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Workhorse 2-socket single- or dual-core Intel Xeon blade server
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12.
Key Options IBM options for xSeries servers let customers take their servers
to a higher level
Make sure that customers know they can rely on xSeries and blade options to supply a
comprehensive solution for their business needs. Options help them create an optimized server
system to meet their data protection, storage and availability needs. Every IBM option is
designed and tested for peak performance and flexibility, helping to maximize the customer’s
return on investment. The combination of xSeries servers and options lets customers keep their
fingers on the pulse of their e-business.
Processors — The Intel Xeon processor provides high clock rates, 64-bit extensions, a large
cache, Hyper Threading Technology and advanced features for availability and manageability.
Large cache size, combined with an 800MHz system bus speed, reduce memory latency and
facilitate the movement of data through the processor and I/O devices. (Note: System
performance depends not only on the number of processors in the server but also on the power
and functionality of each processor.) Let your customer know that adding a second processor
may be a cost-effective way to achieve significant performance improvements.
Memory — Memory is a significant factor in systems application performance. Adding more
memory to a BladeCenter server is one of the most effective ways to increase application
performance. For best performance in a server with a dual-core processor, there should be
twice as much memory available as for a single-core processor.
Hard Disk Drives — IBM hard disk drives help customers improve the transaction and cost
performance of their HS20 servers. The choice of hard disk drives can be a critical aspect of
maximizing the I/O throughput of the system. Ultra320 SCSI hard disk drives (2.5-inch) are
available for the HS20 with capacities up to 73.4GB at 10,000 RPMs. Additionally, a SCSI
Storage Expansion Unit can be attached to the HS20 to add up to two 3.5-inch Ultra320 SCSI
drives of up to 300GB apiece at 10,000 RPMs.
I/O slots — The HS20 supports the addition of a PCI I/O Expansion Unit II, which provides two
front-accessible standard PCI-X slots. In addition, the SCSI Storage Expansion Unit
provides two SFF (small form-factor) adapter slots.
External Storage — The IBM TotalStorage DS300 offers remote SAN storage using the iSCSI
storage protocol across IP networks. The DS300 scales up to 4.2TB of storage capacity using
standard hot-swap Ultra320 SCSI HDDs in a 14-drive 3U cabinet. Three models offer single or
dual RAID controllers (with each controller supporting two Gigabit Ethernet ports), up to 256MB
or 1GB of cache memory and dual redundant power supplies and fans. For low-cost Fibre
Channel SAN storage, the DS400, when combined with two EXP400 storage enclosures, can
scale up to 12.6TB of hot-swap SCSI storage, incorporating redundant power, cooling and dual
2Gbps Fibre Channel controllers.
Midrange TotalStorage DS4000 products are designed to support the large and growing data-
storage requirements of business-critical applications. Because DS4000 solutions can support
connectivity distances of up to 10km (6.2 miles) at Fibre Channel rates of up to 2Gbps,
companies can more easily configure offsite xSeries servers and storage systems to keep
critical data available around the clock—even in the event of a catastrophe.
These storage servers are designed to provide highly-available Fibre Channel RAID protected
storage that provide the foundation for Storage Area Networks (SANs). DS4500 storage servers
deliver scalability up to 32.8TB of Fibre Channel storage or 56TB of SATA storage (DS4500
only). They provide end-to-end Fibre Channel solutions with high-availability fault-tolerant
components.
Additionally, external LAN-attached tape storage is available.
Communication Modules — The various BladeCenter chassis support integrated
communication and I/O switches and/or bridges for Gigabit Ethernet, Myricom, Fibre Channel,
InfiniBand, and others. Expansion adapters for individual HS20 blades are available to interface
with these modules.
Rear Door Heat eXchanger — The unit attaches to the back of an IBM S2 42U Enterprise
Rack. It is capable of removing up to 50,000 BTUs (14KVa) from the data center using water
lines under the raised floor. The door swings open for servicing.
Redundant features — Optional power supply modules, blower modules, management
modules, switches and bridges provide redundancy for the various BladeCenter chassis.