Server scalabilityThis topic provides information about scaling from a 4-socket to an 8-socketconfiguration.The IBM System x3850 X6 and x3950 X6 server uses a direct QPI connectiontopology through the midplane to scale from a x3850 X6 (4-socket configuration) toa x3950 X6 (8-socket configuration) server. The x3950 X6 is achieved by utilizingthe 8-socket chassis, the 8-socket midplane, and the 8-socket shuttle (which comesin the IBM x3950 X6 4-socket to 8-socket Upgrade Kit), in addition to all ofcomponents used for the x3850 X6. All components are interchangeable betweenboth the x3850 X6 and the x3950 X6 configurations, except the chassis, mid-planes,shuttle, and the E7-8xxx v2 microprocessors.Note: The upgrade of the server from a 4-socket to an 8-socket system must beperformed by a service technician.The x3950 X6 has two nodes that have their own resources as independent servers.The server power is distributed through the server midplane. In the x3950 X6(8-socket) configuration, the power subsystem is divided into two separate nodes,the top node and the bottom node.Note: Power is not shared between the top node and the bottom node of the x3950X6 configuration. Each node must have its own set of power supplies.For additional information, see “FlexNode support” and “Configuring a multinodesystem” on page 135.FlexNode supportThis topic provides information about using FlexNode support to reconfiguring amultinode 8-socket configuration into two stand-alone 4-socket configurations.The IBM System x3850 X6 and x3950 X6 server provides support for reconfiguringa multinode server into two independent, stand-alone servers, known as FlexNodesupport (also called Scalable Complex). When FlexNode support is enabled, eachscalable partition can support its own independent operating-system installation.Each scalable partition has its own local resources as an independent server, andcannot access the resources or boot the operating system of another stand-aloneserver while FlexNode is enabled. The default setting for the x3950 X6 (8-socket)system is one 8-socket partition. The FlexNode (Scalable Complex) is a feature ofthe Integrated Management Module II (IMM2).Note: The server must be powered off when you enable FlexNode support.You can manage FlexNode support in two ways:v Using the IMM2 web interfacev Using the IMM2 telnet interfaceFor more information on using the IMM2 web interface and the IMM2 telnetinterface to manage nodes, see “Configuring a multinode system” on page 135.20 System x3850 X6 and x3950 X6 Types 3837 and 3839: Installation and Service Guide
