IBM eX5 server innovations

IBM Systems and Technology
Technical White Paper
April 2013
IBM eX5 server
innovations
Contents
1 Executive summary
2 eX5 servers integrate Intel
innovations
2 Further enhancements
offered by eX5 servers
3 System x memory with
Memory Access for eX5
3 eXFlash storage
4 Storwize V7000 storage
5 Quality of service features of
System x
5 Summary
Executive summary
With the number of interconnected devices in use increasing on a daily
basis, the amount of data generated and collected is also expanding
dramatically. All of this data must be stored, and much of it is used in
processor-intensive workloads such as in online transaction processing
(OLTP), business analytics and to identify business trends. These data,
storage needs and processor workloads place unprecedented demands on
information technology (IT) operations, but financial pressures force
many IT organizations to keep their budgets flat and, in some cases, to
reduce them.
In the past few years, Intel Xeon processors have evolved, making new
technologies available to assist with workload optimization. These inno-
vative technologies are maximized when implemented in the IBM eX5
line of servers, the current generation of IBM® X-Architecture®.
These powerful servers meet the need for efficient, cost-conscious
business operations, and optimize OLTP and analytics workloads.
IBM can partner with your company to help move your IT operations
toward greater efficiency.
This IBM publication describes some of the innovations—such as
Memory Access for eX5 (MAX5), IBM eXFlash Storage and
IBM Storwize® V7000—that enable eX5 servers to increase efficiency,
lower operating costs and maximize workload optimization. It is written
for IT professionals and decision-makers such as CEOs, CIOs, CFOs,
IBM clients, IBM Business Partners, information architects, business
intelligence administrators and database administrators.

2
April 2013IBM Systems and Technology
eX5 servers integrate Intel innovations
IBM is recognized for its strong product lines, hardware quality
and reliability and service excellence.1
IBM works constantly to
help its clients receive the maximum benefits of advancements
in technology. In a relatively short time, IBM worked to
combine IBM System x® technology with the innovative
advancements of Intel technology to accommodate additional
processing threads on a system.
Figure 1 shows the family of System x 4-socket servers, and
how processing thread capacity increased 20 times in a decade:
from 4 threads in 2001 to 80 threads in 2011. But in that same
time frame, the size of the processor decreased by more than
64 percent: from 90 nm to 32 nm.
IBM designed a family of enterprise-class eX5 servers that
draw upon Intel innovative QuickPath Interconnect (QPI)
architecture. This design provides scalability that is unprece-
dented in x86-based systems. With the world getting smarter
and the demands on IT increasing, eX5 enterprise-class servers
are able to provide form factors and scalability characteristics
that give businesses the flexibility and growth capabilities
they need.
The System x3690 X5, for example, is a 2-socket, rack-mounted
system, and the IBM BladeCenter® HX5 is a 2-socket blade
system. Using QPI technology, IBM designed the HX5 so that
a single-image, 4-socket server can be created by scaling a pair
of 2-socket BladeCenter HX5 servers. The System x3850 X5 is
a 4-socket, rack-mounted system. Similarly, using QPI technol-
ogy, it is possible to create a single-image, 8-socket, 80-core,
160-thread system by scaling two System x3850 X5 servers.
Further enhancements offered by
eX5 servers
Tremendous processing power is required from today’s systems.
However, processing power alone is insufficient for many
current IT workloads. Consider OLTP and virtualization:
in addition to processing power, OLTP and virtualization
also require increased memory and storage capacity. In a
well-balanced design, a system with tremendous processing
capabilities must not be constrained by a bottleneck in either
the memory or disk subsystems. The design of System x
includes further enhancements to allow for the creation
of a balanced design that is well-suited for the workload.
Figure 2 shows these enhancements and the following sections
provide details about each enhancement.
Threads
2001
90 nm
2003
65 nm
2005
65 nm
2007
45 nm
2010
45 nm
2011
32 nm
x445
Intel Xeon 7000
1 thread/core
1 core/chip
4 sockets/server
4 cores
4 threads
x460
Intel Xeon 7100
1 thread/core
2 cores/chip
4 sockets/server
8 cores
8 threads
System x3850
Intel Xeon 7300
1 thread/core
4 cores/chip
4 sockets/server
16 cores
16 threads
System x3850
Intel Xeon 7400
2 threads/core
6 cores/chip
4 sockets/server
24 cores
48 threads
System x3850 X5
Intel Xeon 7500
2 threads/core
8 cores/chip
4 sockets/server
32 cores
64 threads
System x3850 X5
Intel Xeon 8800
2 threads/core
10 cores/chip
4 sockets/server
40 cores
80 threads
Figure 1. Progression of thread capacity

