Sun Microsyste

Figure Intro-2: The Sun Fire X4600 Server

The highly scalable 4- to 16-way Sun Fire X4600 server allows customers to dramatically improve business agility and growth without any data center disruption and no change to the operating system, software, rack, network infrastructure, or storage connections. The Sun Fire X4600 server can be used to build 5-teraflop (or larger) systems.

Table Intro-1 shows how the new Sun Fire X4600 server compares to the Sun Fire X4100 and X4200 servers. Shaded cells indicate differences.

Table Intro-1: Sun Fire X4100, X4200 and X4600 Servers Features Comparison

Features

Sun Fire X4100/X4200

Sun Fire X4600 M2

 

 

 

Form Factor

1/2 RU

4 RU

 

 

 

Processor

Up to two AMD Opteron 800 Series Single-

Up to eight AMD Opteron 8000 Series

 

or Dual-Core CPUs w/ 1 MB L2 Cache per

Dual-Core only CPUs w/ 1MB L2 Cache

 

Core

per Core

 

 

 

BIOS

AMI BIOS8 (Different revision)

AMI BIOS8 (Different revision)

 

 

 

Memory DIMM Slots

4 DIMM slots per CPU

4 or 8 DIMM slots per CPU

Memory Type

PC3200 400MHz Registered DIMMs with

PC6300 667 Mhz Registered DIMMs with

 

ECC

ECC

Memory Module Sizes

1 GB, and 2 GB DIMMs

1 GB, 2 GB , 4 GB DIMMs

Maximum Memory

64 GB w/2 GB DIMMs

256 GB w/4 GB DIMMs

HDD Controller

LSI SAS1064 Serial Attached SCSI (SAS)

 

 

HDD Type

2.5-inch drives (SAS)

 

 

 

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Sun Microsystems X4600 M2 manual Bios

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.