Flex System x220 Compute Node

The Flex System™ x220 Compute Node is the next generation cost-optimized compute node designed for less demanding workloads and low-density virtualization. The x220 is efficient and equipped with flexible configuration options and advanced management to run a broad range of workloads.

Suggested use: For clients looking to deploy an entry virtualization solution as part of a larger data center infrastructure.

The following figure shows the Flex System x220 Compute Node.

Figure 1. The Flex System x220 Compute Node

Lenovo Flex System is a new category of computing that integrates multiple server architectures, networking, storage, and system management capability into a single system that is easy to deploy and manage. Flex System has full and built-in virtualization support of servers, storage, and networking to speed provisioning and increased resiliency. In addition, it supports open industry standards, such as operating systems, networking and storage fabrics, virtualization, and system management protocols, to easily fit within existing and future data center environments. Flex System is scalable and extendable with multigenerational upgrades to protect and maximize IT investments.

The Flex System x220 Compute Node is a high-availability, scalable compute node optimized to support the next-generation microprocessor technology. With a balance between cost and system features, the x220 is an ideal platform for general business workloads. This section describes the key features of the server.

Scalability and performance

The x220 offers numerous features to boost performance, improve scalability, and reduce costs:

• The Intel Xeon processor E5-2400 product family improves productivity by offering affordable dual-socket system performance with eight-core processors with up to 2.3 GHz core speeds, up to 20 MB of L3 cache, and one QPI interconnect link of up to 8 GTps.
• Up to two processors, 16 cores total, and 32 threads maximize the concurrent execution of multithreaded applications.
• Intelligent and adaptive system performance with Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 allows processor cores to run at maximum speeds during peak workloads by temporarily going beyond processor Thermal Design Power (TDP).
• Intel Hyper-Threading Technology boosts performance for multithreaded applications by enabling simultaneous multithreading within each processor core, up to two threads per core.
• Intel Virtualization Technology integrates hardware-level virtualization hooks that allow operating system vendors to better use the hardware for virtualization workloads.
• Intel Advanced Vector Extensions (AVT) improve floating point performance for compute-intensive technical and scientific applications compared to Intel Xeon 5600 series processors.
• There are 12 DIMM sockets supporting low profile (LP) RDIMMs, UDIMMs and LRDIMMs, with a total capacity of up 384 GB using 32 GB LRDIMMs
• Supports memory speeds of up to 1600 MHz to maximize memory performance.
• Support for 1.8-inch solid-state drives to maximize I/O operations per second (IOPS) and significantly improve application performance.
• Supports the Storage Expansion Node providing an additional 12 hot-swap 2.5-inch drive bays for local storage.
• The theoretical maximum memory bandwidth of the Intel Xeon processor E5-2400 product family is 38.4 GBps, which is 20% more than in the previous generation of Intel Xeon 5600 processors.
• The server offers PCI Express 3.0 I/O expansion capabilities that improve the theoretical maximum bandwidth by 60% (8 GTps per link) compared to the previous generation of PCI Express 2.0.
• With Intel Integrated I/O Technology, the PCI Express 3.0 controller is integrated into the Intel Xeon processor E5 family. This integration reduces I/O latency and increases overall system performance.
• Support for high-bandwidth I/O adapters, up to two in each x220 Compute Node. Support for 10 Gb Ethernet, 16 Gb Fibre Channel, and FDR InfiniBand expansion cards.
• Supports the PCIe Expansion Node for support for up to six additional I/O adapters.

Availability and serviceability

The x220 provides many features to simplify serviceability and increase system uptime:

• Chipkill, memory mirroring, and memory rank sparing for redundancy in the event of a non-correctable memory failure.
• Tool-less cover removal provides easy access to upgrades and serviceable parts, such as processor, memory, and adapter cards.
• Hot-swap drives supporting integrated RAID 1 redundancy for data protection and greater system uptime.
• A light path diagnostics panel and individual light path LEDs lead the technician to failed (or failing) components. These features simplify servicing, speeds up problem resolution, and helps improve system availability.
• Predictive Failure Analysis (PFA) detects when system components (such as processors, memory, and hard disk drives) operate outside of standard thresholds and generates proactive alerts in advance of possible failure, therefore increasing uptime.
• Solid-state drives (SSDs), which offer significantly better reliability than traditional mechanical HDDs for greater uptime.
• A built-in Integrated Management Module II (IMM2) continuously monitors system parameters, triggers alerts, and performs recovery 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 on-site 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 x220:

