vI/O Drawers The I/O drawer is a 4 EIA-unit-high drawer containing up to two I/O boards, up to 16 disk drives, four DASD backplanes, a midplane card, four cooling fans and two power supplies (which are independent of the bulk power assembly). The base rack configuration can have up to four I/O drawers with each drawer having 20 PCI card slots, and more than 500 GB of storage. An expansion rack can be connected to the base system and contain additional I/O drawers and IBFs.

Note: If your base rack configuration contains an IBF, the space in the rack for the fourth I/O drawer in that rack is not available.However, an expansion rack allows you to add additional I/O drawers and an additional IBF.

vHardware Management Console (HMC) - The HMC consists of a display, independent processor, keyboard, and mouse. The HMC is mandatory for all systems. For more information on the use of logical partitioned systems, see the ªPartitioned System Overviewº.

Partitioned System Overview

Partitioning enables users to configure a single computer into several independent systems. Each of these systems, called logical partitions, is capable of running applications in its own independent environment. This independent environment contains its own operating system, its own set of system processors, its own set of system memory, and its own I/O adapters.

An affinity partition is a special type of logical partition in which processors and system memory are allocated in a predefined way that may increase performance when running some types of applications (memory is assigned to a processor that is in close physical proximity to it).

The HMC allows you to perform many hardware management tasks for your managed system, including configuring logical partitions. You can choose to operate your managed system as a single server (called full system partitions), or you can choose to run multiple partitions.

Partition Profiles

A profile defines a configuration setup for a managed system or partition. The HMC allows you to create multiple profiles for each managed system or partition. You can then use the profiles you created to start a managed system or partition in a particular configuration.

A partition does not actually own any resources until it is activated; resource specifications are stored within partition profiles. The same partition can operate using different resources at different times, depending on the profile you activate.

When you activate a partition, you enable the system to create a partition using the set of resources in a profile created for that partition. For example, a logical partition profile might indicate to the managed system that its partition requires three processors, 2 gigabytes of memory, and I/O slots 6, 11, and 12 when activated.

Chapter 1. Introducing the Eserver pSeries 690 3

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IBM pSeries690 manual Partitioned System Overview, Partition Profiles
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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.
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