Introduction

Sun Microsystems X4600 M2 manual Introduction, Sun Fire x4000 Server Family Overview

Sun Microsyste

As the first of its kind, the Sun Fire X4600 server is the fastest, most scalable, and energy-efficient four-way to

16-way x64 (x86 64-bit) server. It scales quickly from two sockets to eight sockets simply by adding processor boards, all in a compact 4RU form factor. The new modular processor board for the Sun Fire X4600 M2 server allows up to ¼ terabyte of memory in a fully configured system. With its multiple operating system support, exten- sive ISV application offerings, time-saving manageability, and availability features, the Sun Fire X4600 server is the top midrange solution for server consolidation and virtualization, enterprise applications, and High Perfor- mance Computing (HPC).

Sun Fire x4000 Server Family Overview

The Sun Fire x64 server line is composed of the industry's premier x64 servers. The Sun Fire x64 server line delivers the highest reliability and greater than one-and-a-half times the performance of comparable Intel Xeon- based servers, while providing significant savings in power and cooling costs. These Sun servers are based on a simplified management system and fast and reliable performance, resulting in better service levels, lower opera- tional costs, and better asset utilization.

The Sun Fire x64 family of servers features x64 performance with 32-bit x86 compatibility, large memory support, I/O capability to support low-latency, high-bandwidth interconnects for compute clusters, Integrated Lights Out Management with in-band and out-of-band control, and a wide range of peripheral and ISV support. This is the only family of x64 industry-standard servers with application portability across the entire family through binary compatibility on SolarisTM , Linux, or Windows operating systems.

The Sun Fire x64 server family also includes an extensive set of RAS (Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability) features that reduce hidden serviceability costs by dramatically simplifying system maintenance. In addition, the Sun Fire x64 family of servers provides remote lights out server management, including remote keyboard, video, mouse, and storage (RKVMS); remote boot; and remote software upgrades using the Integrated Lights Out Manager (ILOM) Service Processor.

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X4600 M2, X4600 specifications

Sun Microsystems was a pioneering technology company that developed innovative hardware and software solutions, most notably in the server industry. Among their notable offerings were the Sun Fire X4600 and X4600 M2 servers. These high-performance systems were designed to meet the growing demands for scalability, flexibility, and reliability in enterprise-level computing environments.

The Sun Fire X4600 was introduced as one of the first four-socket, x86 servers specifically optimized for demanding workloads. Powered by AMD Opteron processors, the X4600 was capable of supporting up to 64GB of memory, which was a significant advantage for memory-intensive applications. Its architecture enabled efficient parallel processing, making it an ideal choice for tasks such as database management and virtualization.

One of the defining characteristics of the X4600 was its modular design. The server featured a combination of innovative technologies that allowed it to be easily expanded and upgraded. This made it well-suited for businesses seeking a long-term investment in their IT infrastructure, as it provided room for growth without necessitating a complete system overhaul.

The X4600 M2, an evolution of the original X4600 model, offered further enhancements in performance and flexibility. It supported the next generation of AMD Opteron processors, providing increased processing power and efficiency. Additionally, the M2 model enhanced memory capacity, allowing for a maximum of 128GB of RAM, catering to the more urgent needs of resource-intensive applications.

One of the key technologies incorporated in the X4600 and X4600 M2 was the Sun Fire’s Advanced Lights Out Management (ALOM), which allowed for remote management capabilities. This feature enabled IT administrators to monitor system health and performance without being physically present, reducing downtime and improving overall system management.

Both servers also offered extensive storage options, combining numerous high-capacity drive bays to ensure ample disk space for data-heavy applications. Their effective cooling solutions made them suitable for even the most demanding environments, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

In conclusion, Sun Microsystems' X4600 and X4600 M2 servers represented significant advancements in server technology. With their powerful architectures, flexible configurations, and innovative management features, they met the evolving demands of modern enterprise environments, solidifying their position as trusted solutions for robust computing needs.