IBM eX5 Implementation Guide

Chapter 4. IBM System x3690 X5 121

4.1.2 IBM MAX5 memory expansion unit

The IBM MAX5 for System x (MAX5) memory expansion unit has 32 DDR3 DIMM sockets,

one or two 675-watt power supplies, and five 40 mm hot-swap speed-controlled fans. It

provides added memory and multinode scaling support for host servers.

The MAX5 memory expansion unit is based on eX5, the next generation of Enterprise

X-Architecture (EXA). The MAX5 expansion unit is designed for performance, expandability,

and scalability. The fans and power supplies use hot-swap technology for easier replacement

without requiring that you turn off the expansion module.

Figure 4-5 shows the x3690 X5 with the attached MAX5.

Figure 4-5 x3690 X5 with the attached MAX5 memory expansion unit

The MAX5 has the following specifications:

򐂰 IBM EXA5 chip set.

򐂰 Intel memory controller with eight memory ports (four DIMMs on each port).

򐂰 Intel QPI architecture technology to connect the MAX5 to the x3690 X5. There are two

QPI links and each QPI link operates at up to 6.4 GT/s depending on the processors

installed.

򐂰 Memory DIMMs:

– Minimum: 2 DIMMs, 4 GB.

– Maximum: 32 DIMM connectors (up to 512 GB of memory using 16 GB DIMMs).

– Type of DIMMs: PC3-10600, 1067 MHz, error checking and correction (ECC), and

DDR3 registered SDRAM DIMMs.

– Support for 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB DIMMs.

important: The x3950 X5 top cover cannot be removed and the server remain powered

on. If the top cover is removed, the server powers off immediately.

122 IBM eX5 Implementation Guide

򐂰 Five hot-swap 40 mm fans.

򐂰 Power supply:

– Hot-swap power supplies with built-in fans for redundancy support.

– 675-watt (110 - 220 V ac auto-sensing).

– One power supply standard; a second redundant power supply is optional.

򐂰 Light path diagnostics LEDs:

–Board LED

– Configuration LED

– Fan LEDs

– Link LED (for QPI and EXA5 links)

– Locate LED

– Memory LEDs

– Power-on LED

– Power supply LEDs

򐂰 Physical specifications:

– Width: 483 mm (19.0 inches)

– Depth: 724 mm (28.5 inches)

– Height: 44 mm (1.73 inches) (1U rack unit)

– Basic configuration: 12.8 kg (28.2 lb)

– Maximum configuration: 15.4 kg (33.9 lb)

With the addition of the MAX5 memory expansion unit, the x3690 X5 gains an additional 32

DIMM sockets for a total of 64 DIMM sockets. Using 16 GB DIMMs, you can install a total of

1TB of RAM.

All DIMM sockets in the MAX5 are accessible, regardless of whether one or two processors

are installed in the x3690 X5.

Figure 4-6 shows the ports at the rear of the MAX5 memory expansion unit. When connecting

the MAX5 to an x3690 X5, the QPI ports are used. The EXA ports are unused.

Figure 4-6 MAX5 connectors and LEDs

Figure 4-7 on page 123 shows the internals of the MAX5, including the IBM EXA chip that

acts as the interface to the QPI links from the x3690 X5.

Tip: The MAX5 that is used with the x3690 X5 is the same as the MAX5 offered with the

x3850 X5.

Power-on

LED

Locate

LED

System

error

LED

AC LED (green)

DC LED (green)

Power supply

fault (error) LED

QPI

port 1

Power

connectors

EXA port 1

LEDlink

EXA port 2

LEDlink

EXA port 3

LEDlink

EXA

port 1

EXA

port 2

EXA

port 3

QPI

port 2

QPI

port 3

QPI

port 4