Other Features - IBM System x3200 M3 Product Manual

An affordable single-socket, quad-core server with high performance
and data protection for small, medium, and large businesses
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The slot accepts x1 or x4 adapters; however the slot provides x1 throughput only.
Please see the Legal Information section for important notices and information.
• IBM RDX Removable Hard Disk Storage System (USB)—external version also
available
• IBM HH 400/800GB LTO-3 (SAS)
High-Performance Adapter Slots
The x3200 M3 offers six total adapter slots. Three PCIe (PCI Express) Gen 2 full-
length/full-height adapter slots are provided for general use. PCI Express Gen 2 is the
next generation of high-performance, low-latency, serial I/O bus. Two slots are x8 ("by 8")
Gen 2 slots; that is, x8 physical and x8 electrical (8GBps) slots, capable of supporting
x1/x4/x8 adapters at their native speeds. Another slot is a x4/x1 PCIe Gen 2 (1GBps) slot,
capable of accepting x1 or x4 adapters
33MHz PCI slots.
In addition, a fourth PCIe slot, x8 PCIe Gen 2, is dedicated for use with an IBM ServeRAID
controller.
The RAID daughtercard plugs into a dedicated slot on the planar. This, coupled with the fact
that the SAS/SATA, Gigabit Ethernet, systems management and video controllers are
integrated onto the system board, means that all PCI/PCIe adapter slots are all available,
which provides a wide degree of latitude in expansion options.
Ultra-Efficient Cooling
Strategically located fans, combined with efficient airflow paths, provide highly effective
system cooling for the x3200 M3, known as Calibrated Vectored Cooling. The server
includes three system fans, plus a fan in the power supply.
The fans automatically adjust speeds in response to changing thermal requirements, from
minimum RPMs to maximum, depending on the zone, redundancy, and internal
temperatures. When the temperature inside the server increases, the fans speed up to
maintain the proper ambient temperature. When the temperature returns to a normal
operating level, the fans return to their default speed.
Why not simply run the fans at 100% capacity all the time? For several good reasons: to
reduce the ambient noise, reduce the wear-and-tear on the fans, and reduce the server
power draw. The reduction in ambient noise and power draw may be relatively minor for a
single server, but put dozens or hundreds in a data center and it can make a big difference!
In addition, the server uses hexagonal ventilation holes in the chassis. Hexagonal holes
can be grouped more densely than round holes, providing greater airflow through the system
cover.
This cooling scheme is important because newer, more powerful, processors generate a
significant amount of heat, and heat must be controlled for the system to function properly.

Other Features

• Second 430W power supply — Provides redundant power. (Model-dependant or via
CTO.)
• Seven USB 2.0 ports — Provides flexibility to add high-speed external devices. The
USB 2.0 specification supports up to 480Mbps transfer rates. (Note: Not all USB 2.0
devices are capable of achieving this rate.) Two ports are provided on the front of the
server, four are on the back, and one is internal to support a hypervisor USB key or a
USB-interface tape drive.
• Tower-to-Rack Conversion Kit — This option allows hot-swap x3200 M3 models to be
installed in a rack.
• Toolless chassis — The cover can be opened without tools, and many components can
be installed or removed and replaced without tools, including the optical drive, simple-
swap and hot-swap HDDs, PCI and PCIe adapters, as well as the integrated RAID
controller. This can save a servicer significant time.
Extensive System Support Features
The IBM services and technical support portfolio provides world-class, consistent, high-
quality service and support. The x3200 M3 server offers a number of tools and services
designed to make ownership a positive experience. From the start, IBM programs make it
easier for customers to plan for, configure and purchase System x or xSeries servers, get
them running and keep them running long-term. These features include IBM ServerProven
the IBM Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool, IBM System x and BladeCenter Power
Configurator, IBM ServerGuide, IBM Systems Director Service and Support Manager,
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. Two other slots are full-length/full-height legacy
®
,
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