The PCI-X slots in the p5-570 system support hot-plug and Extended Error Handling (EEH). In the unlikely event of a problem, EEH-enabled adapters respond to a special data packet that is generated from the affected PCI-X slot hardware by calling system firmware, which examines the affected bus, allows the device driver to reset it, and continues without a system reboot.

64-bit and 32-bit adapters

IBM offers 64-bit adapter options for the p5-570 as well as 32-bit adapters. Higher-speed adapters use 64-bit slots because they can transfer 64 bits of data for each data transfer phase. Generally, 32-bit adapters can function in 64-bit PCI-X slots; however, some 64-bit adapters cannot be used in 32-bit slots. For a full list of the adapters that are supported on the p5-570 systems, and for important information regarding adapter placement, visit the

IBM ^pSeries Information Center at:

http://publib16.boulder.ibm.com/pseries/en_US/infocenter/base/

2.5.2 LAN adapters

The dual port internal 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 Ethernet controller integrated on the system planar can be used to connect to a local area network (LAN).

Table 2-1lists additional LAN adapters that were available at the time of writing, when building an initial order of a p5-570 system. IBM supports an installation with NIM using Ethernet and token-ring adapters (CHRP4 is the platform type.)

Table 2-1 Available LAN adapters

Feature code

Adapter description

Slot

Size

 

 

 

 

4959

4/16 Token Ring

32 or 64

short

 

 

 

 

4962

10/100 Ethernet

32 or 64

short

 

 

 

 

5700

Gigabit Ethernet (Fiber)

64

short

 

 

 

 

5701

10/100/1000 Ethernet (UTP)

64

short

 

 

 

 

5706

2-port 10/100/1000 Ethernet (UTP)

64

short

 

 

 

 

5707

2-port Gigabit Ethernet - SX (Fiber)

64

short

 

 

 

 

5718

10 Gigabit Ethernet PCI-X

64

short

 

 

 

 

2.5.3 Graphic accelerators

The p5-570 supports up to two enhanced POWER GXT135P (FC 2849) 2D graphic accelerators. The POWER GXT135P is a low-priced 2D graphics accelerator for pSeries and p5 servers. It can be configured to operate in either 8-bit or 24-bit color modes, running at

60 Hz to 85 Hz. This adapter supports both analog and digital monitors. The adapter requires one short 32-bit or 64-bit PCI-X slot.

2.5.4 SCSI adapters

To connect to external SCSI devices, the adapters listed in Table 2-2are available, at the time of writing, to be used in p5-570 system.

4CHRP stands for Common Hardware Reference Platform, a specification for PowerPC-based systems that can run multiple operating systems.

Chapter 2. Architecture and technical overview 29

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IBM P5 570 manual LAN adapters, Graphic accelerators, Scsi adapters, Bit and 32-bit adapters

P5 570 specifications

The IBM P5 570 is a high-performance server that was designed for enterprise-scale computing, offering a blend of advanced technologies and a flexible architecture. Launched as part of IBM's Power5 server line, the P5 570 stands out for its robust processing capabilities and extensive scalability, making it a preferred choice for businesses requiring reliable and efficient computing solutions.

At the heart of the P5 570 is the IBM Power5 processor, which employs simultaneous multi-threading (SMT) technology. This allows the processor to handle two threads per core, effectively doubling the throughput for workloads ideally suited to multi-threading. The server typically features a configuration of up to 32 Power5 processors, providing an impressive compute power that supports demanding applications, ranging from databases to complex enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

The P5 570 architecture supports a wide range of memory configurations, with a maximum memory capacity of up to 512 GB. Utilizing IBM’s proprietary Chip Memory technology, it can deliver high bandwidth and low latency, significantly enhancing performance for memory-intensive applications. Furthermore, the integrated memory controller architecture optimizes memory access, ensuring that critical workloads run smoothly.

Scalability is a key characteristic of the P5 570, with the ability to expand processing power and memory capacity as an organization’s needs grow. The server supports various operating systems, including AIX, Linux, and IBM i, which provides flexibility for diverse IT environments. This versatility ensures that companies can run their preferred applications without the need for substantial system overhauls.

In terms of storage, the P5 570 utilizes advanced RAID technology and supports a variety of disk configurations, ensuring that data integrity and availability are maintained. Coupled with built-in security features, such as the IBM Trusted Foundation, which establishes a secure boot environment, the P5 570 offers a reliable platform for mission-critical workloads.

Finally, the IBM P5 570 is designed for high availability and redundancy. Features like hot-swappable components and advanced error detection and recovery mechanisms minimize downtime, making it a dependable choice for businesses that operate around the clock. Combined with its powerful hardware and versatile software support, the IBM P5 570 remains a formidable player in the high-performance server arena.