244 IBM eX5 Implementation Guide6.6.2 PCIe adapters: Slot selectionA single-node x3850 X5 provides two independent zones of I/O interfaces. A 2-node x3850X5 provides four independent zones of I/O interfaces. Each zone contains two processorsand one I/O hub. Table 6-7 shows which I/O devices and processors communicate directly ineach zone. Processors that need to initiate an I/O in a zone, of which they are not a member,must use their QPI links to the processors in the other zone to complete the I/O in that zone.Table 6-7 I/O interface zonesWhen installing teamed network adapters or multipath fibre host bus adapters (HBAs), eachmember of the team must be placed in separate zones to maximize the throughput potentialof this server and minimize the loss of a single processor.Consider these key points about these slots: PCIe slot 1 is an x16 slot to support possible future I/O adapters. It can be used to holdany PCIe adapter. PCIe slot 2 is actually an x4 with an x8 mechanical connection. Do not use this slot for anSSD RAID controller. PCIe slot 7 is an x8 slot and is specifically designed to support an Emulex 10GbE adapterthat is designed for this server. The RAID SAS port is an x8 PCIe slot that supports a wide variety of ServeRAID and SASHBAs. This slot is not suitable for adapters, such as SSD controllers, that generate a lot ofheat; these adapters need to be installed in a slot at the rear of the server with betterairflow.While true performance on a given PCIe adapter can largely depend on the configuration ofthe environment on which it is used, there are general performance considerations withrespect to the x3850 X5 server.The I/O hub supports 36 lines of PCIe traffic with a combined bandwidth of 36 GBs. Eachprocessor’s QPI link to the I/O hub is capable of a maximum throughput of 26 GBs, dependingon the processors installed on the server. With only one processor installed, the maximumcombined bandwidth of all the PCIe lanes is reduced to the maximum bandwidth of a singleMicrosoft Windows 2008 x64: When installed on an UEFI server, Microsoft Windows2008 x64 will install Microsoft Boot Manager as part of the boot sequence. Regardless ofhow you change the boot sequence in the boot manager, Microsoft Boot Manager willalways be at the top of the sequence.When you install this same operating system with Legacy Only enabled, Microsoft BootManager is not installed as part of the boot manager. Removing the Legacy Only optionfrom the boot manager will prevent the server from booting into the installed Windows 2008x64.Zone Processors I/O interfaces1 1 and 2 PCIe slots 5, 6, and 7 Two onboard 1GbE ports IMM, all USB ports, and SATA DVD 8x PCIe SAS port2 3 and 4 PCIe slots 1, 2, 3, and 4
