IBM BladeCenter HX5 (7873)

The IBM® BladeCenter® HX5 server is a blade server based on the fifth generation of the Enterprise X-Architecture®, delivering innovation with enhanced scalability, reliability, and availability features to enable optimal performance for databases, enterprise applications, and virtualized environments.

The IBM BladeCenter HX5 supports up to two processors, using latest "EX" generation of Intel Xeon processor E7 family. Two HX5 servers can be connected together for a high-performance single image with four processors and up to 1 TB of RAM in a blade form factor.

Suggested uses: Front-end and mid-tier applications requiring high performance (CPU, memory or I/O), enterprise-class availability, and extreme flexibility and power efficiency.

Figure 1 shows the IBM BladeCenter HX5 in the three scalable configurations.


Figure 1. IBM BladeCenter HX5
 

For applications that need to maximize available memory but that do not need four processors, a single HX5 server can be attached to a MAX5 memory expansion blade to form a single image with two processors and up to 1.25 TB of RAM. This level of processing and memory capacity is ideal for large-scale database or virtualization requirements.
 

The IBM BladeCenter HX5 is a scalable 2-to-4-socket blade server optimized for virtualization, consolidation, database, and ERP. It offers outstanding performance, and superior reliability and fault-tolerant memory characteristics.

IBM® has been designing and implementing servers under the X-Architecture® name since 2001. IBM eX5 technology represents the fifth generation of enterprise servers based on the same design principle IBM began with in 1997: to offer systems that are expandable, offer “big iron” reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS) features, with extremely competitive price/performance on an Intel Xeon processor-based system.

Scalability and performance

The BladeCenter HX5 offers numerous features to boost performance, improve scalability, and reduce costs:

• The HX5 supports up to two high-performance Intel Xeon E7 family allowing you to upgrade as business needs require.
• The server can be scaled to four processors by connecting two HX5 servers together to form a single system image; alternatively, extra memory can be added with the addition of the MAX5 memory expansion blade
• Supports the Intel Xeon E7-2800, E7-4800 and E7-8800 families of high performance processors, up to 10 cores each, offering superior system performance
• Each HX5 scalable to 512 GB of memory internally or 1.25 TB of memory with the addition of the MAX5 memory expansion blade.
• Intel Turbo Boost Technology dynamically turns off unused processor cores and increases the clock speed of the cores in use, by up to three model frequencies. For example, with 7-10 cores active, a 2.4 GHz E7-2870 10-core processor can run the cores at up to 2.53 GHz. With 5-6 cores active, it can run those cores at 2.67 GHz; with only 1-4 cores active, it can run those cores at 2.8 GHz
• Each processor includes an integrated memory controller, to reduce memory bottlenecks and improve performance. Memory access is at up to 1066 MHz frequency, depending on the processor model and memory used.
• The MAX5 adds an additional memory controller to maximize memory parallelism and performance.
• In processors implementing Hyper-Threading technology, each core has two threads capable of running an independent process. Thus, a 10-core processor can run 20 threads concurrently.
• Intel’s Virtualization Technology (VT) integrates hardware-level virtualization hooks that allow operating system vendors to better utilize the hardware for virtualization workloads.
• Intel QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) technology for processor-to-processor connectivity and Intel Scalable Memory Interconnect (SMI) processor-to-memory connectivity:
  • Intel QPI link topology at up to 6.4 Gbps with four QPI links per CPU
  • Intel SMI link topology at up to 6.4 Gbps with four SMI links per CPU
• The server has 16 DIMM sockets, plus an additional 24 DIMMs with an optional MAX5 memory expansion blade, for a total of 40 DIMM sockets.
• The use of solid-state drives (SSDs) instead of, or along with, traditional spinning drives (HDDs) can significantly improve I/O performance. An SSD can support up to 100 times more I/O operations per second (IOPS) than a typical HDD.
• Two optional 1.8-inch SSD bays for local booting and data storage.
• The HX5 scales to 12 I/O ports on a single-wide blade with integrated Gigabit Ethernet and optional Virtual Fabric expansion cards, offering the choice of Ethernet, Fibre Channel, SAS, iSCSI, and FCoE connectivity.

