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Introduction

The IBM BladeCenter HX5 Type 7873, 7872, 1910, and 1909 blade servers are high-density, scalable blade servers ideally suited for high performance and virtualized environments. A BladeCenter HX5 can be combined with the IBM MAX5 for BladeCenter expansion blade to provide memory expansion for medium to large businesses.

The IBM BladeCenter HX5 Type 7873, 7872, 1910, and 1909 blade servers support the following components:
  • Up to two multi-core microprocessors
  • Up to 16 memory modules (DIMMs)
    Note
    Combining a BladeCenter HX5 and an IBM MAX5 expansion blade supports up to 40 DIMMs.
  • Up to two internal solid state drives (SSDs)
  • Expansion devices, such as:
    • Horizontal-compact-form-factor (CFFh) expansion cards
    • Vertical-combination-I/O (CIOv) expansion cards
In addition, you can combine two BladeCenter HX5 blade servers to form a scalable blade complex. Combining two BladeCenter HX5 blade servers in a scalable blade complex provides for FlexNode partitioning. With FlexNode partitioning, you can deploy the blade servers as a single server or as two independent servers, without changing the physical configuration. The ability to switch between single-partition mode and stand-alone mode is provided through the advanced management module web interface. For more information about scalable blade complexes and FlexNode partitioning, see Working with a scalable blade complex.
Note
You can combine two BladeCenter HX5 blade servers to form a scalable blade complex. You can also combine a single BladeCenter HX5 blade server with an IBM MAX5 expansion blade for expanded memory access. You cannot attach an IBM MAX5 to a scalable blade complex.

For more information about the advanced management module web interface, see the ../com.ibm.bladecenter.advmgtmod.doc/adv_man_mod_printable_doc.html.

The BladeCenter HX5 blade server is supported in the following BladeCenter chassis:
  • IBMBladeCenter H
  • IBMBladeCenter HT
  • IBMBladeCenter S

For the latest information about the BladeCenter chassis that support the BladeCenter HX5 blade server, see the http://www.ibm.com/ servers/eserver/serverproven/compat/us/.

This Problem Determination and Service Guide provides information about:
  • Starting and configuring the blade server
  • Installing and removing hardware devices
  • Performing troubleshooting on the blade server
Packaged with the blade server are software CDs that help you to configure hardware, install device drivers, and install the operating system.

Packaged with the blade server are software CDs that help you to configure hardware, install device drivers, and install the operating system.

To download the latest firmware and device drivers, complete the following steps.
Note
Changes are made periodically to the IBM website. The actual procedure might vary slightly from what is described in this document.
  1. Go to http://www.ibm.com/supportportal/.
  2. Under Product support, click BladeCenter.
  3. Under Popular links, click Software and device drivers.
  4. Click BladeCenter HX5 to display the matrix of downloadable files for the blade server.

The blade server comes with a limited warranty. For information about the terms of the warranty and getting service and assistance, see the Warranty Information document for your blade server. This document is available on the IBMDocumentation CD. You can obtain up-to-date information about the blade server at http://www.ibm.com/systems/bladecenter.

The blade server might have features that are not described in the documentation that comes with the blade server. The documentation might be updated occasionally to include information about those features. Technical updates might also be available to provide additional information that is not included in the blade server documentation.

You can subscribe to information updates that are specific to your blade server at thehttp://www.ibm.com/support/mynotifications/.

The model number and serial number are on the ID label that is located next to the power LED on the blade server bezel. They are also on a label on the side of the blade server that is visible when the blade server is not in the BladeCenter chassis.


Graphic illustrating the BladeCenter BladeCenter HX5

A set of blank labels for your blade server comes with the BladeCenter chassis. When you install the blade server in the BladeCenter chassis, write identifying information about the blade server on a label. Then place the label on the BladeCenter chassis bezel. See the documentation for your BladeCenter chassis for recommended label placement.

Important
Do not place the label on the blade server itself or in any way block the ventilation holes on the blade server.

In addition, the system service label, which is on the cover of the server, provides a QR code for mobile access to service information. You can scan the QR code using a QR code reader and scanner with a mobile device and get quick access to the IBM Service Information website. The IBM Service Information website provides additional information for parts installation and replacement videos, and error codes for server support.

The following illustration shows the QR code (http://ibm.co/114H7dt):
Figure 1. QR code
QR code
  • Features and specifications
    Use this table to view specific information about the blade server, such as blade server hardware features and the dimensions of the blade server.
  • What your blade server offers
    Your blade server offers features, such as the integrated management module, storage disk drive support, IBM® Systems Director, IBM Enterprise X-Architecture, microprocessor technology, integrated network support, I/O expansion, large system-memory capacity, light path diagnostics LEDs, PCI Express, and power throttling.
  • Reliability, availability, and serviceability features
    Three of the most important features in server design are reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS). These RAS features help to ensure the integrity of the data that is stored in the blade server, the availability of the blade server when you need it, and the ease with which you can diagnose and correct problems.
  • IBM Systems Director
    IBM Systems Director is a platform-management foundation that streamlines the way you manage physical and virtual systems in a heterogeneous environment.
  • Major components of the blade server
    Use this information to locate the major components on the blade server. The major components of the blade server include field replaceable units (FRUs), customer replaceable units (CRUs), and optional devices.
  • Working with a scalable blade complex
    You can assemble two BladeCenter HX5 blade servers together to create a scalable blade complex.
  • Safety and environmental notices
    Safety notices might occur anywhere in this documentation.
  • Notices
    This information was developed for products and services offered in the U.S.A.
  • Power, controls, and indicators
    Use this information to view power features, turn on and turn off the blade server, and view the functions of the controls and indicators.
  • System board layouts
    Use these system board layouts to locate connectors, LEDs, and switches on the system board of the blade server.