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What your compute node offers

Your compute node offers features such as the integrated management module 2, hard disk drive support, systems-management support, Lenovo X-Architecture, microprocessor technology, integrated network support, large system-memory capacity, light path diagnostics LEDs, PCI Express, and power throttling.

  • Features on Demand

    If a Features on Demand feature is integrated in the compute node or in an optional device that is installed in the compute node, you can purchase an activation key to activate the feature. For information about Features on Demand, see Features on Demand.

  • Flexible network support

    The compute node provides flexible network capabilities:

    • Models with embedded virtual fabric

      The integrated dual-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet controller supports connections to a 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps network through an Ethernet-compatible switch module in the chassis. The controller supports connections at 10 Gb. The controller also supports Wake on LAN technology. You can install an additional I/O expansion adapter for network support.

    • Models without embedded virtual fabric

      The compute node has connectors on the system board for optional expansion adapters for adding network communication capabilities to the compute node. You can install up to two I/O expansion adapters for network support. This provides the flexibility to install expansion adapters that support a variety of network communication technologies.

  • Hard disk drive support

    The compute node supports up to two hot-swap hard disk drives. You can implement RAID 0 or RAID 1 for the drives.

  • Lenovo ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD

    The ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD, which you can download from the web, provides programs to help you set up the compute node and install a Windows operating system. The ServerGuide program detects installed optional hardware devices and provides the correct configuration programs and device drivers. For more information, see Using the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD.

  • Lenovo X-Architecture

    Lenovo X-Architecture systems combine proven, innovative designs to make your x86-processor-based compute node powerful, scalable, and reliable.

  • Integrated management module II (IMM2)

    The integrated management module II (IMM2) combines systems-management functions, video controller, the remote presence, and blue-screen capture features in a single chip. The IMM2 provides advanced systems-management control, monitoring, and alerting functions. If an environmental condition exceeds a threshold or if a system component fails, the IMM2 lights LEDs to help you diagnose the problem, records the error in the IMM event log, and alerts you to the problem.

    Optionally, the IMM2 also provides a virtual presence capability for remote systems-management capabilities. The IMM2 provides remote systems management through industry-standard interfaces:
    • Common Information Model (CIM)
    • Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) version 2.0
    • Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) version 3.0
    • Web browser

    For more information, see Accessing the IMM2.

  • Large system-memory capacity

    The compute node supports up to 768 GB of system memory. The memory controller provides support for up to 24 industry-standard registered ECC DDR3 low-profile (LP) DIMMs on the system board. For the most current list of supported DIMMs, see the Lenovo ServerProven website.

  • Light path diagnostics

    Light path diagnostics provides light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to help you diagnose problems. For more information, see Light path diagnostics.

  • Microprocessor technology

    The compute node supports up to two multi-core IntelXeon microprocessors. For more information about supported microprocessors, see the Lenovo ServerProven website.

    Note
    The optional microprocessors that Lenovo supports are limited by the capacity and capability of the compute node. Any microprocessor that you install must have the same specifications as the microprocessor that came with the compute node.

  • PCI Express

    PCI Express is a serial interface that is used for chip-to-chip interconnect and expansion adapter interconnect. You can add optional I/O and storage devices.

    The optional Flex System PCIe Expansion Node supports additional PCIe adapters and I/O expansion adapters to provide a cost-effective way for you to increase and customize the capabilities of the compute node. For additional information, see the PCIe expansion node information page.

  • Power throttling

    By enforcing a power policy known as power-domain oversubscription, the Flex System chassis can share the power load between two or more power supply modules to ensure sufficient power for each device in the Flex System chassis. This policy is enforced when the initial power is applied to the Flex System chassis or when a compute node is inserted into the Flex System chassis.

    The following settings for this policy are available:
    • Basic power management
    • Power module redundancy
    • Power module redundancy with compute node throttling allowed

    You can configure and monitor the power environment by using the Chassis Management Module. For more information, see the Flex System Chassis Management Module: Command-Line Interface Reference Guide.