Availability and serviceability

The BladeCenter HX5 provides many features to simplify serviceability and increase system uptime:

• Support for machine check architecture (MCA) recovery, a feature of the Intel Xeon processor E7 family, which enables the handling of system errors that otherwise require the operating system to be halted. SAP HANA is one of the first application which leverages the MCA recovery to handle system errors in order to prevent the application from being terminated in case of a system error.
• Extensive memory protection with IBM Chipkill, and, with DIMMs containing x4 DRAM modules, Redundant Bit Steering (RBS) (also known as Double Device Data Correction or DDDC) is also supported. The combination of IBM Chipkill and RBS provides very robust memory protection that sustains to two sequential memory DRAM chip failures without affecting overall system performance.
• Redundant CPU-to-I/O hub interconnect links provide ability to self-recover from CPU failure. If primary CPU fails then eX5 systems can use the second CPU to boot the OS as they still have access to the integrated I/O devices because of redundant links between CPUs and I/O hubs.
• Dual independent power and signal connectors to the BladeCenter chassis midplane provide fault tolerance to increase uptime.
• Tool-less cover removal provides easy access to upgrades and serviceable parts, such as CPU, memory, and adapter cards.
• The server offers hot-swap drives supporting integrated RAID 1 redundancy for data protection and greater system uptime.
• The power source independent light path diagnostics panel and individual light path LEDs quickly lead the technician to failed (or failing) components. This simplifies servicing, speeds up problem resolution, and helps improve system availability.
• The Predictive Failure Analysis (PFA) detects when system components (processors, memory, and hard disk drives) operate outside of standard thresholds and generates pro-active alerts in advance of possible failure, therefore increasing uptime.
• Solid-state drives (SSDs) offer significantly better reliability than traditional mechanical HDDs for greater uptime.
• Built-in Integrated Management Module (IMM) continuously monitors system parameters, triggers alerts, and performs recovering actions in case of failures to minimize downtime.
• Built-in diagnostics using Dynamic Systems Analysis (DSA) Preboot speeds up troubleshooting tasks to reduce service time.
• Three-year customer replaceable unit and onsite limited warranty, next business day 9x5. Optional service upgrades are available.

Manageability and security

Powerful systems management features simplify local and remote management of the BladeCenter HX5:

• The HX5 includes an Integrated Management Module (IMM) to monitor server availability and perform remote management.
• Integrated industry-standard Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) enables improved setup, configuration, and updates, and simplifies error handling.
• Integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 support enables advanced cryptographic functionality, such as digital signatures and remote attestation.
• IBM Systems Director is included for proactive systems management. It offers comprehensive systems management tools that help to increase up-time, reduce costs, and improve productivity through advanced server management capabilities.
• IBM Fabric Manager simplifies deployment of infrastructure connections by managing network and storage address assignments.
• IBM FastSetup simplifies, automates, and speeds up the deployment process from server power-up to production, making BladeCenter easier to manage, deploy, and maintain.

Energy efficiency

The BladeCenter HX5 offers the following energy-efficiency features to save energy, reduce operational costs, increase energy availability, and contribute to the green environment:

• Component-sharing design of the BladeCenter chassis provides ultimate power and cooling savings.
• The Intel Xeon processor E7 product family offers significantly better performance over the previous generation while fitting into the same thermal design power (TDP) limits.
• Intel Intelligent Power Capability powers individual processor elements on and off as needed, to reduce power draw.
• Low-voltage Intel Xeon processors draw less energy to satisfy demands of power and thermally constrained data centers and telecommunication environments.
• Low-voltage 1.35 V DDR3 memory RDIMMs consume 15% less energy than 1.5 V DDR3 RDIMMs.
• Solid state drives (SSDs) consume as much as 80% less power than traditional spinning 2.5-inch HDDs.
• The HX5 uses hexagonal ventilation holes, a part of IBM Calibrated Vectored Cooling™ technology. Hexagonal holes can be grouped more densely than round holes, providing more efficient airflow through the system.
• IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager™ provides advanced power management features with actual real-time energy monitoring, reporting, and capping features.

Figure 2 shows the inside of the server and indicates key components.