• The server includes an Integrated Management Module II (IMM2) to monitor server availability and perform remote management.
• An integrated industry-standard Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) enables improved setup, configuration, and updates, and simplifies error handling.
• Integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) V 1.2 support enables advanced cryptographic functionality, such as digital signatures and remote attestation.
• Industry-standard AES NI support for faster, stronger encryption.
• Integrates with the IBM® Flex System™ Manager for proactive systems management. It offers comprehensive systems management for the entire Flex System platform, increasing uptime, reducing costs, and improving productivity through advanced server management capabilities.
• Fabric Manager simplifies the deployment of infrastructure connections by managing network and storage address assignments.
• Intel Execute Disable Bit functionality can help prevent certain classes of malicious buffer overflow attacks when combined with a supporting operating system.
• Intel Trusted Execution Technology provides enhanced security through hardware-based resistance to malicious software attacks, allowing an application to run in its own isolated space protected from all other software running on a system.

Energy efficiency

The x220 offers the following energy-efficiency features to save energy, reduce operational costs, increase energy availability, and contribute to a green environment:

• Component-sharing design of the Flex System chassis provides ultimate power and cooling savings.
• The Intel Xeon processor E5-2400 product family offers better performance over the previous generation while fitting into the same 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 server 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.

The following figure shows the front of the server.

Figure 2. Front view of the Flex System x220 Compute Node

The following figure shows the locations of key components inside the server.

Figure 3. Inside view of the Flex System x220 Compute Node

The following table lists the standard specifications.

The x220 servers are shipped with the following items:

• Statement of Limited Warranty
• Important Notices
• Documentation CD that contains the Installation and User's Guide

The following table lists the standard models.

Table 2. Standard models

** Processor details: Processor quantity and model, cores, core speed, L3 cache, memory speed, and power consumption.
* For model A2x and C2x, the standard DIMM is rated at 1333 MHz, but operates at up to 1066 MHz to match the processor memory speed. Conversely, for models J2x and L2x, the processor memory speed is rated at 1600 MHz, but operates up to 1333 MHz to match the rated speed of the installed DIMM. Actual memory speed maximums depend on several factors, as described in "Memory options".
† The 2.5-inch drive bays can be replaced and expanded with a new backplane and a ServeRAID M5115 RAID controller to support up to eight 1.8-inch solid-state drives (SSDs).
‡ These models include an Embedded 1 Gb Ethernet controller. Connections are routed to the chassis midplane using a Fabric Connector. The Fabric Connector precludes the use of an I/O adapter in I/O connector 1 (with the exception of the ServeRAID M5115 RAID controller).
§ Model DBx is optimized as a Network Attached Storage (NAS) offering and includes the Flex System Storage Expansion Node (68Y8588) as standard

Model 7906-DBx is a new Network Attached Storage (NAS) optimized model that includes the x220 compute node and the Flex System Storage Expansion Node connected together as a single unit at the factory. This single model number enables a simpler acquisition for both business partners and direct sales. The combination of the x220 compute node and the storage node is certified with Windows Storage Server 2012 meaning that this configuration is an excellent foundation for a low cost NAS solution. Windows Storage Server 2012 is available via the Reseller Option Kit (ROK) program using part number 00Y6302. Model DBx does not include drives giving you maximum flexibility when it comes to selecting drives, either SAS or SATA disk drives or high-performance solid-state drives.

The x220 is supported in the Flex System Enterprise Chassis. Up to 14 x220 Compute Nodes can be installed in the chassis (10U of rack space).

The x220 supports the processor options listed in the following table. The server supports one or two Intel Xeon E5-2400 processors, but the server supports only one Intel Pentium 1403 or 1407 processor or E5-1410 processor. The table also shows which server models have each processor standard. If no corresponding where used model for a particular processor is listed, then this processor is available only through configure-to-order (CTO) process.

Table 3. Processor options

* The Intel Pentium 1407 and Intel Xeon E5-1410 are available through CTO or special bid only.
** The first feature code is for processor 1 and second feature code is for processor 2

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

The x220 supports Low Profile (LP) DDR3 memory RDIMMs, UDIMMs and LRDIMMs. The server supports up to six DIMMs when one processor is installed and up to 12 DIMMs when two processors are installed. Each processor has three memory channels, and there are two DIMMs per channel.

The following rules apply when selecting the memory configuration:

• Mixing 1.5 V and 1.35 V DIMMs in the same server is supported, but all DIMMs operate at 1.5 V.
• The maximum number of ranks supported per channel is eight.
• The maximum quantity of DIMMs that can be installed in the server depends on the number of processors, as shown in the "Max. qty supported" row in the following table.
• All DIMMs in all processor memory channels operate at the same speed, which is determined as the lowest value of:
  • Memory speed supported by a specific processor.
  • Lowest maximum operating speed for the selected memory configuration that depends on rated speed, as shown under the "Max. operating speed" section in the following table. The shaded cells indicate that the speed indicated is the maximum that the DIMM allows.