3
System x memory with Memory Access
for eX5
Increases in server real memory often provide dramatic perfor-
mance improvement, because access to main memory is much
faster than access to disk. The more real memory a system has
available, the less often data needs to be fetched from the
slower disk subsystem. The System x3850 X5, for example, can
have up to 2 TB of RAM.
Because of the need to maximize the efficiency of IT utilization
and reduce idle time, virtualization is one of the highest-impact
trends in IT, with server virtualization one of the fastest-
growing IT initiatives for mid-size and large businesses. It is
estimated that nearly 50 percent of business applications
are hosted by virtualized servers.2
The Memory Access for
eX5 (MAX5) product addresses this trend. It provides up to
1 TB more memory without adding processors. If you combine
a System x3850 X5 with MAX5, the system allows for up to
3 TB of memory. MAX5 offers the following capabilities:
●● Can be added to any of the eX5 family of servers
●● Provides the additional memory needed for OLTP and
virtualization
●● Provides higher memory capacity with less expensive DIMMs
●● Expands memory capacity
●● Partitions memory to CPUs or pool
●● Adds memory without adding processor cores, thereby
reducing hardware and software costs
Virtualization does need considerable amounts of memory to
run effectively. In many cases, the amount of memory that is
required by the number of virtualized workloads the processor
cores can manage exceeds the amount of memory the system
board can accommodate. In this situation, the typical approach
used to be to add another server for the additional memory.
IBM designed eX5 so that you no longer need to add another
underutilized and expensive processor or processors. In fact,
if your applications or your need for virtualization require
large quantities of memory—more than the system board can
accommodate—eX5 servers are designed so you can expand
memory with the external MAX5 memory module.
MAX5 works exceptionally well for some workloads, such as
business intelligence.3
As of this writing, it provides the most
memory in the industry in 2-socket and 4-socket servers. The
ability to add memory without adding processor cores keeps
the licensing cost of the software flat, and increases the
performance capabilities of the system.
eXFlash storage
IBM eXFlash is a solid-state disk (SSD) storage subsystem4
that
uses unique, next-generation flash memory technology. An
SSD stores data by using flash memory technology, instead of
using spinning disks, such as hard disk drives (HDDs). The
flash memory retains its contents even when the power is lost.
This feature gives flash memory much faster access time, faster
throughput and less latency. It also uses the same interfaces that
HDDs use, so it can be easily replaced. eXFlash storage offers
the following features:
●● An SSD option for eX5 rack-mount servers
●● A combination backplane shuttle and disks,
as well as a compatible controller, which supports
RAID 5 and 6 configurations for greater data availability
●● A 1.8-inch form factor, with 50/200 GB capacities
●● Improved performance for some I/O-intensive workloads
System x MAX5 System x eXFlash Storage Storwize V7000 Uniﬁed Storage
Figure 2. System x hardware enhancements

