IBM System x3250 M4, x3100 M4 Product Manual
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Price/Performance
A highly-affordable, ultradense, uniprocessor server for edge-of-network and Web-based
computing in space-constrained environments
Product Guide
September 2011
IBM System x3250 M4
Product Overview
CONTENTS
Product Overview
Selling Features
Key Features
Key Options
x3250 M4 Images
x3250 M4 Specifications 1
The Bottom Line 1
Server Comparison Chart
For More Information 1
Legal Information 1
Value-priced performance, capacity and availability
Suggested uses: Retail/kiosks, and SMBs, looking for file and printer servers, Web serving,
small business infrastructure, and virtual desktops for small workgroups.
Budgets are tight and you need to reduce IT infrastructure expenses and save space without
sacrificing performance or quality. The single-socket IBM® System x3250 M4, incorporating
IBM X-Architecture® features, is a cost-efficient, edge-of-network solution to that dilemma. It
supports, at the high end, the latest quad-core Intel® Xeon® E3 series processors, designed
with speedy 1333MHz memory access, 8MB of L3 cache, and multithreading, to help provide
the computing power you need to match your business needs and growth. For lower
processing speed requirements, there are also models featuring dual-core Core® i3 and
Pentium® processors with 3MB of L3 cache. All models are designed with an integrated
memory controller for greatly improved memory performance (up to 1333MHz access),. In
addition, the x3250 M4 uses industry-standard DDR3 ECC (Error Checking and Correcting)
memory—for high performance and reliability.
All models offer impressive scalability, including up to 32GB of memory and up to two 3.5-inch
simple-swap enterprise-class SATA II hard disk drives with a total capacity of up to 6TB1, or
up to four 2.5-inch simple-swap enterprise-class SAS hard disk drives with a total capacity of
up to 2.4TB, available via the configure-to-order (CTO) process.
IBM ServeRAID® C100 for IBM system x provides RAID-0/1 support for internal SATA HDDs.
For data backup, the x3250 M4 supports external tape drives or an internal 3.5-inch DDS-6
tape drive or RDX Removable Disk Cartridge drive.
The x3250 M4 is compliant with 80 PLUS® standards, demonstrating exceptional energy
efficiency.
Standard in the x3250 M4 is the Integrated Management Module version 2 (IMM2) that
enables the user to manage and control the server easily. The IMM2 offers a high level of
manageability that is designed to keep costs down and the system up—even when network
usage increases. Industry-standard IPMI 2.0 support includes highly secure remote power
control and Serial over LAN, as well as text-console redirect over LAN.
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is an evolutionary leap over legacy BIOS. UEFI
provides a more intuitive user interface and understandable event logs and better
management. This high level of manageability is designed to keep costs down and the system
up—even when network usage increases.
With the inclusion of unique IBM service and support features such as IBM Systems Director,
and IBM ServerGuide™, the x3250 M4 is designed for superior uptime.
If you need single-socket, quad- or dual-core computing price/performance and vast internal
storage in a budget rack package, the x3250 M4 is the ideal system.
®
Selling Features
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GB equals 1,000,000,000 bytes and TB equals 1,000,000,000,000 bytes when referring to hard disk drive capacity. Accessible
capacity may be less.
Please see the Legal Information section for important notices and information.
The x3250 M4 offers numerous features to boost performance and reduce product and
operating costs:
• Models with a quad-core Xeon processor, high-end 1333MHz memory access, and 8MB of
L3 cache, offer peak performance, capable of tackling the toughest jobs.
• Models containing a high-performance dual-core Core i3 processor, with high-end
1333MHz memory access and 3MB of L3 cache, offer superior performance at an
aggressive price.
• Energy-efficient 20-65W processors draw less power and produce less waste heat than
high-wattage processors, thus helping to reduce your energy costs.
• Ultra-fast 1333MHz DDR3 ECC memory offers high speed and high availability.
• High-speed PCIe adapter slots offers investment protection by supporting high-
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A highly-affordable, ultradense, uniprocessor server for edge-of-network and Web-based
Flexibility
Manageability
computing in space-constrained environments
performance adapters, such as Ethernet, Fibre Channel cards, none of which will run in
older legacy PCI slots.