The following table shows the maximum memory speeds that are achievable based on the installed DIMMs and the number of DIMMs per channel. The table also shows maximum memory capacity at any speed supported by the DIMM and maximum memory capacity at rated DIMM speed. In the table, cells highlighted with a grey background indicate when the specific combination of DIMM voltage and number of DIMMs per channel still allows the DIMMs to operate at rated speed.

Table 4. Maximum memory speeds (Part 1: UDIMMs and LRDIMMs)

* The maximum quantity supported is shown for two processors installed. When one processor is installed, the maximum quantity supported is half of that shown.

* The maximum quantity supported is shown for two processors installed. When one processor is installed, the maximum quantity supported is half of that shown.

The following memory protection technologies are supported:

• ECC
• Chipkill (for x4-based memory DIMMs; look for "x4" in the DIMM description)
• Memory mirroring
• Memory sparing

If memory mirroring is used, then DIMMs must be installed in pairs (minimum of one pair per processor), and both DIMMs in a pair must be identical in type and size.

If memory rank sparing is used, then a minimum of one quad-rank DIMM or two single-rank or dual-rank DIMMs must be installed per populated channel (the DIMMs do not need to be identical). In rank sparing mode, one rank of a DIMM in each populated channel is reserved as spare memory. The size of a rank varies depending on the DIMMs installed.

The following table lists the memory options available for the x220 server. DIMMs can be installed one at a time, but for performance reasons, install them in sets of three (one for each of the three memory channels).

The x220 server has two 2.5-inch hot-swap drive bays accessible from the front of the blade server (Figure 2). The server optionally supports 1.8-inch solid-state drives, as described later in this section.

The x220 supports three disk controllers:

• ServeRAID C105: An onboard SATA controller with software RAID capabilities
• ServeRAID H1135: An entry level hardware RAID controller
• ServeRAID M5115: An advanced RAID controller with cache, backup, and RAID options

These three controllers are mutually exclusive. The following table lists the ordering information.

Table 7. Internal storage controller ordering information

ServeRAID C105 controller

On standard models, the two 2.5-inch drive bays are connected to a ServeRAID C105 onboard SATA controller with software RAID capabilities. The C105 functionality is embedded in the Intel C600 chipset.

The C105 has the following features:

• Support for SATA drives (SAS is not supported)
• Support for RAID 0 and RAID 1 (non-RAID is not supported)
• 6 Gbps throughput per port
• Support for up to two volumes
• Support for virtual drive sizes greater than 2 TB
• Fixed stripe unit size of 64 KB
• Support for MegaRAID Storage Manager management software

Note: There is no native (in-box) driver for Windows and Linux; the drivers must be downloaded separately. There is no support for VMware, Hyper-V, Xen, or solid-state drives (SSD).

ServeRAID H1135

The x220 also supports an entry level hardware RAID solution with the addition of the ServeRAID H1135 Controller for Flex System and BladeCenter. The H1135 is installed in a dedicated slot at the front of the server (see Figure 3). When the H1135 adapter is installed, the C105 controller is disabled.

The H1135 has the following features:

• Based on the LSI SAS2004 6 Gbps SAS 4-port controller
• PCIe 2.0 x4 host interface
• CIOv form factor (supported in the x220 and BladeCenter HS23E)
• Support for SAS, SATA, and SSD drives
• Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, and non-RAID
• 6 Gbps throughput per port
• Support for up to two volumes
• Fixed stripe size of 64 KB
• Native driver support in Windows, Linux, and VMware
• S.M.A.R.T. support
• Support for MegaRAID Storage Manager management software

ServeRAID M5115

The ServeRAID M5115 SAS/SATA Controller (90Y4390) is an advanced RAID controller supporting RAID 0, 1, 10, 5, 50, and optional 6 and 60. It includes 1 GB of cache, which can be backed up to flash memory when attached to an optional supercapacitor. The M5115 attaches to the I/O adapter 1 connector and can be attached even if the Fabric Connector is installed (used to route the Embedded Gb Ethernet to chassis bays 1 and 2). The ServeRAID M5115 cannot be installed if an adapter is installed in I/O adapter slot 1. When the M5115 adapter is installed, the C105 controller is disabled.

The ServeRAID M5115 supports combinations of 2.5-inch drives and 1.8-inch solid-state drives:

• Up to two 2.5-inch drives only
• Up to two 2.5-inch drives, plus up to four 1.8-inch solid-state drives

We describe these configurations in the following section.