Figure 2. IBM BladeCenter HX5 (two nodes shown)

Figure 3 shows the internals of the MAX5 memory expansion blade. The MAX5 memory expansion blade is a device with the same dimensions as the HX5. When attached it adds an additional 24 DIMM sockets to the blade server.


Figure 3. MAX5 memory expansion blade
 

The following table lists the standard specifications.

Table 1. Standard specifications

The IBM BladeCenter HX5 is shipped with the following items:

• Documentation CD
• Statement of Limited Warranty
• Important Notices

The HX5 is offered as machine type 7873 with Intel Xeon E7 processors.

The following table is divided into four groups:

• Models with optional MAX5. These models can optionally attach to the MAX5 memory expansion unit. If the MAX5 is attached you cannot also attach the two-node scalability kit to form a two-node configuration. The reverse is also true - forming a two-node configuration precludes the use of the MAX5. Models with E7-2800 series processors do not support forming a two-node configuration.
• Models with standard MAX5. These models do not support the two-node scalability kit to form a two-node system since adding a MAX5 and adding a second node are mutually exclusive.
• Workload optimized models for database, with standard IBM BladeCenter PCIe Gen 2 Expansion Blade. Two IBM 320 GB High IOPS SD Class SSD PCIe Adapters (PCIe form factor) installed in the PCIe Gen 2 Expansion Blade. The models can also either have a MAX5 attached or can be joined to another HX5 to form a two node (but not both). See the I/O expansion options section in this document for details about the PCIe Gen 2 Expansion Blade.
• Workload optimized models for IBM BladeCenter Foundation for Cloud (optional or standard MAX5). The models are designed to be part of an IBM BladeCenter Foundation for Cloud configuration. IBM BladeCenter Foundation for Cloud provides a comprehensive, converged solution that brings together the hardware, software and services needed to quickly establish a robust virtualized environment. With the addition of select software, IBM BladeCenter Foundation for Cloud can easily be extended to a private cloud environment. For details about IBM BladeCenter Foundation for Cloud, go to:
  http://ibm.com/systems/bladecenter/solutions/infrastructure/virtualization/integratedcloudplatform/.
• Workload optimized models for zEnterprise BladeCenter Extension (zBX). These models can be installed in the IBM zEnterprise BladeCenter Extension (zBX) or within a traditional IBM BladeCenter chassis. These HX5 models are configured with Fibre Channel and Ethernet Networking options, making them easy to order, configure, and deploy.
• Models for two-node configurations. These models are designed to be used in a two-node configuration. For these models, order one model with the two-node scalability kit and order one model with the same processor without the scalability kit. For example, order model 7873-BAx and 7873-BHx together. These models do not support the use of a MAX5.

Table 2. Standard models - Machine type 7873 (Intel Xeon E7 processors)

* The HX5 supports either a MAX5 or the ability to expand to two nodes via the two-node scalability kit, however both of these are not supported at the same time. Some models have the MAX5 V2 standard (88Y6128) and some models have the two-node scalability kit standard (46M6975).
# Model B3U is available in the US only.
† Models 7873-A4x, A5x, A6x and A7x include two IBM 50GB SATA 1.8" MLC solid-state drives (SSDs) plus the SSD Expansion Card for IBM BladeCenter HX5. Models 7873-AAx, ABx, ACx and ADx include two IBM 100GB SATA 1.8" MLC Enterprise SSDs plus the SSD Expansion Card for IBM BladeCenter HX5.
§ All models contain an onboard 2-port Gigabit Ethernet controller. Some models also include an additional 10Gb Expansion Card installed in the CFFh expansion slot, as follows:

• (B) Broadcom 10Gb Gen2 2-port Ethernet Exp Card (CFFh)
• (B2) Broadcom 2-port 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter for IBM BladeCenter
• (E1) Emulex 10GbE Virtual Fabric Adapter Advanced
• (E2) Emulex 10GbE Virtual Fabric Adapter Advanced II
• (Q) QLogic 2-pt 10Gb Converged Network Adapter(CFFh)
• All zBX models (7873-A4x, A5x, A6x, A7x, AAx, ABx, ACx, and ADx) also include a QLogic 8Gb Fibre Channel Expansion Card (CIOv)

** Model 7873-G2x and G3x include the 30 mm IBM BladeCenter PCIe Gen 2 Expansion Blade. The combined server is 60 mm wide (double-wide) and occupies two blade bays in the chassis.
 

