(dynamic bit-steering). Memory scrubbing is the process of reading the contents of the memory during idle time and checking and correcting any single-bit errors that have accumulated by passing the data through the ECC logic. This function is a hardware function on the memory controller chip and does not influence normal system memory performance.

3.2.5 N+1 redundancy

The use of redundant parts allows the p5-570 to remain operational with full resources:

￿Redundant spare memory bits in L1, L2, L3, and main memory

￿Redundant fans

￿Redundant power supplies

3.2.6Fault masking

If corrections and retries succeed and do not exceed threshold limits, the system remains operational with full resources and no client or IBM customer engineer intervention is required:

￿CEC bus retry and recovery

￿PCI-X bus recovery

￿ECC Chipkill soft error

3.2.7Resource deallocation

If recoverable errors exceed threshold limits, resources can be deallocated with the system remaining operational, allowing deferred maintenance at a convenient time.

Dynamic or persistent deallocation

Dynamic deallocation of potentially failing components is non-disruptive, allowing the system to continue to run. Persistent deallocation occurs when a failed component is detected, which is then deactivated at a subsequent reboot.

Dynamic deallocation functions include:

￿Processor

￿L3 cache line delete

￿Partial L2 cache deallocation

￿PCI-X bus and slots

For dynamic processor deallocation, the service processor performs a predictive failure analysis based on any recoverable processor errors that have been recorded. If these transient errors exceed a defined threshold, the event is logged and the processor is deallocated from the system while the operating system continues to run. This feature (named CPU Guard) enables maintenance to be deferred until a suitable time. Processor deallocation can occur only if there are sufficient functional processors (at least two).

To verify whether CPU Guard has been enabled, run the following command:

lsattr -El sys0 grep cpuguard

If CPU Guard is enabled, the output will be similar to:

cpuguard

enable

CPU Guard

True

58p5-570 Technical Overview and Introduction

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IBM P5 570 manual 5 N+1 redundancy, Fault masking, Resource deallocation, Dynamic or persistent deallocation
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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.
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