functionally identical to the Emulex 10Gb Virtual
Fabric Adapter for IBM System x, 49Y4250. The difference is that the Emulex 10Gb Dual-port Ethernet
Adapter has a longer edge connector meaning that the card can only be installed in this server. For
technical details about this card, see the
Emulex 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter for IBM System x ,
TIPS0762, at-a-glance guide available at http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0762.html.
The following table lists additional supported network adapters.
Table 22. Network adapters
Part
number
Description Max quantity
supported
1Gb Ethernet
39Y6126 PRO/1000 PT Dual Port Server Adapter by Intel 3
39Y6136 PRO/1000 PT Quad Port Server Adapter 3
42C1750 PRO/1000 PF Server Adapter 3
42C1780 NetXtreme II 1000 Express Dual Port Ethernet Adapter 4
42C1790 NetXtreme II 10 GigE Express Fiber SR Adapter 4
49Y4220 NetXtreme II 1000 Express Quad Port Ethernet Adapter 4
49Y4230 Intel Ethernet Dual Port Server Adapter I340-T2 for IBM System x 4
49Y4240 Intel Ethernet Quad Port Server Adapter I340-T4 for IBM System x 4
39Y6066 NetXtreme II 1000 Express G Ethernet Adapter- PCIe 4
10Gb Ethernet
42C1800 QLogic 10Gb CNA for IBM System x 4
42C1820 Brocade 10Gb CNA for IBM System x 4
Feature 1648 Emulex 10Gb Dual-port Ethernet Adapter for IBM System x 1
49Y4250 Emulex 10GbE Virtual Fabric Adapter for IBM System x 3
49Y4216 Brocade 10Gb SFP+ SR Optical Transceiver -
49Y4218 QLogic 10Gb SFP+ SR Optical Transceiver -