4
The advantages of eXFlash are particularly useful in cases such
as highly transactional environments including data warehous-
ing, collaboration and financial scenarios, as well as in working
with imaging and video. Compared to a regular hard disk drive,
SSDs have lower write endurance, but that gap is narrowing as
the technology continues to improve. SSDs also are more
expensive than HDDs, therefore they tend to be used when
performance is the determining factor rather than size.
However, SSDs are closing that gap also. From 2000 to 2009,
HDD capacity grew five times, from 180 GB to 2 TB. In
that same time frame, SSD capacity grew 71 times, from
14 GB to 1 TB.5
System x eXFlash does more than provide an SSD. It combines
SSD technology with a special, optimized controller that deliv-
ers maximum I/O. Additionally, eXFlash offers considerable
storage density, reliability, energy savings and throughput.
Because of this design, it is ideal for a broad set of applications
from database and data warehousing, to video automation
and editing, imaging and more. eXFlash features that improve
storage include:
●● A backplane, RAID controller and choice of SSD
●● High random read/write performance—with I/O that is
100 to 1000 times better than 10K RPM HDDs
●● Low-power consumption of 2.3W maximum
●● A 200-GB drive that offers a maximum IOPS of 240 K
●● Eight 1.8-inch drives that fit in the same space as four
2.5-inch drives
●● Deployment of eight drives per eXFlash, with System
x3850 X5 supporting up to 16 SSDs, and System x3690 X5
supporting up to 24 SSDs
Storwize V7000 storage
As storage needs increase and IT budgets remain flat, there is
a growing need for storage systems to be efficient, intelligent
and automated for more flexibility and less complexity. The
solution is Storwize V7000, which provides high performance
and high availability, and includes large cache memory as a
base feature. The Storwize V7000 control enclosure has eight
8-Gbps Fibre Channel host ports and four 1-Gbps Internet
Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) host ports for
connectivity to the storage area network (SAN) fabric or host
servers. It is possible to have both Fibre Channel and iSCSI
host connectivity to a Storwize V7000. The following are the
primary features of StorwizeV7000:
●● Enterprise-class storage at a midrange price
●● Up to twelve 3.5-inch or twenty-four 2.5-inch drives or mix
sizes, HDD and SSD (RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6
and RAID 10)
●● Virtualization and thin provisioning to improve storage
utilization
●● Block and file storage in a single system
●● Cache and SSD option for improved performance
●● IBM System Storage® Easy Tier® software automatically
allocates SSDs for optimum performance
●● Intuitive icons and graphics for point-and-click system
management capability
●● The ability to move data as necessary and still maintain access
Storwize V7000 comes equipped with four 1-Gbps iSCSI
host ports with an RJ-45 connector for each port. It can
accommodate serial-attached SCSI (SAS) disk drives, Nearline
SAS disk drives and SSDs. Intermixing these drive types in
the Storwize V7000 control and expansion enclosures is also
supported, adding versatility.

5
Developed by IBM Research, the Storwize V7000 Easy Tier
software automatically scans files for high I/O usage and
moves them to higher-performing SSD drives for quick access.
IBM ProtecTIER® technology eliminates duplicate files.
IBM Real-time Compression™ Software further reduces the
storage footprint. IBM also designed non-disruptive migrations,
meaning that you can move data around, but you and your
clients can still access it, thus reducing one of the main causes
of planned downtime.
Quality of service features of System x
Figure 3 illustrates some of the value-added, industry-unique,
quality of service (QoS) features of eX5 System x servers.
Summary
Extending server memory capacity on IBM eX5 System x
servers with MAX5 increases the performance of many applica-
tion workloads, including database, web, file and authentication
and security applications. IBM software, combined with the
eX5 line of servers, brings the latest innovations to bear to
improve your OLTP and virtualized environment. These
powerful servers and accompanying software meet the need
for efficient, cost-conscious business operations, and optimize
OLTP and analytics workloads.
For more information
To learn more about IBM eX5 servers, please contact your
IBM representative or IBM Business Partner or visit the
following website: ibm.com/systems/info/x86servers/ex5/
Additionally, IBM Global Financing can help you acquire the
IT solutions that your business needs in the most cost-effective
and strategic way possible. We’ll partner with credit-qualified
clients to customize an IT financing solution to suit your
business goals, enable effective cash management, and improve
your total cost of ownership. IBM Global Financing is your
smartest choice to fund critical IT investments and propel
your business forward. For more information, visit:
ibm.com/financing
Quality-of-service features IBM System x
IBM Active Memory:
• Double-bit memory error recovery
• Multi-bit, DIMM level, memory error recovery
• Memory mirroring to provide data protection by a
simultaneous read/write to and from independent
and redundant memory cards.
IBM Predictive Failure Analysis:
Provides up to 48 hours notice that a component may
fail. Components include memory, hard disk drives,
CPUs, fans, blowers and voltage regulator modules on
select models.
IBM Light path Diagnostics:
Provides easy notiﬁcation and identiﬁcation of a failed
component, via an externally visible panel - even if the
power is off.
IBM Electronic Service Agent:
A no-charge software tool for System x servers that
calls directly to service department so clients have
minimal disruption.
Figure 3. Quality of service features of System x

