Key Options - IBM BladeCenter HS22 Product Manual

Versatile, easy-to-use blade optimized for performance, power and cooling

Key Options

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include such things as formatting a hard disk drive, updating system firmware, or deploying a
Windows or Linux operating system.
Predictive Failure Analysis (PFA)
failure of supported components (processors; memory; expansion cards; switch, blower and
power supplies; and hard disk drives) before actual failure, and alert the administrator through
IBM Systems Director. This gives you the ability to replace the failing component before it fails,
resulting in increased uptime.
Embedded Dynamic System Analysis (DSA) feature collects and analyzes system
information to aid in diagnosing problems. The diagnostic programs collect the following
information:
System configuration
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Network interfaces and settings
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Installed hardware
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Service processor status and configuration
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Vital product data, firmware, and BIOS configuration
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Hard disk drive health
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RAID controller configuration
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Event logs for ServeRAID controllers and service processors
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The diagnostic programs create a merged log that includes events from all collected logs. The
information is collected into a file that you can send to IBM service and support. Additionally, you
can view the information locally through a generated text report file, or you can copy the log to
removable media and view the log from a Web browser.
IBM Systems Director software for advanced workgroup management is included with the
server. IBM Systems Director comes with a portfolio of tools, including Active Energy Manager,
Service and Support Manager, and other tools. System Availability (a no-charge download) and
Capacity Manager (sold separately) are available as add-ons for additional server management
and increased availability. IBM Systems Director provides a single uniform graphical interface
for all of these systems management functions.
IBM Systems Director enables you to customize thresholds and monitor system components (for
things like temperature, voltage regulation, etc.) to help maximize uptime.
IBM options for System x servers let you take your servers to a
higher level
You can rely on System x and blade options to supply a comprehensive solution for your
business needs. Options help create an optimized server system to meet your data protection,
storage and availability needs. Every IBM option is designed and tested for peak performance
and flexibility, helping to maximize your return on investment. The combination of System x
servers and options lets you keep your fingers on the pulse of your e-business.
Processors — The Intel Xeon processor provides high clock rates, 64-bit extensions, a large
cache, Hyper Threading Technology, Turbo Boost Technology, energy-saving features, and
advanced features for availability and manageability. Large cache size and multiple cores,
combined with a 1066MHz or 1333MHz memory access 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, as well as the number, capacity, and arrangement of the
DIMMs.) 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 quad-core processor, there should be
twice as much memory available as for a dual-core processor. Note: Fewer large-capacity
DIMMs may provide better performance and use less energy than more lower-capacity DIMMs.
Hard Disk Drives — IBM hard disk drives help you improve the transaction and cost
performance of your HS22 servers. The choice of hard disk drives can be a critical aspect of
maximizing the I/O throughput of the system. Hot-swap SAS hard disk drives (2.5-inch) are
available for the HS22 with capacities up to 300GB at 10,000 RPMs or up to 146.8GB at 15,000
RPMs. Hot-swap SATA hard disk drives (2.5-inch) are available for the HS22 with capacities
up to 300GB at 10K RPMs. Additional direct-attach storage is available via the BladeCenter S
chassis.
Solid-State Drives — IBM offers a choice of 31.4 or 50GB 2.5-inch solid-state drive as an
alternative to internal HDDs. They can be used as a highly available boot drive or for storing disk
images, or for other primarily read-only uses.
ServeRAID Controllers — System x servers using ServeRAID technology allow organizations
to build a reliable foundation for business-critical computing. IBM ServeRAID technology allows
enables the MM/AMM and the IMM to detect impending
12.