The ServeRAID M5115 controller has the following specifications:

• Eight internal 6 Gbps SAS/SATA ports.
• PCI Express 3.0 x8 host interface.
• 6 Gbps throughput per port.
• 800 MHz dual-core IBM PowerPC® processor with an LSI SAS2208 6 Gbps RAID on Chip (ROC) controller.
• Support for RAID levels 0, 1, 10, 5, 50 standard; support for RAID 6 and 60 with optional upgrade using 90Y4411.
• Onboard 1 GB data cache (DDR3 running at 1333 MHz) with optional flash backup (MegaRAID CacheVault technology) as part of the Enablement Kit 90Y4424.
• Support for SAS and SATA HDDs and SSDs.
• Support for intermixing SAS and SATA HDDs and SSDs. Mixing different types of drives in the same array (drive group) is not recommended.
• Support for self-encrypting drives (SEDs) with MegaRAID SafeStore.
• Optional support for SSD performance acceleration with MegaRAID FastPath and SSD caching with MegaRAID CacheCade Pro 2.0 (90Y4447).
• Support for up to 64 virtual drives, up to 128 drive groups, up to 16 virtual drives per one drive group, and up to 32 physical drives per one drive group.
• Support for logical unit number (LUN) sizes up to 64 TB.
• Configurable stripe size up to 1 MB.
• Compliant with Disk Data Format (DDF) configuration on disk (COD).
• S.M.A.R.T. support.
• MegaRAID Storage Manager management software.

ServeRAID M5115 configurations and options

The x220 with the addition of the M5115 controller supports 2.5-inch drives or 1.8-inch solid-state drives or combinations of the two.

At least one hardware kit is required with the ServeRAID M5115 controller, and there are three hardware kits that are supported that enable specific drive support:

• ServeRAID M5100 Series Enablement Kit for Flex System x220 (90Y4424) enables support for up to two 2.5-inch HDDs or SSDs in the hot-swap bays in the front of the server. It includes a CacheVault unit, which enables MegaRAID CacheVault flash cache protection. This enablement kit replaces the standard two-bay backplane (which is attached through the planar to an onboard controller) with a new backplane that attaches to an included flex cable to the M5115 controller. It also includes an air baffle, which also serves as an attachment for the CacheVault unit.

  MegaRAID CacheVault flash cache protection uses NAND flash memory powered by a supercapacitor to protect data stored in the controller cache. This module eliminates the need for a lithium-ion battery commonly used to protect DRAM cache memory on PCI RAID controllers. To avoid the possibility of data loss or corruption during a power or server failure, CacheVault technology transfers the contents of the DRAM cache to NAND flash using power from the supercapacitor. After the power is restored to the RAID controller, the saved data is transferred from the NAND flash back to the DRAM cache, which can then be flushed to disk.

• ServeRAID M5100 Series SSD Expansion Kit for Flex System x220 (90Y4426) enables support for up to four internal 1.8-inch SSDs. This kit includes two air baffles, left and right, which can attach two 1.8-inch SSD attachment locations and flex cables for attachment to up to four 1.8-inch SSDs.

The following table shows the kits required for each combination of drives. For example, if you plan to install eight 1.8-inch SSDs, then you need the M5115 controller, the Flash kit, and the SSD Expansion kit.

Table 8. ServeRAID M5115 hardware kits

The following figure shows how the ServeRAID M5115 and the Enablement Kit are installed in the server to support two 2.5-inch drives with MegaRAID CacheVault flash cache protection (row 1 of the preceding table).

Figure 4. The ServeRAID M5115 and the Enablement Kit installed

For the configuration of two 2.5-inch drives, plus up to four 1.8-inch SSDs, the drives are installed in the following locations:

• Two 2.5 drives in the front of the system in the two 2.5-inch drive bays
• Two 1.8-inch SSDs in a tray above the memory banks for processor 1
• Two 1.8-inch SSDs in a tray above the memory banks for processor 2

Optional add-ons to the ServeRAID M5115 controller are RAID 6 support, SSD performance accelerator, and SSD caching enabler. The feature upgrades are as listed in the following table. These are all Lenovo Feature on Demand (FoD) license upgrades.

Table 9. Supported upgrade features

These features are described as follows:

• RAID 6 Upgrade (90Y4410)

  Adds support for RAID 6 and RAID 60. This is an FoD license.

• Performance Upgrade (90Y4412)

  The Performance Upgrade for Flex System (implemented using the LSI MegaRAID FastPath software) provides high-performance I/O acceleration for SSD-based virtual drives by using an extremely low-latency I/O path to increase the maximum I/O per second (IOPS) capability of the controller. This feature boosts the performance of applications with a highly random data storage access pattern, such as transactional databases. Part number 90Y4412 is an FoD license.

