IBM Flex System p24L Compute Node, Flex System p260 Compute Node, Flex System p460 Compute Node Product Manual
I B M ®
IBM Flex System p24L, p260 and p460 Compute
Nodes
IBM Redbooks Product Guide
The IBM Flex System™ p260 and p460 Compute Nodes are servers based on IBM® POWER®
architecture technologies. These compute nodes run in IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis units to
provide a high-density, high-performance compute node environment, using advanced processing
technology. The nodes support IBM AIX, IBM i, or Linux operating environments and are designed to run
a wide variety of workloads. The p260 and p24L are standard compute nodes with two POWER7 or
POWER7+ processors, and the p460 is a double-wide compute node with four POWER7 or POWER7+
processors.
Figure 1 shows the IBM Flex System p260 Compute Node.
Figure 1. The IBM Flex System p260 Compute Node
Did you know?
IBM 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. IBM
Flex System has full built-in virtualization support of servers, storage, and networking to speed
provisioning and increase 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. IBM Flex System is scalable and extendable with
multi-generation upgrades to protect and maximize IT investments.
IBM Flex System p24L, p260 and p460 Compute Nodes 1
Key features
The IBM Flex System p24L, p260 and p460 Compute Nodes are high-performance POWER7-based
servers optimized for virtualization, performance, and efficiency. This section describes the key features
of the server.
Scalability and performance
The compute nodes offers numerous features to boost performance, improve scalability, and reduce
costs:
The IBM POWER7 and POWER7+ processors, which improve productivity by offering superior
system performance with AltiVec floating point and integer SIMD instruction set acceleration.
Integrated PowerVM technology, providing superior virtualization performance and flexibility.
Choice of processors, including an 8-core POWER7+ processor operating at 4.1 GHz with 80 MB of
L3 cache (10 MB per core).
Up to four processors, 32 cores, and 128 threads to maximize the concurrent execution of
applications.
Three levels of integrated cache including 10 MB (POWER7+) or 4 MB (POWER7) of L3 cache per
core.
Up to 16 (p24L, p260) or 32 (p460) DDR3 ECC memory RDIMMs that provide a memory capacity of
up to 256 GB (p260) or 512 GB (p460).
Support for Active Memory Expansion, which allows the effective maximum memory capacity to be
much larger than the true physical memory through innovative compression techniques.
The use of solid-state drives (SSDs) instead of traditional spinning drives (HDDs), which 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.
Up to eight (p24L, p260) or 16 (p460) 10Gb Ethernet ports per compute node to maximize networking
resources in a virtualized environment.
Includes two (p24L, p260) or four (p460) P7IOC high-performance I/O bus controllers to maximize
throughput and bandwidth.
Support for high-bandwidth I/O adapters, up to two in each p24L or p260 Compute Node or up to four
in each p460 Compute Node. Support for 10 Gb Ethernet, 8 Gb Fibre Channel, and QDR InfiniBand.
Availability and serviceability
The p24L, p260 and p460 provide many features to simplify serviceability and increase system uptime:
ECC and chipkill provide error detection and recovery in the event of a non-correctable memory
failure.
Tool-less cover removal provides easy access to upgrades and serviceable parts, such as drives,
memory, and adapter cards.
A 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.
Predictive Failure Analysis (PFA) detects when system components (for example, processors,
memory, and hard disk drives) operate outside of standard thresholds and generates proactive alerts
in advance of possible failure, therefore increasing uptime.
IBM Flex System p24L, p260 and p460 Compute Nodes 2
Available solid-state drive (SSDs) offer significantly better reliability than traditional mechanical HDDs
for greater uptime.
A built-in Integrated Flexible Service Processor (FSP) continuously monitors system parameters,
triggers alerts, and performs recovering actions in case of failures to minimize downtime.
There is a front panel USB port for upgrades and local servicing tasks.
There is a 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 management of the p260 and p460:
Includes an FSP to monitor server availability and to provide diagnostics.
Integrates with the IBM Flex System™ Manager for proactive systems management. It offers
comprehensive systems management for the entire IBM Flex System platform that help to increase
uptime, reduce costs, and improve productivity through advanced server management capabilities.
Energy efficiency
The compute nodes offer the following energy-efficiency features to save energy, reduce operational
costs, increase energy availability, and contribute to the green environment:
The component-sharing design of the IBM Flex System chassis provides ultimate power and cooling
savings.
Support for IBM EnergyScale to dynamically optimize processor performance versus power
consumption and system workload.
