Supported Cluster Configurations

This document provides information for installing and connecting peripheral hardware, storage, and storage area network (SAN) components to your Dell™ PowerEdge™ Cluster FE500W-IA64 solution. The configuration information in this document is specific to the Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for 64-bit Itanium-based Systems operating system.

This document covers the following topics:

•Configuration information for installing peripheral hardware components, such as storage systems, HBAs, NICs, and PCI adapter cards into Cluster FE500W-IA64 configurations

•Configuration rules and guidelines for direct-attached configurations

•Configuration rules and guidelines for SAN-attached configurations

NOTE: Configurations not listed in this document may not be certified or supported by Dell or Microsoft.

NOTE: In this guide and in other cluster documentation, the Microsoft Cluster Service is also referred to as MSCS.

This section provides information about supported cluster configurations for your PowerEdge cluster configuration.

Table 1-1 provides a list of supported cluster configurations for the Cluster FE500W-IA64 systems running Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for 64-bit Itanium-based Systems.

NOTE: Each cluster node must be of the same system model and have two or more processors.

Table 1-1. Supported Cluster Configurations

PowerEdge	Supported	Supported Storage Systems Supported Cluster Interconnect (for the
Cluster	PowerEdge	Private Network)
	Systems

FE500W-IA64 7250	Dell EMC CX300
	Dell EMC CX500
	Dell EMC CX700

Any Ethernet NIC supported by the system.

NOTE: All nodes in the same cluster must use homogeneous (identical) Ethernet NICs for the

cluster interconnect.

Obtaining More Information

See the Dell PowerEdge Cluster FE500W-IA64 Installation and Troubleshooting Guide for a detailed list of related documentation.

Platform Guide

FE500-IA64 SYSTEMS specifications

The Dell FE500-IA64 systems are designed to deliver unparalleled performance, reliability, and scalability, making them an ideal choice for enterprise-level applications and demanding workloads. Targeted primarily at data centers and high-performance computing environments, these systems integrate cutting-edge technologies to provide robust computing capabilities.

One of the standout features of the Dell FE500-IA64 is its advanced processing power. Equipped with the latest Intel Xeon processors, these systems support multiple cores and threads, enabling efficient multitasking and the ability to handle complex computing tasks. This architecture is ideal for virtualization, high-performance computing (HPC), and other resource-intensive applications.

In terms of memory, the FE500-IA64 systems support a substantial amount of RAM, with configurations that can accommodate up to several terabytes. Utilizing DDR4 memory modules, these systems ensure high bandwidth and improved data transfer rates, which are crucial for applications that require fast processing and real-time data manipulation.

Storage options in the Dell FE500-IA64 are versatile and robust. The systems support various storage types, including SSDs and HDDs, allowing organizations to customize their storage solutions based on performance needs and budget constraints. Advanced RAID configurations are also supported, providing enhanced data redundancy and performance optimization.

Networking capabilities are another key characteristic of the FE500-IA64 systems. With multiple 10G Ethernet and InfiniBand connectivity options, these systems ensure high-speed data transfer and seamless connectivity within complex network environments. This makes the FE500-IA64 an excellent choice for organizations requiring reliable and fast networking solutions.

Security is essential in today's digital landscape, and the Dell FE500-IA64 incorporates several robust security features. These include support for Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT), which helps protect against malware attacks by ensuring that the operating system and applications are running in a secure environment.

Scalability is a crucial factor for organizations looking to future-proof their investments, and the Dell FE500-IA64 systems excel in this area. With modular designs and support for various expansion cards, these systems allow for easy upgrades and expansions as workloads grow or change over time.

In conclusion, the Dell FE500-IA64 systems are a powerful and flexible solution for enterprises seeking reliable performance in demanding environments. With advanced processing capabilities, substantial memory capacity, versatile storage options, robust networking, and strong security features, these systems stand out as a leader in enterprise computing technology. Organizations looking to invest in a dependable, high-capacity system will find the Dell FE500-IA64 to be an excellent choice.