IBM PureFlex System and IBM Flex System Products and Technology

8 IBM PureFlex System and IBM Flex System Products and Technology

1.4.2 IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis

The IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis offers compute, networking, and storage

capabilities far exceeding those currently available. With the ability to handle up 14 compute

nodes, intermixing POWER7 and Intel x86, the Enterprise Chassis provides flexibility and

tremendous compute capacity in a 10-U package. Additionally, the rear of the chassis

accommodates four high speed networking switches. With interconnecting compute nodes,

networking, and storage using a high performance and scalable mid-plane, Enterprise

Chassis can support 40 Gb speeds.

The ground-up design of the Enterprise Chassis reaches new levels of energy efficiency

through innovations in power, cooling, and air flow. Simpler controls and futuristic designs

allow the Enterprise Chassis to break free of “one size fits all” energy schemes.

The ability to support the workload demands of tomorrow’s workloads is built in with a new IO

architecture, which provides choice and flexibility in fabric and speed. With the ability to use

Ethernet, InfiniBand, FC, FCoE, and iSCSI, the Enterprise Chassis is uniquely positioned to

meet the growing IO needs to the IT industry.

Figure 1-2 shows the IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis.

Figure 1-2 The IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis

1.4.3 Compute nodes

IBM Flex System offers compute nodes that vary in architecture, dimension, and capabilities.

Optimized for efficiency, density, performance, reliability, and security, the portfolio includes

the following IBM POWER7-based and Intel Xeon-based nodes:

򐂰 IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node, a two socket Intel Xeon-based compute node

򐂰 IBM Flex System x220 Compute Node, a cost-optimized two-socket Intel Xeon-based

compute node