  • Systems-management support

    The compute node IMM2 provides a web interface for remote systems-management support. You can use the interface to view system status and to control systems-management functions and IMM management settings.

    The IMM2 communicates with the Flex SystemChassis Management Module and Flex System Manager management software (if installed).
    • The CMM is a hot-swap module that provides systems-management functions for all components in an Flex System chassis. It controls a serial port for remote connection and a 1 Gbps Ethernet remote-management connection. For more information, see the Flex System Chassis Management Module: Command-Line Interface Reference Guide.
    • The Lenovo XClarity Administrator is a virtual appliance that you can use to manage Flex System chassis in a secure environment. The Lenovo XClarity Administrator provides a central interface to perform the following functions for all managed endpoints:
      • User management
      • Hardware monitoring and management
      • Configuration management
      • Operating system deployment
      • Firmware management
      For more information, see the Lenovo XClarity Administrator information page.
    • The Flex System Manager management software is a platform-management foundation that streamlines the way you manage physical and virtual systems in a heterogeneous environment. By using industry standards, Flex System Manager management software supports multiple operating systems and virtualization technologies. For more information, see "Flex System Manager Software: Installation and Service Guide".

  • Lenovo XClarity Administrator

    Lenovo XClarity Administrator is a centralized resource-management solution that enables administrators to deploy infrastructure faster and with less effort. The solution seamlessly integrates into System x, ThinkServer, and NeXtScale servers, as well as the Flex System converged infrastructure platform.

    Lenovo XClarity Administrator provides:

    • Automated discovery

    • Agent-free hardware management

    • Monitoring

    • Firmware updates and compliance

    • Pattern-based configuration management

    • Deployment of operating systems and hypervisors

    Administrators are able to find the right information and accomplish critical tasks faster through an uncluttered, dashboard-driven graphical user interface (GUI). Centralizing and automating foundational infrastructure deployment and lifecycle management tasks across large pools of systems frees up administrator time, and makes resources available to end-users faster.

    Lenovo XClarity is easily extended into the leading virtualization management platforms from Microsoft and VMware using software plug-ins, called Lenovo XClarity Integrators. The solution improves workload uptime and service-level assurance by dynamically relocating workloads from affected hosts in the cluster during rolling server reboots or firmware updates, or during predicted hardware failures.

    For more information about Lenovo XClarity Administrator, see the the Lenovo XClarity website and the Lenovo XClarity Administrator Information Center website.

  • Installing Lenovo XClarity Administrator

    • Installing Lenovo XClarity Administrator for the first time

      The initial setup of Lenovo XClarity Administrator involves preparing the network, installing and configuring the Lenovo XClarity Administrator virtual appliance, managing systems, and optionally setting up automatic problem notification.

      There are a number of different ways to connect manageable systems to the network and to set up the Lenovo XClarity Administrator to manage those systems based on the network topology that is implemented in your environment. For guidance for installing the Lenovo XClarity Administrator in VMware ESXi-based and Hyper-V environments, see Installing and setting up Lenovo XClarity Administrator.

    • Free 90-day trial

      Lenovo XClarity Administrator offers a free, 90-day trial license that enables you to use all available features (including operating-system deployment, firmware maintenance, and configuration management) for a limited time.

      After 90 days, you can continue to use Lenovo XClarity Administrator to manage and monitor your hardware for free; however, you must purchase a full-function-enablement license to continue using Lenovo XClarity Administrator to configure your hardware using Configuration Patterns and to deploy operating systems. You can purchase Lenovo XClarity Administrator licenses from your Lenovo seller or business partner.

      For information about installing the license, see Updating the Lenovo XClarity Administrator management server.

    • Updating Lenovo XClarity Administrator

      You can download or import Lenovo XClarity Administrator updates and install the updates from the Lenovo XClarity Administrator web interface. For information about updating a Lenovo XClarity Administrator, see Updating the Lenovo XClarity Administrator management server.Ensure that you carefully read the Installation and Setup Instructions in the Invgy_sw_lxca_***_anyos_noarch.txt file that is provided in the update package .zip file.