v Online-spare memory
Online-spare memory disables a failed rank pair of DIMMs from the system
configuration and activates an online-spare rank pair of DIMMs to replace the
failed rank pair of DIMMs. For an online-spare pair of DIMMs to be activated, you
must enable this feature and have installed an additional pair of DIMMs of the
same speed, type, size (or larger), and technology as the failed pair of DIMMs.
v PCI-X adapter capabilities
The server has two slots for PCI-X 64-bit adapters.
v PCI Express x4 adapter capabilities
The server has one slot for PCI Express x4 adapters. These slots accept x8
adapters, but the adapters will operate as x4 adapters.
v PCI Express x8 adapter capabilities
The server has two slots for PCI Express x8 adapters.
v Redundant cooling and power capabilities
The server supports up to two 835-watt hot-swap power supplies. If the server
comes with only one power supply, you can install an additional power supply
with three redundant hot-swap cooling fans to add redundant power and cooling
capabilities. If the maximum load on the server is less than 835 watts and a
problem occurs with one of the power supplies, the other power supply can meet
the power requirements. The redundant cooling of the fans enables continued
operation if one of the fans fails.
v ServeRAID
™
support
The server supports ServeRAID adapters to create redundant array of
independent disks (RAID) configurations.
v Symmetric multiprocessing (SMP)
The server supports up to two Intel Xeon dual-core microprocessors. If the server
comes with only one microprocessor, you can install an additional microprocessor
to enhance performance and provide SMP capability.
v Systems-management capabilities
The server comes with a Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine, which provides
service-processor functions in addition to those that the baseboard management
controller provides. When this adapter is used with the systems-management
software that comes with the server, you can manage the functions of the server
locally and remotely. The Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine also provides
system monitoring, event recording, and dial-out alert capability.
Reliability, availability, and serviceability
Three important server design features are reliability, availability, and serviceability
(RAS). The RAS features help to ensure the integrity of the data that is stored in
the server, the availability of the server when you need it, and the ease with which
you can diagnose and correct problems.
The server has the following RAS features:
v 3-year parts, 3-year labor limited warranty
v Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)
v Advanced Desktop Management Interface (DMI) features
v Automatic error retry or recovery
v Automatic memory downsizing on error detection
v Automatic restart on nonmaskable interrupt (NMI)
Chapter 1. The System x3500 server 5