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PCI-X and PCI-E Expansion Slots

The PCI slots on the Sun Fire X4600 server use a 3.3 Volt signaling bus. Therefore, they support only 3.3 Volt keyed expansion cards. The use of 5 Volt keyed expansion cards is unsupported and will result in damage to the motherboard.

The PCI-X slots accomodate expansion cards which adhere to the MD2 form factor standard. MD2 PCI-X cards are a maximum length of 169.3 mm (6.7 inches) and a maximun width of 51.5 mm (2.5 inches). The PCI-E slots accomodate expansion cards which adhere to the low profile form factor standard. Low profile PCI-E cards are a maximum length of 165.65 mm (6.65 inches) and a maximum width of 69.9 mm (2.731 inches).

Sun Fire X4600 Server PCI Expansion Slots

The Sun Fire X4600 server has eight PCI expansion slots: 2x PCI-X and 6x PCI-E. All eight slots are capable of 32- or 64-bit operation and support PCI or PCI-X and PCI-E expansion slots. The combination of PCI-X and PCI-E expansion capabilities enables more flexibility to support both legacy PCI/PCI-X connectivity as well as higher speed next-generation PCI-E interconnetcs for maximum I/O options and throughput.

Figure 3-8: Sun Fire X4600 PCI Expansion Slots

From the rear of the server, the PCI-X slots are located in the leftmost position. The six PCI-E slots are oriented in two sets of three. While all PCI-E slots are implemented using x8 lane wide slots, there are electrical difference among the slots in terms of the bandwidth they support. As expected, the two left slots are x8 width, but the right slots in the trio are electrically x4 lane width. This physical x8 lane slot with x4 lane electrical connectivity is known as a soft 8 slot.

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Sun Microsystems X4600 M2 manual PCI-X and PCI-E Expansion Slots, Sun Fire X4600 Server PCI Expansion Slots

X4600 M2, X4600 specifications

Sun Microsystems was a pioneering technology company that developed innovative hardware and software solutions, most notably in the server industry. Among their notable offerings were the Sun Fire X4600 and X4600 M2 servers. These high-performance systems were designed to meet the growing demands for scalability, flexibility, and reliability in enterprise-level computing environments.

The Sun Fire X4600 was introduced as one of the first four-socket, x86 servers specifically optimized for demanding workloads. Powered by AMD Opteron processors, the X4600 was capable of supporting up to 64GB of memory, which was a significant advantage for memory-intensive applications. Its architecture enabled efficient parallel processing, making it an ideal choice for tasks such as database management and virtualization.

One of the defining characteristics of the X4600 was its modular design. The server featured a combination of innovative technologies that allowed it to be easily expanded and upgraded. This made it well-suited for businesses seeking a long-term investment in their IT infrastructure, as it provided room for growth without necessitating a complete system overhaul.

The X4600 M2, an evolution of the original X4600 model, offered further enhancements in performance and flexibility. It supported the next generation of AMD Opteron processors, providing increased processing power and efficiency. Additionally, the M2 model enhanced memory capacity, allowing for a maximum of 128GB of RAM, catering to the more urgent needs of resource-intensive applications.

One of the key technologies incorporated in the X4600 and X4600 M2 was the Sun Fire’s Advanced Lights Out Management (ALOM), which allowed for remote management capabilities. This feature enabled IT administrators to monitor system health and performance without being physically present, reducing downtime and improving overall system management.

Both servers also offered extensive storage options, combining numerous high-capacity drive bays to ensure ample disk space for data-heavy applications. Their effective cooling solutions made them suitable for even the most demanding environments, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

In conclusion, Sun Microsystems' X4600 and X4600 M2 servers represented significant advancements in server technology. With their powerful architectures, flexible configurations, and innovative management features, they met the evolving demands of modern enterprise environments, solidifying their position as trusted solutions for robust computing needs.