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Introduction

The Lenovo Flex System x280 X6, x480 X6, and x880 X6 Compute Node Types 7196 and 4258 is a high-availability, scalable compute node that is optimized to support the next-generation microprocessor technology and is ideally suited for medium and large businesses.

The Lenovo Flex System x280 X6, x480 X6, and x880 X6 Compute Node is supported in the Lenovo Flex System Enterprise Chassis only.

The Lenovo Flex System x280 X6, x480 X6, and x880 X6 Compute Node is functionally identical except for the scaling capabilities of the installed microprocessors.
Table 1. Compute node scaling capabilities.

Three column table.

Compute nodeScaling capabilityMicroprocessor family
Lenovo Flex System x280 X6One-node configurations only2800
Lenovo Flex System x480 X6One-node and two-node configurations4800
Lenovo Flex System x880 X6One-node, two-node, and four-node configurations8800

The scaling capabilities of the Lenovo Flex System x280 X6, x480 X6, and x880 X6 Compute Node allows you to form a scalable partition. Combining the compute nodes in a scalable partition provides for FlexNode partitioning. With FlexNode partitioning, you can toggle between a single partition or multiple partitions without having to modify the physical setup of the compute nodes. For more information about scalable partitions and FlexNode partitioning, see Working with scalable partitions.

Packaged with the compute node are software CDs that help you configure hardware, install device drivers, and install the operating system.

To download the latest firmware and device drivers, go to the Fix Central website and enter the compute node machine type in the Product selector field.

The compute node 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 compute node. This document is available on the Lenovo Documentation CD.

You can obtain up-to-date information about the compute node at the Lenovo Systems website.

The compute node might have features that are not described in the documentation that comes with the compute node. 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 compute node documentation. To obtain the most up-to-date documentation for this product, go to the Flex Information Center website.

You can subscribe to information updates that are specific to your compute node at the My notifications website.

The model number and serial number are on the ID label on the bezel on the front of the compute node, and on a label on the bottom of the compute node that is visible when the compute node is not in the Lenovo Flex System chassis. If the compute node comes with an RFID tag, the RFID tag covers the ID label on the bezel on the front of the compute node but you can open the RFID tag to see the ID label behind it.

Note
The illustrations in this document might differ slightly from your hardware.

compute node illustration

The system service label, which is on the cover of the compute node, provides a quick response (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 Lenovo service information website. The Lenovo service information website provides additional information for parts installation and replacement videos, and error codes for compute node support.

The following illustration shows the QR code for the Lenovo Flex System x280 X6, x480 X6, and x880 X6 Compute Node.


Graphic illustrating the QR code
  • Related documentation
    Use this information to identify and locate related compute node documentation.
  • Brocade documentation
    Use this information to identify and locate related Brocade documentation.
  • The Lenovo Documentation CD
    The Lenovo Documentation CD contains documentation for the compute node in Portable Document Format (PDF). It includes a documentation browser to help you find information quickly.
  • Notices and statements in this document
    Use this information to understand the most common documentation notices and statements and how they are used.
  • Features and specifications
    Use this information to view specific information about the compute node, such as compute node hardware features and the dimensions of the compute node.
  • What your compute node offers
    Your compute node offers features such as the integrated management module II, hard disk drive support, systems-management support, microprocessor technology, integrated network support, I/O expansion, large system-memory capacity, light path diagnostics, PCI Express, and power throttling.
  • Lenovo XClarity Administrator
    Lenovo XClarity Administrator is a centralized, resource-management solution that simplifies infrastructure management, speeds responses, and enhances the availability of Lenovo® server systems and solutions. It runs as a virtual appliance that automates discovery, inventory, tracking, monitoring, and provisioning for Lenovo servers, Flex System servers, and RackSwitch switches in a secure environment.
  • Reliability, availability, and serviceability features
    Three of the most important features in compute node design are reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS). These RAS features help to ensure the integrity of the data that is stored in the compute node, the availability of the compute node when you need it, and the ease with which you can diagnose and correct problems.
  • Major components of the compute node
    Use this information to locate the major components on the compute node. The major components of the compute node include field replaceable units (FRUs), customer replaceable units (CRUs), and optional devices.
  • Power, controls, and indicators
    Use this information to view power features, turn on and turn off the compute node, and view the functions of the controls and indicators.
  • System-board layouts
    Use this information to locate the connectors, LEDs, jumpers, and switches on the system board.
  • Working with scalable partitions
    This topic provides information about connecting multiple compute nodes together to create scalable partitions.
  • Safety
    Before installing this product, read the Safety Information.