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Disk Controllers
All x3100 M3 models include an integrated SATA II controller. It provides data transfer speeds of
up to 3Gb per second
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across the SATA bus for up to four 3.5-inch internal Serial ATA (SATA)
drives. In addition, the system chipset includes RAID-0/1 support in firmware. This provides the
advantages of RAID at no additional cost, although without the performance boost of hardware
RAID.
Selected models also include a ServeRAID controller for greater performance. The IBM x4 PCIe
ServeRAID-BR10il V2 controller offers hardware RAID-0/1/1E support. The controller supports
up to four 3.5-inch SATA drives at 6Gbps (half-duplex). The serial design of the SATA bus
allows maximum performance to be maintained as additional drives are added.
Optionally, the x8 PCIe Gen 2 IBM 3Gbps SAS HBA v2 controller provides RAID-0 (striping) and
RAID-1 (mirroring) support for internal SATA HDDs and SAS/SATA tape drives. For external
storage, this controller enables RAID-0/1 support, as well as RAID-1E (mirroring with an odd
number of drives) for external SAS/SATA storage and tape drives.
High-Performance Adapter Slots
The x3100 M3 provides three PCIe (PCI Express) adapter slots standard. Slot 1 is a x16 (“by
16”) Gen 2 (16GBps) slot. Slot 2 is a x8 Gen 2 (8GBps) slot. Slot 3 is a x4 Gen 1 (2GBps) slot.
All slots are full-length/full-height. In addition, Slot 4 is a 32-bit/33MHz PCI full-length/full-
height slot to support legacy adapters. PCI Express Gen 2 is the next generation of high-
performance, low-latency, serial I/O bus. The ServeRAID-BR10il V2 controller, if installed, would
be in Slot 3.
Internal Backup
The x3100 M3 supports internal half-high backup options. Supported technologies include:
• DDS-5 (internal USB or SATA)
• DDS-6 (internal USB or SATA)
• RDX Removable Disk Cartridge (internal USB or SATA)
• IBM Half-High 400/800GB LTO-3 (SAS)
External tape backup support is available using the optional IBM 3Gbps SAS HBA v2 controller.
Gigabit Ethernet Controller
The x3100 M3 includes an integrated Intel WG82574T Gigabit Ethernet controller for up to 10X
higher maximum throughput than a 10/100 Ethernet controller.
It also supports 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.
Efficient Cooling
A strategically located fan, combined with efficient airflow paths, provide highly effective system
cooling for the x3100 M3, known as Calibrated Vectored Cooling. The server includes one non-
hot-swap fan. In addition, the power supply contains a fan.
The fan automatically adjusts speeds in response to changing thermal requirements, from
minimum RPMs to maximum RPMs, depending on the internal temperature. When the
temperature inside the server increases, the fan speeds up to maintain the proper ambient
temperature. When the temperature returns to a normal operating level, the fan returns to its
default speed. Why not simply run the fan at 100% capacity all the time? For several good
reasons: to reduce the ambient noise, reduce the wear-and-tear on the fan and reduce the server
power draw. The reduction in ambient noise and power draw may be relatively minor for a single
server, but put several in an office and it can make a significant difference.
In addition, the server uses hexagonal ventilation holes in the chassis. Hexagonal holes can be
grouped more densely than round holes, providing greater airflow through the system cover.
This cooling scheme is important because newer, more powerful processors generate a
significant amount of heat, and heat must be controlled for the system to function properly.
Other Features
• Eight USB 2.0 ports — Provides flexibility to add high-speed external devices. The USB 2.0
specification supports up to 480Mbps transfer rates. (Note: Not all USB 2.0 devices are
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Data transfer rates depend on many factors and are often less than the maximum possible.