About the authors
This paper was produced by a team of specialists from around
the world working at the International Technical Support
Organization (ITSO), Poughkeepsie Center.
Alfredo Gutierrez is a Manager in the IBM Competitive
Project Office. He manages the System x Competitive Research
team. Through publications and events, the team provides
information to differentiate IBM Software Group (SWG)
products on IBM System x hardware from competitive
solutions. Fred attended the University of Texas at El Paso
and is a graduate of Georgia State University. He serves as an
industry representative on the Texas State University Computer
Information Systems Advisory Board.
Karen Lawrence is a Technical Writer with the IBM ITSO
team in North Carolina. She has 25 years of experience in IT,
with expertise in application design, change management and
the software development lifecycle (SDLC). She has worked
with subject matter experts on leading technologies in global,
regulated enterprises in the areas of storage systems, security
and disaster recovery and the applications to support these.
Karen holds a bachelor degree in Business Administration from
Centenary College in New Jersey.
© Copyright IBM Corporation 2013
IBM Corporation
Route 100
Somers, NY 10589
Produced in the United States of America
April 2013
IBM, the IBM logo, ibm.com, X-Architecture, Storwize, System x,
BladeCenter, System Storage, Easy Tier, ProtecTIER, and
Real-time Compression are trademarks of International Business
Machines Corp., registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Other
product and service names might be trademarks of IBM or other
companies. A current list of IBM trademarks is available on the web at
“Copyright and trademark information” at ibm.com/legal/copytrade.shtml
Intel and Intel logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
This document is current as of the initial date of publication and may be
changed by IBM at any time. Not all offerings are available in every
country in which IBM operates.
It is the user’s responsibility to evaluate and verify the operation of any
other products or programs with IBM products and programs.
THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED
“AS IS” WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE AND ANY WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF
NON-INFRINGEMENT. IBM products are warranted according to the
terms and conditions of the agreements under which they are provided.
Actual available storage capacity may be reported for both uncompressed
and compressed data and will vary and may be less than stated.
1
Server reliability has come to the forefront of customer preferences as budgets
remain tight, published by TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS RESEARCH,
INC. at: http://public.dhe.ibm.com/common/ssi/ecm/en/xsl03032usen/
XSL03032USEN.PDF
2
IBM Virtualization Services http://www-935.ibm.com/services/us/its/pdf/
idc_white_paper_for_ibm_on_virtualization_srvcs-v2.pdf
3
Add Memory, Improve Performance, and Lower Costs with IBM MAX5
Technology at: http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/redp4846.html
4
Solid State Drives for OLTP Database Optimization: What Difference Can an
SSD Make?, 2012, at:
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/redp4849.html
5
SSDs and HDDs—how things changed in 10 years (inset) at:
http://www.storagesearch.com/bitmicro-art3.html
XSW03132-USEN-00

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