• SSD Caching Enabler for traditional hard drives (90Y4447)

  The SSD Caching Enabler for Flex System (implemented using the LSI MegaRAID CacheCade Pro 2.0) is designed to accelerate the performance of hard disk drive (HDD) arrays with only an incremental investment in solid-state drive (SSD) technology. The feature enables the SSDs to be configured as a dedicated cache to help maximize the I/O performance for transaction-intensive applications, such as databases and web serving. The feature tracks data storage access patterns and identifies the most frequently accessed data. The hot data is then automatically stored on the SSDs that are assigned as a dedicated cache pool on the ServeRAID controller. Part number 90Y4447 is an FoD license. This feature requires that at least one SSD drive be installed.

  Note: Not all SSDs support SSD Caching Enabler (CacheCade) feature. See http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-5094754 for details.

The 1.8-inch solid-state drives supported with the ServeRAID M5115 are listed in the following table.

The 2.5-inch drive bays support SAS or SATA hard disk drives (HDDs) or SATA solid-state drives (SSDs). The following table lists the supported 2.5-inch drive options. The maximum quantity supported is two.

The x220 supports the attachment of the Flex System Storage Expansion Node. The Flex System Storage Expansion Node provides the ability to attach additional 12 hot-swap 2.5-inch HDDs or SSDs locally to the attached compute node. The Storage Expansion Node provides storage capacity for Network Attach Storage (NAS) workloads, providing flexible storage to match capacity, performance and reliability needs.

Model 7906-DBx includes the Storage Expansion Node as standard as listed in Table 2. All other models support the SEN as an option.

The following figure shows the Flex System Storage Expansion Node attached to a compute node.

Figure 5. Flex System Storage Expansion Node (right) attached to a compute node (left)

The ordering information for the Storage Expansion Node is shown in the following table.

Table 12. Ordering part number and feature code

The Storage Expansion Node has the following features:

• Connects directly to supported compute nodes via a PCIe 3.0 interface to the compute node's expansion connector (See Figure 3)
• Support for 12 hot-swap 2.5-inch drive, accessible via a sliding tray
• Support for 6 Gbps SAS and SATA drives, both HDDs and SSDs
• Based on an LSI SAS2208 6 Gbps RAID on Chip (ROC) controller
• Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and 50 as standard. JBOD also supported. Optional RAID 6 and 60 with an FoD upgrade.
• Optional 512 MB or 1 GB cache with cache-to-flash super capacitor offload

Note: The use of the Storage Expansion Node requires that the x220 Compute Node have both processors installed.

For more information, see the Product Guide on the Flex System Storage Expansion Node, http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0914.html?Open

The server does not support an internal tape drive. However, it can be attached to external tape drives using Fibre Channel connectivity.

The server does not support an internal optical drive option, however, you can connect an external USB optical drive. See http://support.lenovo.com/en/documents/pd011281 for information about available external optical drives from Lenovo. Alternatively, use the remote media feature of the IMMv2 and the Chassis Management Module. (Ask dw: Last line applies to Flex Sys only?)

Note: The USB port on the compute nodes supply up to 0.5 A at 5 V. For devices that require more power, an additional power source will be required.

Some models of the x220 include an Embedded 1 Gb Ethernet controller (also known as LAN on Motherboard or LOM) built into the system board. Table 2 lists what models of the x220 include the controller. Each x220 model that includes the controller also has the Compute Node Fabric Connector installed in I/O connector 1 (and physically screwed onto the system board) to provide connectivity to the Enterprise Chassis midplane. Figure 3 shows the location of the Fabric Connector.

The Fabric Connector enables port 1 on the controller to be routed to I/O module bay 1 and port 2 to be routed to I/O module bay 2. The Fabric Connector can be unscrewed and removed, if required, to allow the installation of an I/O adapter on I/O connector 1.

The Embedded 1 Gb Ethernet controller has the following features:

• Broadcom BCM5718 based
• Dual-port Gigabit Ethernet controller
• PCIe 2.0 x2 host bus interface
• Supports Wake on LAN
• Supports Serial over LAN
• Supports IPv6

Note: TCP/IP Offload Engine (TOE) is not supported.

The x220 has two I/O expansion connectors for attaching I/O adapter cards. There is a third expansion connector designed to connect an expansion node such as the PCIe Expansion Node. The I/O expansion connectors are a very high-density 216-pin PCIe connector. Installing I/O adapter cards allows the server to connect with switch modules in the Flex System Enterprise Chassis. Each slot has one PCI Express 3.0 x8 and one PCI Express x4 interface and both slots support the same form-factor adapters.

The following figure shows the location of the I/O expansion connectors.

Figure 6. Location of the I/O adapter slots in the Flex System x220 Compute Node

All I/O adapters are the same shape and can be used in any available slot.. A compatible switch or pass-through module must be installed in the corresponding I/O bays in the chassis, as indicated in the following table. Installing two switches means that all ports of the adapter are enabled, which improves performance and network availability.

