What your compute node offers

Your compute node offers features such as the integrated management module II, hard disk drive support, systems-management support, microprocessor technology, integrated network support, I/O expansion, large system-memory capacity, light path diagnostics LEDs, PCI Express, and power throttling.

• Features on Demand

  If a Features on Demand feature is integrated in the compute node or in an optional device that is installed in the compute node, you can purchase an activation key to activate the feature. For information about Features on Demand, see the Features on Demand website.

• Flexible network support

  The compute node provides flexible network capabilities:

  • Models with embedded Ethernet

    The server comes with an integrated dual-port Intel Gigabit Ethernet controller, which supports connection to a 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps network.

  • Models without embedded Ethernet

    The compute node has connectors on the system board for optional expansion adapters for adding network communication capabilities to the compute node. This provides the flexibility to install expansion adapters that support a variety of network communication technologies.

• Hard disk drive support

  The compute node supports up to one 3.5-inch simple-swap SATA, two 2.5-inch simple-swap SATA/SAS, or four 1.8-inch simple-swap solid-state drives. You can implement RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 10 for the drives with hardware RAID. 2.5-inch SATA and Solid state drives (SSD) support software RAID as well.

• IBMServerGuide Setup and Installation CD

  The ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD, which you can download from the web, provides programs to help you set up the server and install a Windows operating system. The ServerGuide program detects installed optional hardware devices and provides the correct configuration programs and device drivers. For more information about the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD, see Using the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD.

• Integrated management module II (IMM2)

  The integrated management module II (IMM2) combines service processor functions, video controller, and remote presence and blue-screen capture features in a single chip. The IMM provides advanced service-processor control, monitoring, and alerting function. If an environmental condition exceeds a threshold or if a system component fails, the IMM lights LEDs to help you diagnose the problem, records the error in the IMM event log, and alerts you to the problem. Optionally, the IMM also provides a virtual presence capability for remote server management capabilities. The IMM provides remote server management through the following industry-standard interfaces:

  • Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) version 2.0
  • Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) version 3.0
  • Common Information Model (CIM)
  • Web browser

  For additional information, see Using the integrated management module and the Integrated Management Module II User’s Guide at the the IBM support portal.

• Large system-memory capacity

  The compute node supports up to 128 GB of system memory. The memory controller provides support for up to 8 industry-standard registered ECC DDR3 on low-profile (LP) DIMMs on the system board. For the most current list of supported DIMMs, see the IBM ServerProven website.

• Light path diagnostics

  Light path diagnostics provides LEDs to help you diagnose problems. For more information about light path diagnostics and the LEDs, see Compute node controls, connectors, and LEDs.

• Microprocessor technology

  The compute node supports up to two multi-core IntelXeon microprocessors. For more information about supported microprocessors and their part numbers, see the IBM ServerProven website.

  Note: The optional microprocessors that IBM supports are limited by the capacity and capability of the compute node. Any microprocessor that you install must have the same specifications as the microprocessor that came with the compute node.

• Mobile access to IBM Service Information website

  The server provides a QR code on the system service label, which is on the cover of the server, that you can scan using a QR code reader and scanner with a mobile device to get quick access to the IBM Service Information website. The IBM Service Information website provides additional information for parts installation and replacement videos, and error codes for server support. For the QR code, see The IBM NeXtScale nx360 M4 Compute Node Type 5455.

• PCI Express

  PCI Express is a serial interface that is used for chip-to-chip interconnect and expansion adapter interconnect. You can add optional I/O and storage devices.

  Optional expansion nodes are available to provide a cost-effective way for you to increase and customize the capabilities of the compute node. Expansion nodes support a wide variety of industry-standard PCI Express, network, storage, and graphics adapters. For additional information, see .

• Power throttling

  By enforcing a power policy known as power-domain oversubscription, the IBM NeXtScale n1200 Enclosure can share the power load between twelve power supplies to ensure sufficient power for each device in the IBM NeXtScale n1200 Enclosure. This policy is enforced when the initial power is applied to the IBM NeXtScale n1200 Enclosure or when a compute node is inserted into the IBM NeXtScale n1200 Enclosure.

  The following settings for this policy are available:

  • Basic power management
  • Power module redundancy
  • Power module redundancy with compute node throttling allowed