Cooling Advice - IBM x3850 X6 Planning And Implementation Manual

4.6 Cooling advice

It is important to maintain sufficient temperature and humidity control in the data center
environment to prevent thermal failures. Use the following information to help plan for proper
cooling of the X6 servers and rack components:
The airflow is from the front to the back. Make sure that the airflow to the server is
unobstructed at all times.
Install the server and devices only in a rack that has perforated front and rear doors with
sufficient openings to allow for proper airflow.
Always install rack filler panels in empty bays to help ensure proper air circulation.
Install side covers on single racks to help prevent air recirculation.
Multiple racks placed side by side must have side covers or be joined together as a suite
to prevent air recirculation between the racks.
Install a skirt or the recirculation prevention bracket on the front of the rack to prevent air
circulation below the rack.
If you plan to install the optional IBM Rear Door Heat eXchanger V2 on the IBM 42U
1100 mm Enterprise V2 Dynamic Rack, consider the following requirements:
Chilled, conditioned water must be provided that meets the heat exchanger specifications.
A water supply system must be installed that is suitable for your data center.
A redundant secondary cooling loop water supply, or enough room air conditioning to
handle the heat load must be provided if the function of one or more of the heat
exchangers is compromised. For example, if the rear door is opened for rack maintenance
or the conditioned water supply to the door is stopped, the rack heat load is sent out into
the room and must be handled by room air conditioning until the conditioned water supply
is restored.
Protective coverings should be installed to avoid tripping hazards on non-raised floors as
part of the water hose management.
The rack must have front and rear doors with at least 60% open area for airflow.
The rack must have front to back airflow.
It is important to prevent hot air recirculation from the back of the rack to the front. An air
sealing plane should be established at the front of the rack at the location of the vertical EIA
flanges. The following should be considered:
All U spaces must be occupied at the front EIA air sealing plane by either a device or a U
space filler.
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IBM System x3850 X6 and x3950 X6 Planning and Implementation Guide