• Standard ServeRAID C100 for IBM System x provides integrated RAID-0/1 on SATA
models for no additional cost.
• Optional integrated hardware RAID-0/1/10/5/6 support offers improved performance and/or
redundancy, but doesn’t consume a valuable adapter slot.
• Support for two simple-swap 3.5-inch SATA hard disk drives or up to four hot swap (HS)
or simple-swap (SS) 2.5-inch SAS HDDs (SS via CTO only) offers high-performance and
large capacity with high availability. The SAS/SATA controller provides full-duplex data
transfers for SAS drives.
• Up to two 3.5-inch enterprise-class SATA II or up to four 2.5-inch SAS hard disk drives
(model-specific) offer terrific price/performance (incorporating up to 6Gbps throughput).
• The two integrated single-port Gigabit Ethernet controllers with IPMI 2.0 support provide
high-speed network communications.
• A high degree of device integration, including SATA, systems management, video, dual
Gigabit Ethernet, and optional RAID controllers, lowers costs and frees up valuable adapter
slots.
• Energy-efficient components, including DDR3 memory and power supplies, help keep your
energy bills down.
The x3250 M4 has the ability to grow with your application requirements, thanks to:
• A choice of one quad-core Xeon E3 processor with 2.2 to 3.5GHz clock rate, 8MB of L3
cache, and 1333MHz memory access, or a dual-core Core i3 processor with a 3.1 or
3.3GHz clock rate, 3MB of L3 cache, and 1333MHz memory access.
• A choice of 20 or 65W dual-core or 45-95W quad-core processors.
• Up to 32GB of high-speed DDR3 system memory.
• Two adapter slots: one PCIe x8, plus one PCIe x4 (used by the ServeRAID-BR10il v2
controller, if installed) in all models.
• The seven USB 2.0 ports (two front, four rear, one internal) are up to 40X f aster2 than older
USB 1.1 ports. This provides speedy access to external HDDs (non-arrayed), optical drives,
tape drives, and other USB devices. The internal ports can be used for an optional USB key
with embedded hypervisor and an internal data backup device, such as a tape drive or RDX
Removable Disk Cartridge drive.
• Up to two internal 3.5-inch simple-swap SATA or four 2.5-inch hot swap or simple-swap
SAS HDDs (model dependant), can be installed. Support for up to four simple-swap 2.5-
inch SAS drives is available via CTO. This provides tremendous internal storage capability,
along with full data backup.
• Alternatively, external SAS, SATA, iSCSI or Fibre Channel-attached storage can be
attached using IBM System Storage® servers.
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Data transfer rates may be less than the maximum possible.
Please see the Legal Information section for important notices and information.
Powerful systems management features simplify local and remote management of the x3250
M4:
• The x3250 M4 includes an Integrated Management Module version 2 (IMM2) to monitor
server availability, perform Predictive Failure Analysis, etc., and trigger IBM Systems
Director alerts.
• Integrated industry-standard Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) next-generation
BIOS. New capabilities include:
– Human readable event logs; no more beep codes
– Complete setup solution by allowing adapter c onfiguration function to be moved into
UEFI
– Complete out-of-band coverage by Advance Settings Utility to simplify remote setup
• Integrated IPMI 2.0 support alerts IBM Systems Director to anomalous environmental
factors, such as voltage and thermal conditions.
• The completely redesigned IBM Systems Director is included for proactive systems
management. IBM Systems Director comes with a portfolio of tools, including Service and
Support Manager, and others. In addition, IBM Systems Director offers extended systems
management tools for additional server management and increased availability. W hen a
problem is encountered, IBM Systems Director can issue administrator alerts via e-mail,
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A highly-affordable, ultradense, uniprocessor server for edge-of-network and Web-based
Availability and Serviceability
Multicore Intel
Processors
computing in space-constrained environments
pager, and other methods.
• The x3250 M4 optionally supports remote presence/concurrent KVM (cKVM) and
concurrent media (cMedia) access by multiple administrators at once, via the IMM2. (This
feature requires an upgrade, via the Feature on Demand key, in 1H 2012.)
