Ultra-Efficient Cooling, Light Path Diagnostics

Leadership enterprise server with significantly lower cost of ownership in a highly available and expandable, rack-dense, 2U dual-socket server

capability for future upgrades to Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) and iSCSI protocol offloads. By using a common infrastructure for Ethernet and storage networks, data centers can reduce capital expense (CapEx) for adapters, switches and cables, and operational expense (OpEx) for power, cooling and IT administration.

End-to-end data protection with hardware parity, CRC, ECC and other advanced error checking and correcting ensure that data is safe from corruption.

Integrated dual 10Gbps Ethernet ports:

•IPv4/IPv6 TCP, UDP checksum offload; Large Send Offload (LSO); Large Receive Offload; Receive Side Scaling (RSS); IPV4 TCP Chimney Offload

•VLAN insertion and extraction

•Jumbo frames up to 9000 Bytes

•Preboot eXecutive Environment (PXE) 2.0 network boot support

•Interrupt coalescing

•Load balancing and failover support including adapter fault tolerance (AFT), switch fault tolerance (SFT), adaptive load balancing (ALB), teaming support and IEEE 802.3ad.

Ultra-Efficient Cooling

Strategically located fans, combined with efficient airflow paths, provide highly effective system cooling for the x3650 M3, known as Calibrated Vectored Cooling. The base server with one power supply includes 3 hot-swap fan modules, for redundant cooling. Each module includes 2 back-to-back fans with counter-rotating blades. In addition, each power supply also contains a fan.

The system contains three cooling zones. Zone 1 (incorporating one fan module) cools all 18 DIMM sockets, Zone 2 (one fan module) cools the primary processor, and Zone 3 (one fan module) cools the second processor.

The fans automatically adjust speeds in response to changing thermal requirements depending on the zone 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. In addition, the Bosch BMP085 altimeter works in conjunction with IMM to govern fan rotation. At high altitudes the air is thinner and doesn’t cool as well as at lower elevations. In most servers, the fans run fast all the time to allow for use at high elevations, wasting power. The altimeter allows the IBM fans to run at lower speeds at lower altitudes.

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.

There are temperature sensors on the planar placed to sense DIMM exhaust temperature, SAS

HDD exhaust temperature, and CPU2 exhaust temperature (through the altimeter).

Light Path Diagnostics

Light path diagnostics enables a technician to quickly identify and locate a failed or failing system component, such as a specific fan or memory DIMM. This enables quick replacement of the component, which helps increase server uptime and lower operating costs.

The front of the server has an LED indicator light to show possible component failures. If the front LED indicates an error condition, by pressing a button on the front of the server an LED panel will pop out and drop down for easy viewing without the need to open the server cover or remove the server from the rack. The light path diagnostics panel tells the servicer which component requires attention. In addition, many components have their own identifying LEDs. For example, each of the memory modules has an LED next to the socket, as do both processors, all adapter slots, all fans, all power supplies, the voltage regulator module and the service processor, allowing the servicer to easily identify exactly which component needs servicing. By following the “light path,” the component can be replaced quickly, and without guesswork. (Note: In the event of a failed DIMM, the system will restart and mark the DIMM as bad while offline, thus allowing the system to continue running, with reduced memory capacity, until serviced.)

Hot-Swap/Redundant Components

System availability is maximized through the extensive use of hot-swap and redundant

Please see the Legal Information section for important notices and information.

X3650 M3 specifications

The IBM X3650 M3 is a powerful and versatile server designed to meet the needs of businesses looking for optimal performance, reliability, and scalability in their data center environments. As a member of the IBM System x family, the X3650 M3 is renowned for its robust architecture and advanced features, making it a popular choice for various applications, including virtualization, database management, and enterprise resource planning.

One of the defining features of the X3650 M3 is its dual-socket architecture, enabling it to support up to two Intel Xeon 5500 or 5600 series processors. This allows businesses to take advantage of increased processing power, memory capacity, and improved energy efficiency. The server supports up to 144 GB of DDR3 memory, providing ample resources for demanding applications and workloads.

In terms of storage, the X3650 M3 offers impressive flexibility. It can accommodate up to 16 hot-swappable 2.5-inch drives or eight 3.5-inch drives, allowing organizations to choose the right balance between performance and capacity. IBM's Storage Control technology further enhances data protection and availability, offering features such as RAID support and advanced data management capabilities.

The design of the X3650 M3 emphasizes ease of use and serviceability. The server includes a tool-less chassis, which allows for straightforward installation and upgrades of components, minimizing downtime. Additionally, it features IBM's innovative Predictive Failure Analysis technology, which proactively identifies potential hardware issues and helps prevent server failures.

Networking capabilities of the X3650 M3 are robust, with support for various networking options, including Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and iSCSI. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of network environments and provides the flexibility to grow alongside changing business needs.

Another vital aspect of the X3650 M3 is its commitment to energy efficiency. The server is designed with energy-efficient power supplies and advanced cooling technologies, which help reduce overall power consumption and operating costs. This aligns with IBM's focus on delivering environmentally responsible solutions.

The IBM X3650 M3 also integrates seamlessly with IBM's management tools, such as IBM Systems Director and IBM Integrated Management Module. These tools provide comprehensive monitoring and management capabilities, enabling IT administrators to manage resources effectively and maintain optimal performance.

In summary, the IBM X3650 M3 combines powerful performance, advanced storage options, and exceptional reliability, making it a compelling choice for businesses seeking a robust solution for their server needs. With its rich feature set and commitment to efficiency, it continues to be a relevant and valuable asset in modern data centers.