The following table lists the region-specific Express models. Express models are preconfigured with additional components such as processors and memory to make the ordering and installation process simpler.

• Models with optional MAX5. These models can optionally attach to the MAX5 memory expansion unit. If the MAX5 is attached you cannot also attach the two-node scalability kit to form a two-node configuration. The reverse is also true - forming a two-node configuration precludes the use of the MAX5.
• Models with standard MAX5. These models do not support the two-node scalability kit to form a two-node system since adding a MAX5 and adding a second node are mutually exclusive.

Table 3. Express models - Machine type 7873 (Intel Xeon E7 processors)

* The HX5 supports either a MAX5 or the ability to expand to two nodes via the two-node scalability kit, however both of these are not supported at the same time. Some models have the MAX5 standard (88Y6128) and some models have the two-node scalability kit standard (46M6975).
‡ With Xeon E7 processors, the memory speed in the HX5 and the MAX5 are the same.
§ All models contain an onboard 2-port Gigabit Ethernet controller. Some models also include an additional 10Gb Expansion Card installed in the CFFh expansion slot, as follows:

• (E1) Emulex 10GbE Virtual Fabric Adapter Advanced
• (E2) Emulex 10GbE Virtual Fabric Adapter Advanced II

The HX5 supports the following scalable configurations:

• A single HX5 server with two processor sockets. This configuration is sometimes referred to as a single-node server. In this configuration, install the IBM HX5 1-Node Speed Burst Card, 59Y5889, for maximum performance.
• A single HX5 server with a single MAX5 memory expansion blade attached. This configuration is sometimes referred to as a memory-expanded server. The server and MAX5 are connected together using the IBM HX5 MAX5 1-node Scalability Kit, 59Y5877.
• Two HX5 servers connected together to form a single image four-socket server. This configuration is sometimes referred to as a two-node server. The two servers are connected together using the IBM HX5 2-Node Scalability Kit, 46M6975.

Options for scaling the HX5 MAX5 model are shown in the following table.

Table 4. Options needed for MAX5 scaling

The following table lists the two-node scalability options. These options are mutually exclusive. You cannot have a two-node configuration with MAX5 also attached.

Table 5. Options needed for two-node scaling

The HX5 is supported in BladeCenter chassis S, H, and HT, as listed in the following table.

Table 6. Chassis support

* HX5 configurations with 130 W processors require that the BladeCenter H has Enhanced Cooling Modules installed (Table 7).
† Non-NEBS.

The number of HX5 servers supported in each chassis depends on the thermal design power of the processors used in the HX5 servers (Table 7), which uses the following conventions:

• A green square in a cell means that the chassis can be filled with HX5 blade servers up to the maximum number of blade bays in the chassis (for example, 14 blades in the BladeCenter H).
• A yellow square in a cell means that the maximum number of HX5 blades that the chassis can hold is fewer than the total available blade bays (for example, 12 in a BladeCenter H). All other bays must remain empty. Empty bays must be distributed evenly between the two power domains of the chassis (for BladeCenter H, bays 1 - 6 and bays 7 - 14).

Table 7. Chassis support (detailed)

* IBM BladeCenter H 2980W AC Power Modules, 68Y6601 (standard in 4Tx, optional with all other BC-H chassis models)
† IBM BladeCenter H Enhanced Cooling Modules, 68Y6650 (standard in 4Tx, optional with all other BC-H chassis models)
‡ Not supported
 

The HX5 supports the processor options listed in the following tables. The server supports one or two processors. It is supported to have one processor in a single-node + MAX5 configuration. It is also supported to have one processor in each node of a two-node system. You will, however, get better memory performance if both processor sockets are populated in each HX5.

Note that not all processors can scale to two nodes. These are indicated in the tables. In addition, the E7-2820 and the E7-2803 also do not support the attachment of the MAX5. This is a technical restriction of these specific processors.

