Internal disk storage options, Backplanes, A2XR

Internal disk storage options

The server can support up to 16x 2.5-inch drives, up to 32x 1.8-inch drives, or a combination of both

2.5-inch and 1.8-inch hot-swap drives, using the supported SAS/SATA backplane configurations. The server supports 2.5-inch hot-swap SAS or hot-swap SATA hard disk drives, 2.5-inch hot-swap SATA solid-state drives, or 1.8-inch hot-swap SATA solid-state drives. You can mix drives in the same server as long as you do not mix drives on the same array.

Backplanes

IBM System x3750 M4 server supports a variety of internal storage configurations based on four different backplanes:

4-drive backplane for 2.5-inch drives: Up to four backplanes can be installed, each requiring one SAS connection to a supported controller. One RAID controller can connect to two of these backplanes.

8-drive backplane for 2.5-inch drives: Up to two backplanes can be installed, each requiring two SAS connections. One RAID controller per backplane.

8-drive backplane with a SAS expander for 2.5-inch drives: Use in conjunction with the other 2.5-inch drive backplanes (8-drive or one 4-drive or two 4-drive backplanes) which will result in being able to connect up to 16 2.5-inch drive bays to the one RAID controller.

8-drive backplane for 1.8-inch solid-state drives (eXFlash Pack): Up to four backplanes can be installed, each requiring two SAS connections. One RAID controller per backplane. Cannot be connected to the 8-drive backplane with a SAS expander.

When building drive backplane configurations, all 1.8-inch SSD drive backplanes must be installed to the right of all 2.5-inch HDD or 2.5-inch SSD drive backplanes (when looking at the front of the server). Every four drives uses a SAS signal cable except when the 8-drive backplane with SAS expander is used. When the 8-drive backplane with SAS expander is used, the other backplanes connect to the SAS expander backplane with the supplied cables and then the SAS expander backplane is connected to the single RAID controller with two cables. All backplane options include the necessary cables.

See the IBM System x3750 M4 Installation and Service Guide for a description of all supported backplane combinations.

Standard models (all models except A2x) ship with at least one backplane; see Table 2 for details. The following table shows the backplane options that are available for a x3750 M4 server.

Table 6. Internal storage expansion options

Part number	Feature	Name	Maximum
	code		supported

88Y7418	A2A3	IBM 4x 2.5-in. HS SAS HDD Backplane	4

88Y7419	A2A4	IBM 8x 2.5-in. HS SAS HDD Backplane	2

88Y7421	A2A2	IBM 8x 2.5-in. HS SAS HDD Backplane	1*
		with RAID expansion (SAS expander)

88Y7422	A2XR	IBM eXFlash 8x 1.8-in. HS SAS SSD Backplane	4

*Only one backplane with SAS expander (88Y7421) can be installed in a server and can be used connected to a single 8-drive backplane (88Y7419), a single 4-drive backplane (88Y7418), or two 4-drive backplanes (88Y7418). The SAS expander backplane cannot be used with the eXFlash backplane.

IBM System x3750 M4

88Y7429, x3759 M4 specifications

The IBM x3759 M4, identified by the part number 88Y7429, is a robust and versatile server designed for enterprise environments that require high performance and reliability. This model is part of IBM's renowned x86 server lineup and reflects the company’s commitment to delivering solutions that meet the demands of modern data centers.

One of the standout features of the x3759 M4 is its support for powerful Intel Xeon processors. This allows organizations to leverage significant processing power for demanding applications, including virtualization, cloud computing, and big data analytics. The server supports multiple CPU configurations, enabling users to tailor performance to their specific needs.

Memory capacity is another critical aspect of the x3759 M4. It supports up to 1.5TB of DDR4 RAM, with advanced memory technology that enhances data throughput and reduces latency. This extensive memory capability is particularly beneficial for memory-intensive applications, ensuring efficient data handling and processing.

Storage options on the x3759 M4 are incredibly flexible, supporting a variety of configurations, including SAS, SATA, and SSD drives. With hot-swap capabilities, users can easily replace or upgrade drives without downtime, enhancing overall system availability. This feature is crucial for businesses that demand 24/7 operations.

The server features advanced virtualization capabilities, supporting multiple operating systems and applications running simultaneously. With built-in support for various hypervisors, companies can maximize resource use and minimize costs. This feature enables organizations to create a scalable and efficient IT infrastructure.

Networking capabilities of the x3759 M4 are robust, featuring multiple PCIe slots for the addition of network cards, including 10GbE options. This ensures high-speed connectivity essential for data-intensive applications and cloud-based services.

Moreover, the x3759 M4 is designed with energy efficiency in mind. It adheres to strict energy standards and includes various power management features, reducing operational costs while maintaining performance. This focus on energy efficiency is critical for organizations looking to minimize their environmental impact while maximizing performance.

In conclusion, the IBM x3759 M4, 88Y7429, is an enterprise-grade server that combines advanced processing power, extensive memory capacity, flexible storage options, and robust networking capabilities. Its design focuses on reliability, performance, and energy efficiency, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking to modernize their IT infrastructure and enhance operational efficiencies.