IBM System x3250 M4 Product Manual

Also see for System x3250 M4: Installation & user guide At-a-glance guide At-a-glance guide Product guide

Contents

A highly-affordable, ultradense, uniprocessor server for edge-of-network and Web-basedcomputing in space-constrained environmentsPlease see the Legal Information section for important notices and information. 6Hot-Swap/Redundant ComponentsSystem availability is maximized through the use of hot-swap and redundant components,including:• Hot-swap/redundant hard disk drives (model-specific)• Hot-swap/redundant power supplies (model-specific)Ultra-Efficient CoolingStrategically located fans, combined with efficient airflow paths, provide highly effective systemcooling for the x3250 M4. The server includes four system fans, plus a fan in the power supply.In addition, the server uses hexagonal ventilation holes in the chassis. Hexagonal holes canbe grouped more densely than round holes, providing greater airflow through the system cover.This cooling scheme is important because newer, more powerful, processors generate asignificant amount of heat, and heat must be controlled for the system to function properly.Other Features• High-efficiency power supply, achieving 80 Plus certification (model-specific)• 22-inch depth — The small size offers greater back-of-rack airflow, promoting cooler racktemperatures.• Seven USB 2.0 ports — Provides flexibility to add high-speed external devices. The USB2.0 specification supports up to 480Mbps transfer rates. (Note: Not all USB 2.0 devices arecapable of achieving this rate.) Two ports are provided on the front of the server, four are onthe back, and two are internal to support a hypervisor USB key and a USB-interface tapedrive or RDX Removable Disk Cartridge drive.• Toolless chassis — The cover can be opened without tools, and many components can beinstalled or removed and replaced without tools, including the optical drive, simple-swap andhot-swap HDDs, as well as PCIe adapters. This can save a servicer significant time.Extensive System Support FeaturesThe IBM services and technical support portfolio provides world-class, consistent, high-qualityservice and support. The x3250 M4 server offers a number of tools and services designed tomake ownership a positive experience. From the start, IBM programs make it easier forcustomers to plan for, configure and purchase System x servers, get them running and keepthem running long-term. These features include IBM ServerProven®, the IBM StandaloneSolutions Configuration Tool, IBM ServerGuide, IBM Systems Director Service and SupportManager, Product Customization Services, and extensive technical support offerings.The IBM ServerProven program provides the confidence that specific options and operatingsystems have been tested on the server and are officially supported to work together. It isupdated frequently to ensure that the latest compatibility information is always at yourcustomers’ fingertips.The IBM Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool (SSCT) is a downloadable tool thatsimplifies the often complex chore of configuring a full rack of servers (including blade servers)and confirming that you have all the cables, power distribution units, KVM (keyboard, video andmouse) switch boxes and other components you need, as well as the proper airflowclearances, electrical circuits and other environmental conditions.IBM ServerGuide (installed from CD) simplifies the process of installing and configuringSystem x servers. ServerGuide goes beyond mere hardware configuration by assisting with theautomated installation of the Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003 and 2008 operating systems,device drivers and other system components, with minimal user intervention. (Drivers are alsoincluded for support of Novell NetWare, Red Hat Linux and SUSE LINUX.) This focus ondeployment helps customers reduce both their total cost of ownership and the complexity thatadministrators and technical personnel face.IBM Systems Director Service and Support Manager (previously called IBM ElectronicService Agent™) is an innovative “call home” feature that allows System x and BladeCenterservers to automatically report hardware problems to IBM support, which can even dispatchonsite service if necessary to those customers entitled to onsite support under the terms oftheir warranty or an IBM Maintenance Agreement. Service and Support Manager resides on aserver and provides electronic support and problem management capabilities through a highlysecure electronic dialogue between your systems and IBM. It monitors networked servers forhardware errors and it can perform hardware and software inventories and report inventorychanges to IBM. All information sent to IBM is stored in a highly secure database and used forimproved problem determination.Additional services include hardware warranty upgrades and factory-installed Product