The x3250 M4 provides many features to simplify serviceability and increase system uptime:
• Server-class components, including the processor, memory, chipset, power supply, and
others, are built for the rigors of an “always-on” environment. This helps reduce the risk of
failure and life cycle costs, versus using a PC as a server.
• ECC memory provides error correction not available in PC-class “servers” that use parity
memory. Avoiding system crashes (and data loss) due to soft memory errors can mean
greater system uptime
• Toolless cover removal provides easy access to upgrades and serviceable parts, such as
HDDs and memory. This means less time (and therefore less money) spent servicing the
x3250 M4.
• Toolless rails ship with the server, which allow the rack server to easily slide into place
• A lighted LED beside each DIMM slot indicates a working DIMM. When a DIMM fails, the
LED goes out. This.quickly leads the technician to the failed DIMM and simplifies servicing,
speeds up problem resolution and helps increase server availability.
• IPMI 2.0 supports highly secure remote system power control using data encryption. This
allows an administrator to restart a server without having to visit it in person, saving travel
time and getting the server back up and running quickly and securely. It also adds new
features to those provided by IPMI 2.0, including VLAN support, Serial over LAN,
enhanced authentication and encryption algorithms (RMCP+ and AES) and a firmware
firewall.
• The three-year (parts and labor) limited onsite warranty3 offered on standard models
(Machine Type 2583) helps give you peace of mind and greater investment protection than
a one-year warranty does.
Key Features
The x3250 M4 supports one of the latest Intel Xeon E3 or Core i3 processors, allowing you to
choose the most appropriate processor for your business needs. The x3250 M4 offers a choice
of processor clock rates, cache sizes, and power draw:
• 80W quad-core Xeon E3 models 1270 or 1220, running at 3.4 or 3.1GHz (respectively),
with reduced power draw and excellent performance/watt (only 20W per core), 8MB of L3
processor cache, 1333MHz memory access, 2 threads per core, and Intel Turbo Boost
technology
• 65W dual-core Intel Core i3 model 2100 running at 3.1GHz, with low power draw and good
performance/watt (only 32.5W per core), 3MB of L3 processor cache, and 1333MHz
memory access
• 65W dual-core Intel Pentium model G850 running at 2.9GHz, with low power draw and
good performance/watt (only 32.5W per core), 3MB of L3 processor cache, and 1333MHz
memory access
Also available, via configure-to-order (CTO):
• 95W quad-core Xeon E3 model 1280, running at 3.5GHz, with reduced power draw and
excellent performance/watt (only 23.75W per core), 8MB of L3 processor cache, 1333MHz
memory access, 2 threads per core, and Intel Turbo Boost technology
• 80W quad-core Xeon E3 models 1240, or 1230, running at 3.3 or 3.2GHz (respectively),
with reduced power draw and excellent performance/watt (only 20W per core), 8MB of L3
processor cache, 1333MHz memory access, 2 threads per core, and Intel Turbo Boost
technology
• 45W quad-core low-voltage Xeon E3 models 1260L, running at 2.4GHz, with excellent
power draw and performance/watt (only 11.25W per core), 3MB of L3 processor cache,
1333MHz memory access, 2 threads per core, and Intel Turbo Boost technology
• 20W dual-core low-voltage Xeon E3 models 1220L, running at 2.2GHz, with excellent
power draw and performance/watt (only 10W per core), 3MB of L3 processor cache,
1333MHz memory access, 2 threads per core, and Intel Turbo Boost technology
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For terms and conditions or copies of the IBM Statement of Limited Warranty, call 800-772-2227 in the U.S. In Canada call 800-
426-2255. Telephone support may be subject to additional charges. For warranties including onsite labor, a technician is sent after
IBM attempts to resolve the problem remotely. International warranty service is available in any country in which this product is
sold.
Please see the Legal Information section for important notices and information.