Table 13. Adapter to I/O bay correspondence

The following figure shows the location of the switch bays in the Flex System Enterprise Chassis.

Figure 7. Location of the switch bays in the Flex System Enterprise Chassis

The following figure shows how two-port adapters are connected to switches installed in the chassis.

Figure 8. Logical layout of the interconnects between I/O adapters and I/O modules

The x220 supports the attachment of the Flex System PCIe Expansion Node. The Flex System PCIe Expansion Node provides the ability to attach additional PCI Express cards such as High IOPS SSD adatpers, fabric mezzanine cards, and next-generation graphics processing units (GPU) to supported Flex System compute nodes. This capability is ideal for many applications that require high performance I/O, special telecommunications network interfaces, or hardware acceleration using a PCI Express card. The PCIe Expansion Node supports up to four PCIe 2.0 adapters and two additional Flex System expansion adapters.

The PCIe Expansion Node is attached to the x220 as shown in the following figure.

Figure 9. PCIe Expansion Node

The ordering information for the PCIe Expansion Node is shown in the following table.

Table 14. Ordering part number and feature code

The PCIe Expansion Node has the following features:

• Support for up to four standard PCIe 2.0 adapters:
  • Two PCIe 2.0 x16 slots that support full-length, full-height adapters
  • Two PCIe 2.0 x8 slots that support half-length, low-profile adapters
• Support for PCIe 3.0 adapters by operating them in PCIe 2.0 mode
• Support for one full-length, full-height double-wide adapter (consuming the space of the two full-length, full-height adapter slots)
• Support for PCIe cards with higher power requirements -- a single adapter card (up to 225W), or to two adapters (up to 150W each)
• Two Flex System I/O expansion connectors for to further expand the I/O capability of the attached compute node.

Note: The use of the PCIe Expansion Node requires that the x220 Compute Node have both processors installed.

For more information, see the Product Guide on the Flex System PCIe Expansion Node, http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0906.html?Open

As described in "Embedded 1 Gb Ethernet Adapter," certain models have a Embedded 1 Gb Ethernet controller on the system board, and its ports are routed to the midplane and switches installed in the chassis through a Compute Note Fabric Connector that takes the place of an adapter in I/O slot 1.

Models without the Embedded 1 Gb Ethernet controller do not include any other Ethernet connections to the Enterprise Chassis midplane as standard. Therefore, for those models, an I/O adapter must be installed in either I/O connector 1 or I/O connector 2 to provide network connectivity between the server and the chassis midplane and ultimately to the network switches.

The following table lists the supported network adapters and upgrades. Adapters can be installed in either slot. However, compatible switches must be installed in the corresponding bays of the chassis. All adapters can also be installed in the PCIe Expansion Node.

Table 15. Network adapters

* For models with the Embedded 1 Gb Ethernet controller standard, the Compute Node Fabric Connector occupies the same space as an I/O adapter in I/O slot 1, so you have to remove the Fabric Connector if you plan to install an adapter in I/O slot 1.

For adapter-to-switch compatibility, see the Flex System Interoperability Guide:
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/fsig

For more information, see the list of Product Guides in the Adapter cards category:
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/portals/puresystems?Open&page=pg&cat=adapters

The following table lists storage HBAs supported by the x220 server. Adapters can be installed in either slot. However, compatible switches must be installed in the corresponding bays of the chassis. All adapters can also be installed in the PCIe Expansion Node.

Table 16. Storage adapters

* For models with the Embedded 1 Gb Ethernet controller standard, the Compute Node Fabric Connector occupies the same space as an I/O adapter in I/O slot 1, so you have to remove the Fabric Connector if you plan to install an adapter in I/O slot 1.

For more information, see the list of Product Guides in the Adapter cards category:
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/portals/puresystems?Open&page=pg&cat=adapters

The compute node supports the High IOPS SSD adapters listed in the following table.

Note: These adapters are installed in an attached PCIe Expansion Node.

Table 17. SSD adapters

* Withdrawn from marketing

For information about the High IOPS adapters, the following Product Guides:

• High IOPS MLC Adapters
  http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0907.html
• High IOPS Modular Adapters
  http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0937.html
• High IOPS SSD PCIe Adapters
  http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips0729.html

The compute node supports the GPU adapters listed in the following table.

Note: These adapters are installed in an attached PCIe Expansion Node.

Table 18. GPU adapters

* When this double-wide adapter is installed in the PCIe Expansion Node, it occupies both full-height slots. The low-profile slots and Flex System I/O expansion slots can still be used.
† If installed, only this adapter is supported in the system. No other PCIe adapters may be installed.
** Orderable as separate MTM 4765-001 feature 4809. Available via AAS (e-config) only.