Active Energy Manager provides advanced power management features with actual real-time energy
monitoring, reporting, and capping features.
SSDs consume as much as 80% less power than traditional spinning 2.5-inch HDDs.
The servers use 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 Flex System p24L, p260 and p460 Compute Nodes 3
Locations of key components and connectors
Figure 2 shows the front of the p260. The p24L is similar.
Figure 2. Front view of the IBM Flex System p260 Compute Node
Figure 3 shows the locations of key components inside the p260.
Figure 3. Inside view of the IBM Flex System p260 Compute Node
IBM Flex System p24L, p260 and p460 Compute Nodes 4
Figure 4 shows the front of the p460.
Figure 4. Front view of the IBM Flex System p460 Compute Node
Figure 5 shows the locations of key components inside the p460.
Figure 5. Inside view of the IBM Flex System p460 Compute Node
IBM Flex System p24L, p260 and p460 Compute Nodes 5
Standard specifications
The following table lists the standard specifications.
Table 1. Standard specifications (part 1)
Components Specification
Model numbers IBM Flex System p24L Compute Node: 1457-7FL
IBM Flex System p260 Compute Node: 7895-22X, 23A, and 23X
IBM Flex System p460 Compute Node: 7895-42X and 43X.
Form factor p24L: Standard-width compute node.
p260: Standard-width compute node.
p460: Double-width compute node.
Chassis support IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis.
Processor p24L: Two IBM POWER7 processors
p260: Two IBM POWER7 (model 22X) or POWER7+ (models 23A and 23X) processors.
p460: Four IBM POWER7 (model 42X) or POWER7+ (model 43X) processors.
POWER7 processors: Each processor is a single-chip module (SCM) that contains either eight
cores (up to 3.55 GHz and 32 MB L3 cache) or four cores (3.3 GHz and 16 MB L3 cache). Each
processor has 4 MB L3 cache per core. Integrated memory controller in each processor, each
with four memory channels. Each memory channel operates at 6.4 Gbps. There is one GX++
I/O bus connection per processor. Supports SMT4 mode, which enables four instruction threads
to run simultaneously per core. Uses 45 nm fabrication technology.
POWER7+ processors: Each processor is a single-chip module (SCM) that contains either eight
cores (up to 4.1 GHz or 3.6 GHz and 80 MB L3 cache) , four cores (4.0 GHz and 40 MB L3
cache) or two cores (4.0 GHz and 20 MB L3 cache). Each processor has 10 MB L3 cache per
core. There is an integrated memory controller in each processor, each with four memory
channels. Each memory channel operates at 6.4 Gbps. There is one GX++ I/O bus connection
per processor. Supports SMT4 mode, which enables four instruction threads to run
simultaneously per core. Uses 32 nm fabrication technology.
Chipset IBM P7IOC I/O hub.
Memory p24L: 16 DIMM sockets
p260: 16 DIMM sockets.
p460: 32 DIMM sockets.
RDIMM DDR3 memory supported. Integrated memory controller in each processor, each with
four memory channels. Supports Active Memory Expansion with AIX 6.1 or later. All DIMMs
operate at 1066 MHz. Both LP (low profile) and VLP (very low profile) DIMMs supported,
although only VLP DIMMs are supported if internal HDDs are configured. The use of 1.8-inch
solid-state drives allows the use of LP and VLP DIMMs.
Memory
maximums
Memory
protection
Disk drive bays Two 2.5-inch non-hot-swap drive bays supporting 2.5-inch SAS HDD or 1.8-inch SATA SSD
p24L: 512 GB using 16x 32 GB DIMMs.
p260: 512 GB using 16x 32 GB DIMMs.
p460: 1 TB using 32x 32 GB DIMMs.
ECC, chipkill.
drives. If LP DIMMs are installed, then only 1.8-inch SSDs are supported. If VLP DIMMs are
installed, then both HDDs and SSDs are supported. An HDD and an SSD cannot be installed
together.
Maximum
internal storage
IBM Flex System p24L, p260 and p460 Compute Nodes 6
1.8 TB using two 900 GB SAS HDD drives, or 354 GB using two 177 GB SSD drives.
Table 1. Standard specifications (part 2)
Components Specification
RAID support RAID support via the operating system.
Network
interfaces
PCI Expansion
slots
Ports One external USB port.
Systems
management
Security
features
Video None. Remote management via Serial over LAN and IBM Flex System Manager.
Limited
warranty
Operating
systems
supported
Service and
support
Dimensions p24L: Width: 215mm (8.5”), height 51mm (2.0”), depth 493mm (19.4”).
