Hot-Swap/Redundant Components, Other Features

A cost-optimized storage-rich alternative to traditional enterprise 2U dual-socket servers

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.

Hot-Swap/Redundant Components

System availability is maximized through the extensive use of hot-swap and redundant components, including:

•Redundant memory protection (with Chipkill protection, and memory mirroring enabled)

•Hot-swap, redundant hard disk drives (with RAID protection)—model-specific

•Optional hot-swap, redundant power supplies

Other Features

•Five USB 2.0 ports — Provides flexibility to add high-speed external devices. The USB 2.0 specification supports up to 480Mbps transfer rates. (Note: Not all USB 2.0 devices are capable of achieving this rate.) Two ports are provided on the front of the server, two on the back, plus one USB connector reserved for an internal tape drive, RDX Removable Disk Backup System, or USB flash memory key containing an embedded hypervisor is supported via another internal USB port. For pre-boot and normal drive use, use the external ports.

•Toolless slides — Allows quick rack installation and quicker upgrade and servicing of the server.

•Toolless chassis — The cover can be opened without tools, and many components can be removed and replaced without tools, including the CD-RW/DVD combo drive, hot-swap drives, and PCIe adapters, as well as the integrated ServeRAID card, embedded hypervisor key, and Virtual Media Key. This can save a servicer significant time.

Extensive System Support Features

The IBM services and technical support portfolio provides world-class, consistent, high-quality service and support. The x3620 M3 server offers a number of tools and services designed to make ownership a positive experience. From the start, IBM programs make it easier for you to plan for, configure and purchase System x or xSeries servers, get them running and keep them running long-term. These features include IBM Express Portfolio, IBM ServerProven®, IBM Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool, IBM System x and BladeCenter Power Configurator, IBM ServerGuide, IBM Systems Director Service and Support Manager, Product Customization Services and extensive technical support offerings.

The IBM ServerProven program provides the confidence that specific options and operating systems have been tested on the server and are officially supported to work together. It is updated frequently to ensure that the latest compatibility information is always at your fingertips.

The IBM Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool (SSCT) is a downloadable tool that simplifies 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 and mouse) switch boxes and other components you need, as well as the proper airflow clearances, electrical circuits and other environmental conditions.

IBM System x and BladeCenter Power Configurator helps IT managers plan for data center power needs, by providing the following information for specific configurations of System x and BladeCenter systems: power input (watts), PDU sizing (amps), heat output (BTUs), airflow requirements through chassis (CFM), VA rating, leakage current (mA), and peak inrush current (amps).

IBM ServerGuide (installed from CD) simplifies the process of installing and configuring System x and xSeries servers. ServerGuide goes beyond mere hardware configuration by assisting with the automated installation of the Microsoft Windows Server® 2003 and 2008 operating systems, device drivers and other system components, with minimal user intervention. (Drivers are also included for support of Novell NetWare, Red Hat Linux and SUSE LINUX.) This focus on deployment helps you reduce both you total cost of ownership and the complexity that administrators and technical personnel face.

IBM Systems Director Service and Support Manager (previously called IBM Electronic Service Agent™) is an innovative “call home” feature that allows System x and BladeCenter servers to automatically report hardware problems to IBM support, which can even dispatch onsite service if necessary to those customers entitled to onsite support under the terms of their warranty or an IBM Maintenance Agreement. Service and Support Manager resides on a server and provides electronic support and problem management capabilities through a highly secure electronic dialogue between your systems and IBM. It monitors networked servers for hardware errors and it can perform hardware and software inventories and report inventory changes to IBM. All information sent to IBM is stored in a highly secure database and used for improved problem

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X3620 M3 specifications

The IBM X3620 M3 is a robust 2U rack server that debuted as part of IBM's System X portfolio. It is designed to meet the demands of various workloads, from virtualization to database hosting and business applications. With its emphasis on reliability, performance, and expandability, the X3620 M3 has garnered attention from small to medium-sized businesses as well as enterprise users.

One of the standout features of the X3620 M3 is its dual-socket architecture, which supports Intel Xeon 5600 series processors. This configuration allows for impressive performance capabilities, with the ability to install up to two six-core processors, giving enterprises the horsepower needed for demanding applications. Additionally, the server's memory support can extend up to 192 GB with DDR3 RAM, enabling high-speed data processing and multitasking efficiencies. This capacity allows the X3620 M3 to handle multiple virtual machines simultaneously without sacrificing performance.

In terms of storage, the IBM X3620 M3 offers flexible options. The server is equipped with up to eight hot-swap 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drive bays, supporting Serial ATA (SATA) or SAS drives. This not only enhances the system's capability for storage expansion but also provides redundancy and increased data protection through RAID configurations. The integrated SAS RAID controller bolsters data integrity, ensuring that critical enterprise information remains safe.

The X3620 M3 also prioritizes versatility and efficiency. Its energy-efficient design incorporates features such as AdvancedPM, which helps optimize power consumption based on workload demands. This can lead to significant cost savings for data centers focused on energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction.

Furthermore, the server supports various network connectivity options, including Integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports and the ability to add additional networking cards. This ensures that the server can be tailored to meet specific networking needs, enhancing overall application performance.

In summary, the IBM X3620 M3 is an adaptable and high-performing rack server that addresses a wide range of business computing requirements. Its combination of powerful processing capabilities, extensive memory support, flexible storage options, and energy-efficient design makes it a favorable choice for businesses looking to maximize their IT investments. With its emphasis on reliability and performance, the X3620 M3 remains a competitive option in the ever-evolving server landscape.