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A highly-affordable, ultradense, uniprocessor server for edge-of-network and Web-based
High
- Performance, Low
-
Latency
DDR3 ECC Memory
Disk Controllers
computing in space-constrained environments
• 65W dual-core Intel Core i3 models 2130 or 2120 running at 3.4 or 3.3GHz, respectively,
with low power draw and good performance/watt (only 32.5W per core), 3MB of L3
processor cache, and 1333MHz memory access
• 65W dual-core Intel Pentium models G860 or G840 running at 3.0 or 2.8GHz, respectively,
with low power draw and good performance/watt (only 32.5W per core), 3MB of L3
processor cache, and 1333MHz memory access
• 65W dual-core Intel Pentium models G630 or G620 running at 2.7 or 2.6GHz, respectively,
with low power draw and good performance/watt (only 32.5W per core), 3MB of L3
processor cache, and 1066MHz memory access
The two-core processors contain two complete processor cores; four-core processors,
similarly, contain four cores. The processors also contain one shared cache. The shared
cache is dynamically allocated among cores as needed. The cores appear to software as
physical processors. The two-core processors offer considerably higher performance than a
same-speed Xeon processor with a single core. Likewise, four-core processors offer
considerably higher performance than a same-speed Xeon processor with two cores.
1333MHz memory access offers up to 9% higher throughput at the same processor clock
speed than 1066MHz memory access.
Note: Because of the integrated memory controllers the former front-side bus (FSB) no longer
exists.
Turbo Boost Technology increases performance by translating the temperature, power and
current head room into higher frequency. It will dynamically increase by 133MHz for short and
regular intervals until the upper limit is met or the maximum possible upside for the number of
active cores is reached. The maximum frequency is dependent on the number of active cores.
The amount of time the processor spends in the Turbo Boost Technology state depends on the
workload and operating environment, providing the performance you need, when and where
you need it.
In processors implementing Intel Hyper-Threading Technology, each core has two threads
capable of running an independent process. Thus, a 6-core processor can run 12 threads
concurrently.
Intelligent Power Capability powers individual processor elements on and off as needed, to
reduce power draw.
Execute Disable Bit functionality can help prevent certain classes of malicious buffer overflow
attacks when combined with a supporting operating system.
The x3250 M4 ships with one DIMM installed and supports up to 32GB of Unbuffered DIMM
(UDIMM) memory in 4 DIMM sockets. It uses PC3-10600 double data rate III (DDR3) memory
operating at 1333MHz f or fast access, and provides ECC memory protection.
The x3250 M4 supports either 1, 2, or 4 UDIMMs. When 2 or 4 DIMMs are installed, memory
operates in two-way interleaved mode for increased performance. UDIMMs are available in
kits consisting of one 1GB DIMM or two 1GB, 2GB, 4GB or 8GB DIMMs (available in 2Q
2011). The x3250 M4 supports both single- and dual-rank UDIMMs. RDIMMs and non-ECC
memory are not supported.
The integrated SATA controller provides data transfer speeds of up to 3Gb per second4 across
the SATA bus for up to two 3.5-inch internal Serial ATA II (SATA II) or four 2.5-inch (via
CTO) SAS drives. In addition, the standard ServeRAID C100 for IBM system x provides
integrated RAID-0/1 on the planar at no additional cost, although without the performance
boost of hardware RAID.
Optional RAID controllers include:
The 6Gbps (x8 PCIe) ServeRAID-M1015 SAS/SATA controller supports RAID-0/1/10 (no
cache) for up to 4 drives (system limit). The ServeRAID M1000 Series Advance Feature Key
adds RAID-5 support.
The 6Gbps (x8 PCIe) ServeRAID-M5014 SAS/SATA controller offers enhanced performance
with 256MB of cache memory, and supports RAID-0/1/10/5/6 for up to 4 drives (system limit).
(Note RAID-5 requires at least three drives, and RAID-10 and 6 require at least 4 drives;
therefore these RAID levels are not supported in the models containing two 3.5-inch SATA
drive bays, only in models containing four 2.5-inch SAS drive bays. RAID-50/60 require more
drives than the server supports, and therefore are not supported in the x3250 M4)
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Data transfer rates depend on many factors and are often less than the maximum possible.