Table 8. Processor options for machine type 7873 (Intel Xeon E7 series processors)

* The E7-2820 and the E7-2803 also do not support the attachment of the MAX5
 

IBM DDR3 memory is compatibility tested and tuned for optimal System x performance and throughput. IBM memory specifications are integrated into the light path diagnostics for immediate system performance feedback and optimum system uptime. From a service and support standpoint, IBM memory automatically assumes the IBM system warranty, and IBM provides service and support worldwide.

The BladeCenter HX5 and the MAX5 memory expansion blade support DDR3 memory. The server has 16 DIMM sockets and the MAX5 has 24 DIMM sockets. When only one processor is installed, only eight of the 16 DIMM sockets in the server are active (all sockets in the MAX5 are active, however).

The following tables lists memory options available for the HX5 server and for the MAX5 memory expansion unit. Memory must be installed in pairs of two identical DIMMs per processors installed. Although the DIMM pairs installed can be of different sizes, the pairs must be of the same speed.

Table 9. Memory options for machine type 7873 (Intel Xeon E7 series processors)

* 16 DIMMs can be installed in the HX5 server. With a MAX5 attached the total number of installable DIMMs is 40.
** These DIMMs are not supported in the HX5 or MAX5 V2, but are supported in the MAX5 V1, 46M6973

The following memory protection technologies are supported:

• ECC
• ChipKill
• Memory Mirroring
• Memory Sparing
• Redundant Bit Steering (MAX5 or servers with E7 processors only, x4 DIMMs only)

The storage system on the HX5 blade is based on the use of the optional SSD Expansion Card for IBM BladeCenter HX5, which contains an LSI 1064E SAS Controller and two 1.8-inch micro SATA drive connectors. The SSD Expansion Card allows the attachment of two 1.8-inch solid state drives (SSDs). If two SSDs are installed, the HX5 supports RAID-0 or RAID-1 capability. The SSD Expansion Card is installed in a dedicated slot (Figure 2) and does not block either the CFFh or the CIOv slot.

Installation of the SSDs in the HX5 requires the SSD Expansion Card for IBM BladeCenter HX5, as listed in the following table. Only one SSD Expansion Card is needed for either one or two SSDs.

Table 10. SSD Expansion Card

The following tables list the hard drive options available for internal storage.

Table 11. Disk drive options for internal disk storage for machine type 7873 (Intel Xeon E7 series processors)

The server does not support an internal tape drive option.
 

The server does not support an optical drive option. However, it does interface to the optical drive installed in the BladeCenter chassis media tray if one is installed there.
 

The HX5 server offers the following PCI Express 2.0 slots. Neither are hot-swap.

• CIOv expansion slot
• CFFh expansion slot

The CIOv I/O expansion connector provides I/O connections through the midplane of the chassis to modules located in bays 3 and 4 of a supported BladeCenter chassis. It is a PCIe 2.0 x8 slot.

The CFFh I/O expansion connector provides I/O connections to high-speed switch modules that are located in bays 7, 8, 9, and 10 of a BladeCenter H or BladeCenter HT chassis, or to switch bay 2 in a BladeCenter S chassis. The CFFh slot is a PCIe x16 slot.

The MAX5 does not include any I/O expansion slots.

Some models include the IBM BladeCenter PCIe Gen 2 Expansion Blade as standard. This expansion blade is optional on others. The expansion blade provides the capability to attach selected PCI Express cards to the HX5. This capability is ideal for many applications that require special telecommunications network interfaces or hardware acceleration using a PCI Express card.

The expansion blade provides one full-height and full-length PCI Express slot and one full-height and half-length PCI Express slot with a maximum power usage of 75 watts for each slot. It integrates PCI Express card support capability into the BladeCenter architecture. Up to three expansion blades can be attached to a single-node HX5. Up to two expansion blades can be attached to a two-node HX5. The following table lists the expansion blades.

