An affordable single-socket, quad-core server with high performance and data protection for small, medium, and large businesses

For external storage, the ServeRAID-MR10Mcontroller enables connection to up to four IBM System Storage EXP3000 SAS expansion units (48 HDDs total). It provides RAID-0/1/10/5/50support and 256MB of onboard cache

All models provide a dedicated internal USB port for a USB key with embedded hypervisor.

Internal Backup

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-Xadapter9. (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

8The slot accepts x1 or x4 adapters; however the slot provides x1 throughput only.

9 Actual throughput will depend on the adapter vendor’s implementation.

6

Please see the Legal Information section for important notices and information.

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IBM X3200 M3 Internal Backup, High-Performance Adapter Slots, Ultra-Efficient Cooling, Other Features, IBM DDS-6 USB
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X3200 M3 specifications

The IBM X3200 M3 is an enterprise-level server designed for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a reliable and powerful solution for their computing needs. This server boasts a blend of robust features, advanced technologies, and exceptional characteristics that make it a preferred choice for various applications, including file and print services, data storage, and web hosting.

At the heart of the IBM X3200 M3 is the Intel Xeon processor, which offers exceptional performance due to its multi-core architecture. This allows the server to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, making it suitable for demanding workloads. The X3200 M3 supports up to two processors, enhancing its scalability and making it possible for businesses to grow without needing to invest in a completely new server.

One of the standout features of the X3200 M3 is its memory capacity. It can support up to 32GB of DDR3 RAM, providing enough bandwidth to ensure smooth operation under heavy loads. The server also employs a dual-channel memory architecture, which improves data transfer rates and overall performance.

In terms of storage, the IBM X3200 M3 offers various configurations, supporting up to eight 3.5-inch hard drives. This flexibility allows businesses to choose between RAID configurations, enhancing data redundancy and performance. The server includes Hot-Swap capabilities, ensuring that drives can be replaced without downtime, which is crucial for mission-critical applications.

The built-in virtualization technology optimizes the server's performance by allowing multiple operating systems to run concurrently on a single physical machine. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to minimize hardware costs while maximizing resource utilization.

Additionally, the IBM X3200 M3 comes equipped with comprehensive management tools, such as IBM Systems Director and IBM Predictive Failure Analysis. These tools provide IT administrators with insights into the server's health and performance, allowing for proactive management and troubleshooting.

Lastly, the X3200 M3 is designed with energy efficiency in mind, helping to reduce operational costs while still delivering reliable performance. This makes it an environmentally-friendly option for businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.

In conclusion, the IBM X3200 M3 is a versatile and robust server solution that combines advanced processing power, increased memory capacity, flexible storage options, and effective management tools, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking for dependable computing performance.
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