Display Hardware Vital Product Data

This service aid displays all installed resources, along with any VPD for those resources. Use this service aid when you want to look at the VPD for a specific resource.

Display Machine Check Error Log

Note: The Machine Check Error Log Service Aid is available only on Standalone Diagnostics.

When a machine check occurs, information is collected and logged in an NVRAM error log before the system unit shuts down. This information is logged in the AIX error log and cleared from NVRAM when the system is rebooted from the hard disk, LAN, or standalone media. When booting from Standalone Diagnostics, this service aid converts the logged information into a readable format that can be used to isolate the problem. When booting from the hard disk or LAN, the information can be viewed from the AIX error log using the Hardware Error Report Service Aid. In either case, the information is analyzed when the sysplanar0 diagnostics are running in Problem Determination Mode.

Display Microcode Level

This task is used to display the microcode or firmware levels of currently installed resources. When the sys0 resource is selected, the task displays the levels of both the system firmware and service processor firmware. sys0 may not be available in all cases.

You can display the current level of the microcode on an adapter, the system, or a

device by using the AIX diag command. See the following command syntax: diag -c-ddevice -T "disp_mcode"

Flag Description

-cNo console mode.

-dUsed to specify a device.

-TUse the disp_mcode option to display microcode.

The AIX lsmcode command serves as a command line interface to the ″Display Microcode Level″ task. For information on the lsmcode command, refer to the AIX Commands Reference manual.

Display or Change Bootlist

This service aid allows the bootlist to be displayed, altered, or erased.

The system attempts to perform an IPL from the first device in the list. If the device is not a valid IPL device or if the IPL fails, the system proceeds in turn to the other devices in the list to attempt an IPL.

Chapter 6. Introduction to Tasks and Service Aids 109

Page 123
Image 123
IBM pSeries690 manual Display Hardware Vital Product Data, Display Machine Check Error Log, Display Microcode Level

pSeries690 specifications

The IBM pSeries690, also known as the IBM eServer p690, is a high-performance server within IBM's line of Power Systems, designed primarily for enterprise-level workloads. Launched in the early 2000s, it distinguished itself as one of IBM's flagship offerings, aimed at delivering exceptional scalability, reliability, and processing power.

At the heart of the pSeries690 is the IBM POWER4 processor, a revolutionary architecture that significantly enhanced processing capabilities. The system supports multiple processor configurations, allowing businesses to customize performance based on their specific applications. Each pSeries690 can be configured with up to 32 POWER4 processors, providing a maximum processing power that is well-suited for demanding enterprise applications, complex databases, and large-scale transaction processing.

One of the standout features of the pSeries690 is its ability to handle massive amounts of memory — up to 1TB of total RAM. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that run memory-intensive applications or require high availability for critical tasks. The server’s advanced memory architecture contributes to faster data access and improved overall system performance.

Additionally, the IBM pSeries690 employs the innovative AIX operating system, which is tailored for high performance and reliability. AIX comes equipped with features such as dynamic logical partitioning (LPAR), allowing resources to be allocated flexibly and efficiently across different workloads. This technology supports virtualization, enabling multiple operating environments to run concurrently on a single physical server, optimizing resource utilization.

The pSeries690 also includes robust fault tolerance and reliability features. Redundant components, hot-swappable parts, and advanced error detection mechanisms ensure that the system remains operational even in the event of hardware failures. This reliability is crucial for mission-critical applications where downtime can lead to substantial financial losses.

Networking capabilities of the pSeries690 are enhanced by support for high-speed connections, including Gigabit Ethernet and the ability to integrate with various network topologies. This versatility facilitates seamless connectivity in complex IT environments.

In conclusion, the IBM pSeries690 remains a powerful and reliable choice for enterprises seeking to manage and optimize their most demanding workloads. Its combination of cutting-edge processing capabilities, expansive memory support, and robust virtualization features makes it a significant player in the realm of enterprise computing. As businesses continue to evolve, the core strengths of the pSeries690, especially in terms of scalability and reliability, ensure that it continues to meet the needs of demanding applications.