The system configuration may vary. Possible configurations include:
v Multiple pSeries 690s attached to one Hardware Management Console (HMC) v Two HMCs attached to one pSeries 690
v Two HMCs jointly managing up to eight pSeries 690s
The following components make up the base configuration of the pSeries 690:
v Rack and Bulk Power Subsystem (BPA) The BPA is the main power control unit for the pSeries 690. This redundant bulk power assembly distributes power at 350 V to each drawer where conversion is made to the required chip level.
v Processor Subsystem The processor subsystem is a 17 EIA-unit-high drawer. The processor subsystem contains the backplane, up to four processor modules, up to 16 L3 cache modules, up to four I/O books, up to eight memory books, and cooling blowers. The processor subsystem drawer also contains the power subsystem components used in the conversion of 350 V bulk power to the supply voltages required by the various internal components.
Several memory book sizes are available. The minimum memory requirement to operate this system is 8 GB, and the maximum amount of memory is 256 GB.
v Media Drawer The media drawer is a 1 EIA-unit high drawer containing an operator panel, 1.44 MB floppy diskette drive, one SCSI optical drive (either a CD-ROM or a DVD-RAM), signal cables, power cables, a 1 EIA-unit-high24-inchrack-mountable sheet metal enclosure, and miscellaneous mechanical hardware. Three additional SCSI bays are available to add optional CD-ROMs,DVD-RAMs, or 4-mm tape drives:
± Variable Speed SCSI-2CD-ROM Drive
± SCSI DVD-RAM Drive
± 4-mm Internal Tape Drive
v Integrated Battery Feature (IBF) (optional) The IBF is a 2 EIA-unit-high drawer that can be added to your system. The IBF provides backup electric power in case of a power outage. You can install up to two IBFs in the base rack configuration. One additional IBF can be installed in an expansion rack.

A pSeries 690 system can have up to two racks, which support up to eight I/O drawer subsystems.

The Hardware Management Console for pSeries (HMC) is used to manage the resources in the system. The system can be configured as a full system partition, which means that all resources of the system are used as a single system.

The system can also be configured into multiple (or logical) partitioned systems. With a logically partitioned system, system resources can be divided into a number of systems each running in its own partition.

Numerous configurations of pSeries 690 systems can be managed from one Hardware Management Console. A second Hardware Management Console can be used for redundancy.

System Configurations

2Eserver pSeries 690 User's Guide

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IBM pSeries690 manual System Configurations

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.