Table 12. Expansion blades

* Withdrawn from marketing

For details, see the IBM Redbooks Product Guide IBM BladeCenter PCI Express Gen 2 Expansion Blade and PCI Express Gen 2 Expansion Blade II, available at: http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0783.html?Open
 

The HX5 offers two integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports, based on the Broadcom BCM5709S controller:

• Failover, adapter fault tolerance
• PXE 2.0 Boot Agent
• Wake on LAN
• Load balancing or teaming

Some models also have an Emulex Virtual Fabric 10Gb Expansion Card installed as standard in the CFFh slot. See Table 2 for specific details. For technical details about this card, see the IBM Redbooks® at-a-glance guide Emulex 10GbE Virtual Fabric Adapter and Virtual Fabric Adapter Advanced for IBM BladeCenter, TIPS0748, available athttp://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0748.html?Open

The following table lists additional supported network adapters.

Table 13. Network adapters

Part number	Feature code	Description	Maximum supported
10 Gb Ethernet
46M6168	0099	Broadcom 10Gb Gen2 2-port Ethernet Exp Cd (CFFh) for IBM BladeCenter	1
46M6164	0098	Broadcom 10Gb Gen2 4-port Ethernet Exp Cd (CFFh) for IBM BladeCenter	1
81Y3133	A1QR	Broadcom 2-port 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter for IBM BladeCenter	1
81Y1650	5437	Brocade 2 port 10GbE Converged Network Adapter for IBM BladeCenter	1
90Y3566	A1XH	Emulex 10GbE Virtual Fabric Adapter Advanced II - IBM BladeCenter	1
90Y3550	A1XG	Emulex 10GbE Virtual Fabric Adapter II - IBM BladeCenter	1
42C1810	3593	Intel 10Gb 2-port Ethernet Expansion Card (CFFh) for IBM BladeCenter	1
00Y3280*	A3JB	QLogic 2-port 10Gb CNA (CFFh) for IBM BladeCenter	1
00Y3332	A4AC	QLogic 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter	1
00Y5618	A4AD	QLogic 10Gb Virtual Fabric CNA	1
1 Gb Ethernet
44W4475	5477	Ethernet Expansion Card (CIOv) for IBM BladeCenter	1
44W4479	5476	2/4 Port Ethernet Expansion Card (CFFh)	1
Combination Ethernet and Fibre Channel
00Y3270**	A3JC	QLogic Enet and 8Gb FC Exp Card (CFFh)	1
InfiniBand
46M6001	0056	2-port 40Gb InfiniBand Expansion Card (CFFh)	1

* Replaces 42C1830.
** Replaces 44X1940.

The following table lists storage HBAs supported by the HX5 server.

Table 14. Storage adapters

Part number	Feature code	Description	Maximum supported
Combination Ethernet and Fibre Channel
00Y3270*	A3JC	QLogic Enet and 8Gb FC Exp Card (CFFh)	1
Fibre Channel
46M6140	3598	Emulex 8Gb Fibre Channel Expansion Card (CIOv) for IBM BladeCenter	1
46M6065	3594	QLogic 4Gb Fibre Channel Expansion Card (CIOv) for IBM BladeCenter	1
44X1945	1462	QLogic 8Gb Fibre Channel Expansion Card (CIOv) for IBM BladeCenter	1
SAS
43W4068	1593	SAS Connectivity Card (CIOv)**	1

* Replaces 44X1940.
** The SSD Expansion Card (46M6908) is required to support the SAS Connectivity Card (CIOv).
 

The server supports the High IOPS SSD adapters listed in the following table. The adapters must be installed in on of the supported expansion blades listed in Table 12.

Table 15. PCIe SSD High IOPS adapters

For information about this adapter, see the IBM High IOPS SSD PCIe Adapters at-a-glance guide, TIPS0729: http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0729.html?Open
 

Server power is derived from the power supplies installed in the BladeCenter chassis. There are no server options regarding power supplies.
 

The server supports VMware ESXi installed on a USB memory key. The key is installed in a USB socket inside the server. The following table lists the virtualization options.

Table 16. Virtualization options

The server contains an IBM Integrated Management Module (IMM), which interfaces with the advanced management module in the BladeCenter chassis. The combination of these two provides advanced service-processor control, monitoring, and an alerting function. If an environmental condition exceeds a threshold or if a system component fails, LEDs on the system board are lit to help you diagnose the problem, records the error in the event log, and alerts you to the problem. A virtual presence capability is also available for remote server management capabilities.