None standard. Optional 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet adapters.
p24L: Two I/O connectors for adapters. PCIe 2.0 x16 interface.
p260: Two I/O connectors for adapters. PCIe 2.0 x16 interface.
p460: Four I/O connectors for adapters. PCIe 2.0 x16 interface.
FSP, Predictive Failure Analysis, light path diagnostics panel, automatic server restart, Serial
over LAN support. IPMI compliant. Support for IBM Flex System Manager, IBM Systems
Director, and Active Energy Manager.
Power-on password, selectable boot sequence.
3-year customer-replaceable unit and onsite limited warranty with 9x5/NBD.
IBM AIX, IBM i, and Linux. See "Supported operating systems" for details.
Optional service upgrades are available through IBM ServicePacs®: 4-hour or 2-hour response
time, 8-hour fix time, 1-year or 2-year warranty extension, remote technical support for IBM
hardware and selected IBM and OEM software.
p260: Width: 215mm (8.5”), height 51mm (2.0”), depth 493mm (19.4”).
p460: Width: 437 mm (17.2"), height 51mm (2.0”), depth 493mm (19.4”).
Weight p24L: Maximum configuration: 7.0 kg (15.4 lb).
p260: Maximum configuration: 7.0 kg (15.4 lb).
p460: Maximum configuration: 14.0 kg (30.6 lb).
The compute nodes are shipped with the following items:
Statement of Limited Warranty
Important Notices
Documentation CD that contains the
Installation and User's Guide
Chassis support
The p24L, p260 and p460 are supported in the IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis. Up to fourteen p24L
or p260 compute nodes or up to seven x440 compute nodes (or a combination of all three) can be
installed in the chassis in 10U of rack space. The actual number of compute nodes that can be installed in
a chassis depends on these factors:
The number of power supplies installed
The capacity of the power supplies installed (2100 W or 2500 W)
The power redundancy policy used (N+1 or N+N)
IBM Flex System p24L, p260 and p460 Compute Nodes 7
The following table provides guidelines about what number of compute nodes can be installed. For more
guidance, use the Power Configurator, found at the following website:
http://ibm.com/systems/bladecenter/resources/powerconfig.html
In the table:
Green = No restriction to the number of compute nodes that are installable
Yellow = Some bays must be left empty in the chassis
Table 3. Maximum number of x440 Compute Nodes installable based on power supplies installed and
power redundancy policy used
2100 W power supplies installed 2500 W power supplies installed
N+1, N=5
Compute
node
p24L 14 12 9 10 14 14 12 13
p260 14 12 9 10 14 14 12 13
p460 7 6 4 5 7 7 6 6
6 power
supplies
N+1, N=4
5 power
supplies
N+1, N=3
5 power
supplies
N+N, N=3
6 power
supplies
N+1, N=5
6 power
supplies
N+1, N=4
5 power
supplies
N+1, N=3
4 power
supplies
N+N, N=3
6 power
supplies
IBM PureFlex System
IBM PureFlex™ System consists of pre-defined, pre-configured components to simplify client purchasing
and provide the total IBM Flex System integrated value proposition.
The IBM Flex System p24L, p260 and p460 Compute Nodes can be ordered as part of an PureFlex
System solution. There are two PureFlex System offerings available:
IBM PureFlex System Single-chassis for smaller installations (Feature #EFD1)
IBM PureFlex System Multi-chassis for database or transactional systems (Feature #EFD3)
A PureFlex System solution consists of these:
An IBM Flex System Compute Node, either the p260, p460, or x240
An IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis (7893-92X)
An IBM Flex System Manager (7955-01M)
An IBM Storwize V7000 Disk System (2076-124)
Two IBM System Network 1455 Rack Switches G8264R Model 64C (with PureFlex System
Enterprise only, with the p460)
Two IBM 2498 SAN24B-4 Express Model B24 (with PureFlex System Enterprise only, with the p460)
An IBM 42U rack (7953-94X)
Notes:
The p260 and p24L cannot be used in an initial PureFlex System Multi-chassis configuration.
The IBM Flex System p460 cannot be used in an initial PureFlex System Single-chassis
configuration.
An initial PureFlex System Multi-chassis requires at least two compute nodes.
Additional compute nodes, chassis, and IBM 42U racks can be ordered after the basic requirements for
the PureFlex System solution are met. These additional orders will be indicated by feature number EFD4
(Expansion Option) or EFD5 (Custom Expansion).
IBM Flex System p24L, p260 and p460 Compute Nodes 8
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