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

The x220 supports the ESXi hypervisor on a USB memory key via two internal USB ports (see Figure 3). The supported USB memory keys are listed in the following table.

There are two types of USB keys, preloaded keys or blank keys. Blank keys allow you to download a Lenovo customized version of ESXi and load it onto the key. The x220 supports one or two keys installed, but only certain combinations:

Supported combinations:

• One preload key
• One blank key
• One preload key and one blank key
• Two blank keys

Unsupported combinations:

• Two preload keys

Installing two preloaded keys will prevent ESXi from booting as described in http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1035107. Having two keys installed provides a backup boot device. both devices are listed in the boot menu, which allows you to boot from either device or to set one as a backup in case the first one gets corrupted.

Table 19. Virtualization options

Note: VMware is not supported with the ServeRAID C105 disk controller (Software RAID), but is supported with the use of ServeRAID H1135 controller (part number 90Y4750) or ServeRAID M5115 controller (part number 90Y4390).

For quick problem determination when you are physically at the server, the x220 offers a three-step guided path:

1. The Fault LED on the front panel
2. The light path diagnostics panel, shown in the following figure.
3. LEDs next to key components on the system board

The x220 light path diagnostics panel is visible when you remove the server from the chassis. The panel is located at the upper right side of the compute node, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 10. Location of x220 light path diagnostics panel

To illuminate the light path diagnostics LEDs, power off the compute node, slide it out of the chassis, and press the power button. The power button doubles as the light path diagnostics remind button when the server is removed from the chassis.

The meanings of the LEDs in the light path diagnostics panel are listed in the following table.

Table 20. Light path diagnostic panel LEDs

The server contains an Integrated Management Module II (IMM2), which interfaces with the advanced management module in the chassis. The combination of these features 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, the error is recorded in the event log, and you are alerted to the problem. A virtual presence capability comes standard for remote server management.

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, which provide the following functions:

• Remotely viewing video with graphics resolutions up to 1600x1200 at 75 Hz with up to 23 bits per pixel, 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 IMM2 memory and mapping it to the server as a virtual drive
• Capturing blue-screen errors

The server supports the following operating systems:

• Microsoft Windows HPC Server 2008 SP1
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Datacenter x64 SP2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Enterprise x64 SP2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Standard x64 SP2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Web x64 SP2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.10 Xen x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.10 x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.7 Xen x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.7 x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.8 Xen x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.8 x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.9 Xen x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.9 x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.2 32-bit
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.2 x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.4 x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.5 x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.6 x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.7 x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.8 x64
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.0
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.1
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.2
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 x64 SP4
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Xen x64 SP2
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Xen x64 SP3
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Xen x64 SP4
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 x64 SP2
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 x64 SP3
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 x64 SP4
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP1
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 Xen
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 Xen SP1
• VMware ESX 4.1 U2
• VMware ESX 4.1 U3
• VMware ESXi 4.1 U2
• VMware ESXi 5.0
• VMware ESXi 5.0 U1
• VMware ESXi 5.0 U2
• VMware ESXi 5.0 U3
• VMware ESXi 5.1
• VMware ESXi 5.1 U2
• VMware ESXi 5.1 U3
• VMware ESXi 5.1U1
• VMware ESXi 5.5
• VMware ESXi 5.5 U1
• VMware ESXi 5.5 U2
• VMware ESXi 5.5 U3
• VMware ESXi 6.0

For a complete list of supported, certified and tested operating systems, plus additional details and links to relevant web sites, see the Operating System Interoperability Guide: https://lenovopress.com/osig#servers=x220-7906

Note: There is no native (in-box) driver for the ServeRAID C105 controller for Windows and Linux; the drivers must be downloaded separately. The ServeRAID C105 controller does not support VMware, Hyper-V, Xen, or solid-state drives (SSD).

Dimensions and weight (approximate):

• Width: 217 mm (8.6 in.)
• Height: 56 mm (2.2 in.)
• Depth: 492 mm (19.4 in.)
• Maximum weight: 6.4 kg (14.11 lb)

Shipping dimensions and weight (approximate):

• Height: 197 mm (7.8 in.)
• Depth: 603 mm (23.7 in.)
• Width: 430 mm (16.9 in.)
• Weight: 8 kg (17.6 lb)

The Flex System x220 compute node complies with ASHRAE Class A3 specifications.