Remote server management is provided through industry-standard interfaces:

• Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) Version 2.0
• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Version 3
• Common Information Model (CIM)
• Web browser

The server also supports virtual media and remote control features that provide the following functions:

• Remotely viewing video with graphics resolutions up to 1600x1200 at 75 Hz, regardless of the system state
• Remotely accessing the server using the keyboard and mouse from a remote client
• Mapping the CD or DVD drive, diskette drive, and USB flash drive on a remote client, and mapping ISO and diskette image files as virtual drives that are available for use by the server
• Uploading a diskette image to the IMM memory and mapping it to the server as a virtual drive
• Capture blue-screen errors

The server supports the following operating systems:

• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 HPC Edition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Datacenter x64 Edition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Enterprise x64 Edition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Standard x64 Edition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Web x64 Edition
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
• Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition
• Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard Edition
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Server with Xen x64 Edition
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Server x64 Edition
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 Server x64 Edition
• Red Hat Enterprise MRG 2.0 Realtime (x64)
• Solaris 10 Operating System
• SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 10 for AMD64/EM64T
• SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 11 for AMD64/EM64T
• SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 11 with Xen for AMD64/EM64T
• VMware ESX 4.1
• VMware ESXi 4.1
• VMware vSphere 5.0 (ESXi)
• VMware vSphere 5.1 (ESXi)
• VMware vSphere 5.5 (ESXi)

See the IBM ServerProven® website for the latest information about the specific versions and service levels supported and any other prerequisites:
http://www.ibm.com/systems/info/x86servers/serverproven/compat/us/nos/matrix.shtml
 

Dimensions:

• Height: 245 mm (9.7 in)
• Depth: 446 mm (17.6 in)
• Width: 58 mm (2.28 in)

Maximum weight: 9.5 kg (21 lb) (depending on the configuration when options are added)
 

The BladeCenter HX5 has a 3-year onsite warranty with 9x5/next-business-day terms. IBM offers the warranty service upgrades through IBM ServicePacs®, discussed in this section. The IBM ServicePac is a series of prepackaged warranty maintenance upgrades and post-warranty maintenance agreements with a well-defined scope of services, including service hours, response time, term of service, and service agreement terms and conditions.

IBM ServicePac offerings are country-specific. That is, each country might have its own service types, service levels, response times, and terms and conditions. Not all covered types of ServicePacs might be available in a particular country. For more information about IBM ServicePac offerings available in your country, see the IBM ServicePac Product Selector at https://www-304.ibm.com/sales/gss/download/spst/servicepac.

The following table explains warranty service definitions in more detail.

Table 17. Warranty service definitions

In general, the types of IBM ServicePacs are:

• Warranty and maintenance service upgrades
  • One, 2, 3, 4, or 5 years of 9x5 or 24x7 service coverage
  • Onsite repair from next business day to 4 or 2 hours
  • One or two years of warranty extension
• Remote technical support services
  • One or three years with 24x7 coverage (severity 1) or 9x5/next business day for all severities
  • Installation and startup support for System x® servers
  • Remote technical support for System x servers
  • Software support - Support Line
    • Microsoft or Linux software
    • VMware
    • IBM Systems Director

The server conforms to the following regulations:

• Australia and New Zealand C-Tick Mark, Class A
• CE Mark (EN55022:1998 Class A, EN60950, EN55024:1998, EN61000-3-2 and EN61000-3-3)
• CISPR 22, Class A
• CSA C22.2 No.60950 Safety of Information Technology Equipment 60950
• Canada ICES-003, issue 3, Class A
• China GB 9254-1998, GB17625.1-1998, GB17625.2-1999
• FCC - Verified to comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules, Class A
• IEC-60950 (CB Certificate and CB Test Report)
• Japan VCCI, Class A
• Korea MIC
• NOM-019 Seguridad de Equipto de Procesamiento de Datos within 30 days of planned availability
• TUV-GS (EN60950/ISO 9241-3/ISO 9241-8)
• Taiwan BSMI CNS13438, Class A
• UL 60950 Safety of Information Technology Equipment

The server does not support external storage expansion.
 