Please see the Legal Information section for important notices and information.
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A highly-affordable, ultradense, uniprocessor server for edge-of-network and Web-based
Drive Bays
Large HDD Storage Capacity
Internal Backup
High
-
Performance Adapter Slots
Gigabit Ethernet Controller
computing in space-constrained environments
Some x3250 M4 models (3.5-inch HDD models) contain 3 drive bays, while others (2.5-inch
HDD models) provide 5 drive bays. All models offer one 5.25-inch bay and either two 3.5-inch
simple-swap SATA HDD bays or four 2.5-inch hot-swap or simple-swap SAS HDD bays
standard. Four 2.5-inch simple-swap SAS HDD bays are available via CTO.
The 5.25-inch bay supports an optional optical drive. No internal floppy drive is supported,
however an external USB floppy drive may be used, if needed.
Hot-swap and simple-swap drives may be inserted or removed through the front of the server.
Hot-swap drives do not require powering off the system. Simple-swap SATA drives do require
powering off the system first; however, no tools or jumpers are required for installation and
removal, allowing for faster, simpler servicing than fixed drives.
The x3250 M4 offers a choice of disk storage, supporting up to two 3.5-inch simple-swap
Serial ATA II (SATA II) drives, or two 2.5-inch hot-swap high-performance Serial-Attach SCSI
(SAS) drives; up to four 2.5-inch simple-swap SAS drives are supported via CTO.
3.5-inch Simple-Swap SATA (6Gbps)
• 7,200 RPMs — 250 or 500GB, 1, 2, or 3TB (6.0TB maximum)
2.5-inch Simple-Swap SAS (6Gbps)
• 10,000 RPMs — 300 or 600GB (2.4TB)
• 15,000 RPMs — 146.8GB (587.2GB)
2.5-inch Hot-Swap SAS (6Gbps)
• 7,200 RPMs — 500GB (2.0TB)
• 10,000 RPMs — 300 or 600GB (2.4TB)
• 15,000 RPMs — 146.8GB (587.2GB)
Notes: Enterprise-class 500GB or higher SATA drives offer increased reliability compared to
lower-capacity SATA drives. Simple-swap SATA drives are not hot-swappable (the system
must first be powered off); however, no tools or jumpers are required for installation and
removal, allowing for faster, simpler servicing than fixed drives. Hot-swap SAS drives use the
Converged Tray for interchangeability with other IBM System x® systems.
If you need more storage space, terabyte capacities are possible with external direct-attach,
NAS, and SAN solutions.
The x3250 M4 supports 3.5-inch internal USB-attached half-high backup options. Supported
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The slot accepts x1 or x4 Gen 1 or Gen 2 adapters; however the slot provides a maximum of x1 Gen 2 throughput.
technologies include:
• IBM DDS Gen 6 (USB)
• IBM RDX Removable Hard Disk Storage System (USB)—external USB version also
available
The x3250 M4 offers two adapter slots via riser. Two PCIe (PCI Express) adapter slots are
provided. PCI Express Gen 2 is the next generation of high-performance, low-latency, serial I/O
bus. One slot is a x8 (“by 8”) Gen 2 half-length/full-height slot; that is, x8 physical and x8
electrical (8GBps), capable of supporting x1/x4/x8 Gen 1 or 2 adapters at their native speeds5.
The second PCIe slot, x4 PCIe Gen 2 low-profile slot, is dedicated for use with an IBM
ServeRAID-BR10il SAS/SATA Controller v2
The x3250 M4 includes two integrated single-port Intel 82574L Gigabit Ethernet controllers for
up to 10X higher maximum throughput than a 10/100 Ethernet controller. The controller
provides fully integrated Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical-Layer (PHY) capabilities
that can be configured for either 1000Mb/s or 10/100 Mb/s modes of operation. The first port
supports the IMM2 systems management functions.
The controller supports highly secure remote power management using IPMI 2.0, plus Wake
on LAN® and PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) flash interface. Optional PCI adapters
offering failover and load balancing between adapters are available for added throughput and
increased system availability.
Please see the Legal Information section for important notices and information.
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