This is the supported operating environment:

Power on:

• Temperature: 5 - 40 °C (41 - 104 °F)
• Humidity, non-condensing: -12 °C dew point (10.4 °F) and 8 - 85% relative humidity
• Maximum dew point: 24 °C (75 °F)
• Maximum altitude: 3048 m (10,000 ft)
• Maximum rate of temperature change: 5 °C/hr (41 °F/hr)

Power off:

• Temperature: 5 - 45 °C (41 - 113 °F)
• Relative humidity: 8 - 85%
• Maximum dew point: 27 °C (80.6 °F)

Storage (non-operating):

• Temperature: 1 - 60 °C (33.8 - 140 °F)
• Altitude: 3050 m (10,006 ft)
• Relative humidity: 5 - 80%
• Maximum dew point: 29 °C (84.2°F)

Shipment (non-operating):

• Temperature: -40 - 60 °C (-40 - 140 °F)
• Altitude: 10,700 m (35,105 ft)
• Relative humidity: 5 - 100%
• Maximum dew point: 29 °C (84.2 °F)

The system has a three-year warranty with 24x7 standard call center support and 9x5 Next Business Day onsite coverage. Also available are Lenovo Services 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.

The following table explains warranty service definitions in more detail.

The following Lenovo warranty service upgrades are available:

• Warranty and maintenance service upgrades:
  • Three, four, or five years of 9x5 or 24x7 service coverage
  • Onsite response from next business day to 2 or 4 hours
  • Committed repair service
  • Warranty extension of up to 5 years
  • Post warranty extensions
• Committed Repair Service

  Committed Repair Services enhances the level of Warranty Service Upgrade or Post Warranty/Maintenance Service offering associated with the selected systems. Offerings vary and are available in select countries.

  • Priority handling to meet defined time frames to restore the failing machine to good working condition
  • Committed repair service levels are measured within the following coverage hours:
    • 24x7x6: Service performed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, within 6 hours
    • 24x7x8: Service performed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, within 8 hours
    • 24x7x24: Service performed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, within 24 hours
• Hard Disk Drive Retention

  Lenovo’s Hard Disk Drive Retention (HDDR) service is a multi-drive hard drive retention offering that ensures your data is always under your control, regardless of the number of hard drives that are installed in your Lenovo server. In the unlikely event of a hard drive failure, you retain possession of your hard drive while Lenovo replaces the failed drive part. Your data stays safely on your premises, in your hands. The Hard Drive Retention service can be purchased in convenient bundles with our warranty upgrades and extensions.

• Microcode Support

  Keeping microcode current helps prevent hardware failures and security exposure. There are two levels of service: analysis of the installed base and analysis and update where required. Offerings vary by region and can be bundled with other warranty upgrades and extensions.

• Remote Technical Support Services (RTS)

  RTS provides comprehensive technical call center support for covered servers, storage, operating systems, and applications. Providing a single source for support of hardware and software issues, RTS can reduce problem resolution time, decreasing the cost to address technical problems and increasing uptime. Offerings are available for Windows, Linux, IBM Systems Director, VMware, Microsoft business applications, and Lenovo System x storage devices, and IBM OEM storage devices.

The server conforms to the following standards:

• ASHRAE Class A3
• FCC - Verified to comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules Class A
• Canada ICES-004, issue 3 Class A
• UL/IEC 60950-1
• CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1
• NOM-019
• Argentina IEC 60950-1
• Japan VCCI, Class A
• IEC 60950-1 (CB Certificate and CB Test Report)
• China CCC (GB4943); (GB9254, Class A); (GB17625.1)
• Taiwan BSMI CNS13438, Class A; CNS14336
• Australia/New Zealand AS/NZS CISPR 22, Class A
• Korea KN22, Class A, KN24
• Russia/GOST ME01, IEC 60950-1, GOST R 51318.22, GOST R
• 51318.249, GOST R 51317.3.2, GOST R 51317.3.3
• IEC 60950-1 (CB Certificate and CB Test Report)
• CE Mark (EN55022 Class A, EN60950-1, EN55024, EN61000-3-2, and
• EN61000-3-3)
• CISPR 22, Class A
• TUV-GS (EN60950-1/IEC 60950-1, EK1-ITB2000)

For more information, see the following resources:

• US Product Announcement:
  http://ibm.com/common/ssi/cgi-bin/ssialias?infotype=dd&subtype=ca&&htmlfid=897/ENUS112-096
• Flex System Information Center:
  http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/flexsys/information/index.jsp
• Flex System x220 Compute Node Installation and Service Guide:
  http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/flexsys/information/topic/com.ibm.acc.7906.doc/printable_doc.html
• ServerProven for Flex System:
  http://www.lenovo.com/us/en/serverproven/flexsystem.shtml
• Operating System Interoperability Guide:
  http://lenovopress.com/osig
• Flex System Interoperability Guide:
  http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/fsig