The following table lists the external storage systems that are supported by the server and can be ordered through System x sales channel. The server may support other IBM disk systems that are not listed in this table. Refer to IBM System Storage Interoperability Center for further information, http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/storage/ssic.

Table 18. External disk storage systems

For more information, see the list of IBM Redbooks Product Guides in the Storage Systems category:
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/portals/systemx?Open&page=pg&cat=externalstorage
 

The server supports the external backup attachment options listed in the following table.

Table 19. External backup options

* Note: The external tape drives listed can be ordered through System x sales channel. Server may support other IBM tape drives that are not listed in this table. Refer to IBM System Storage Interoperability Center for further information.
† Note: These part numbers are the tape drives options for 35732UL and 35734UL.

For more information, see the list of IBM Redbooks Product Guides in the Backup units category:
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/portals/systemx?Open&page=pg&cat=tape
 

IBM Global Financing can help you obtain the IT solution you need while preserving funding for other strategic investments and optimizing cash flow. Our Fair Market Value (FMV) lease helps ensure that you have the latest IBM technology and with our mid-lease upgrade capability, you can increase the capacity of the system with little to no change in monthly payments. At the end of the lease, take advantage of our flexible end-of-lease options to fit your changing business needs. IBM Global Financing has the breadth and depth of offerings, longevity, proven success and global reach to help you develop a robust financing and asset management strategy that provides you the opportunity to leverage new technologies and turn your ambitious vision into a tangible solution.

Here are some other reasons why working with us makes solid financial sense:

• Expand your purchasing power—Affordable monthly payments allow you to change the technology acquisition discussion from “what can I afford right now” to “what solution is really right for my business.” IBM Global Financing allows you to expand your purchase power to get you the right solution.
• Accelerate your project’s cash flow break-even point—Acquire your IBM technology today and begin to realize its benefits now. An FMV lease can help you get the solution you need now, with low monthly payments that better align upfront costs with the anticipated return on investment from the technology.
• Easy to acquire with affordable rates—We offer one-stop shopping for a total IT solution, so you can acquire IBM hardware, software, services and the financing you need—from one IT provider.

Plus, we provide simple, easy-to-understand contracts and quick approvals. As the world’s largest IT financing provider, with an asset base of US$35.8 billion and over 125,000 customers, IBM Global Financing offers highly competitive rates that promote low total cost of ownership and low monthly payments.

IBM Global Financing operates in more than 50 countries. Go to http://ibm.com/financing for financing options in your country and to contact a local financing specialist.

IBM Global Financing offerings are provided through IBM Credit LLC in the United States and other IBM subsidiaries and divisions worldwide to qualified commercial and government clients. Rates and availability subject to client’s credit rating, financing terms, offering type, equipment and product type and options, and may vary by country. Non-hardware items must be one-time, non-recurring charges and are financed by means of loans. Other restrictions may apply. Rates and offerings are subject to change, extension or withdrawal without notice and may not be available in all countries. Please contact your local IBM Global Financing representative for additional detail.
 

For more information see the following resources:

• IBM BladeCenter HX5 product page
  http://ibm.com/systems/bladecenter/hardware/servers/hx5
• IBM BladeCenter Information Center
  http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/bladectr/documentation
• Installation and User's Guide - IBM BladeCenter HX5
  http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-5084612
• Problem Determination and Service Guide - IBM BladeCenter HX5
  http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-5084529
• ServerProven hardware compatibility page for the HX5
  http://ibm.com/systems/info/x86servers/serverproven/compat/us/blade/7873.html
• ServerProven compatibility page for operating system support
  http://ibm.com/systems/info/x86servers/serverproven/compat/us/nos/ematrix.shtml
• BladeCenter Interoperability Guide
  http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-5073016
• At-a-glance guides for IBM BladeCenter servers and options
  http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/portals/bladecenter?Open&page=ataglance
• Configuration and Option Guide
  http://www.ibm.com/systems/xbc/cog/
• xRef - IBM System x Reference Sheets
  http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/xref
• IBM System x Support Portal
  http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/
  http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/Downloads/Hardware/Systems/BladeCenter/BladeCenter_HX5