An affordable single-socket, quad-core server with high performance
and data protection for small, medium, and large businesses
Please see the Legal Information section for important notices and information. 6
For external storage, the ServeRAID-MR10M controller enables connection to up to four IBM System
Storage EXP3000 SAS expansion units (48 HDDs total). It provides RAID-0/1/10/5/50 support and
256MB of onboard cache
All models provide a dedicated internal USB port for a USB key with embedded hypervisor.
The x3200 M3 supports several internal SAS/SATA- or USB-attached half-high backup options.
Supported technologies include:
• IBM 36/72GB DDS-5 (SATA)
• IBM DDS-6 (USB)
• IBM RDX Removable Hard Disk Storage System (USB)—external version also available
• IBM HH 400/800GB LTO-3 (SAS)
High-Performance Adapter Slots
The x3200 M3 offers six total adapter slots. Three PCIe (PCI Express) full-length/full-height adapter
slots are provided for general use. Two slots are x8 Gen 2 slots, that is x8 physical and x8 electrical
(8GBps) slots, capable of supporting x1/x4/x8 adapters at their native speeds. Another slot is a x4/x1
PCIe Gen 2 (1GBps) slot, capable of accepting x1 or x4 adapters8. Two other slots are full-length/full-
height legacy 33MHz PCI slots.
In addition, a fourth PCIe slot, x4/x4 PCIe Gen 2 (4GBps), is dedicated for use with an IBM ServeRAID
controller.
PCI Express is a high-performance, low-latency, next-generation serial I/O bus that is rapidly replacing
the older parallel PCI and PCI-X buses. A x8 PCIe Gen 2 adapter offers approximately eight times the
maximum throughput of a 133MHz PCI-X adapter9. (A x1 Gen 2 adapter offers throughput similar to a
64-bit 133MHz PCI-X slot.)
The RAID daughtercard plugs into a dedicated slot on the planar. This, coupled with the fact that the
SAS/SATA, Gigabit Ethernet, systems management and video controllers are integrated onto the
system board, means that all PCI/PCIe adapter slots are all available, which provides a wide degree of
latitude in expansion options.
Ultra-Efficient Cooling
Strategically located fans, combined with efficient airflow paths, provide highly effective system cooling
for the x3200 M3, known as Calibrated Vectored Cooling. The server includes three fans. In addition,
the power supply contains a fan.
The fans automatically adjust speeds in response to changing thermal requirements, from minimum
RPMs to maximum, depending on the zone, redundancy, and internal temperatures. When the
temperature inside the server increases, the fans speed up to maintain the proper ambient temperature.
When the temperature returns to a normal operating level, the fans return to their default speed.
Why not simply run the fans at 100% capacity all the time? For several good reasons: to reduce the
ambient noise, reduce the wear-and-tear on the fans, and reduce the server power draw. The reduction
in ambient noise and power draw may be relatively minor for a single server, but put dozens or hundreds
in a data center and it can make a big difference!
In addition, the server uses hexagonal ventilation holes in the chassis. Hexagonal holes can be
grouped more densely than round holes, providing greater airflow through the system cover.
This cooling scheme is important because newer, more powerful, processors generate a significant
amount of heat, and heat must be controlled for the system to function properly.
Other Features
• Second 430W power supply — Provides redundant power. (Model-dependant or via CTO.)
• Seven USB 2.0 ports — Provides flexibility to add high-speed external devices. The USB 2.0
specification supports up to 480Mbps transfer rates. (Note: Not all USB 2.0 devices are capable of
achieving this rate.) Two ports are provided on the front of the server, four are on the back, and one
is internal to support a hypervisor USB key or a USB-interface tape drive.
• Tower-to-Rack Conversion Kit — This option allows hot-swap x3200 M3 models to be installed in a
rack.
• Toolless chassis — The cover can be opened without tools, and many components can be installed
or removed and replaced without tools, including the optical drive, simple-swap and hot-swap HDDs,
PCI and PCIe adapters, as well as the integrated RAID controller. This can save a servicer significant
8 The slot accepts x1 or x4 adapters; however the slot provides x1 throughput only.
9 Actual throughput will depend on the adapter vendor’s implementation.