Product guide

Superior performance/U in a 4-socket, 2U server
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Ultra-Efficient Cooling
Strategically located fans, combined with efficient airflow paths, provide highly effective system
cooling for the x3755 M3. The server includes five hot-swap fans standard. These offer failover
capability. (The option of nonredundant fans is available via CTO.) In addition, each power supply
contains a fan.
The system contains two cooling zones. Zone 1 (incorporating four fans) cools the processors
and their associated memory. Zone 2 (one fan) cools the adapter slots.
The fans automatically adjust speeds in response to changing thermal requirements, from the
minimum speed to a maximum of 16,000 RPMs, depending on the zone and internal
temperatures. When the temperature inside the server increases, the fans speed up to maintain
the proper ambient temperature. When the temperature returns to a normal operating level, the
fans return to their default speed. Why not simply run the fans at 100% capacity all the time? For
several good reasons: to reduce the ambient noise, reduce the wear-and-tear on the fans and
reduce the server power draw. The reduction in ambient noise and power draw may be relatively
minor for a single server, but put dozens or hundreds in a data center and it can make a big
difference.
In addition, the server uses hexagonal ventilation holes in the chassis. Hexagonal holes can be
grouped more densely than round holes, providing greater airflow through the system cover.
This cooling scheme is important because newer, more powerful processors generate a
significant amount of heat, and heat must be controlled for the system to function properly.
Hot-Swap/Redundant Components
System availability is maximized through the extensive use of hot-swap and redundant
components, including:
• Redundant memory protection (with Chipkill and/or online memory sparing enabled)
• Hot-swap, redundant hard disk drives (with RAID-1/10 or 1/10/5/50 protection standard and
RAID-5 or 6/60 optional)
• Hot-swap, redundant power supplies (optional via CTO)—Energy Star-compliant (80+ Gold);
up to 92% efficient
• Hot-swap, redundant cooling fans
Light Path Diagnostics
Light path diagnostics enables a technician to quickly identify and locate a failed or failing system
component, such as a specific fan or memory DIMM. This enables quick replacement of the
component, which helps increase server uptime and lower operating costs.
The front of the server has an LED indicator light to show possible component failures. If the front
LED indicates an error condition, by pressing a button on the front of the server an LED panel will
pop out and drop down for easy viewing without the need to open the server cover or remove the
server from the rack. The light path diagnostics panel tells the servicer which component requires
attention. In addition, many components have their own identifying LEDs. For example, each of
the memory modules has an LED next to the DIMM slot, as do all processors, all adapter slots, all
fans, the power supply, the voltage regulator modules and the service processor. This allows the
servicer to easily identify exactly which component needs servicing. By following the “light path,”
the component can be replaced quickly, and without guesswork. (Note: In the event of a failed
DIMM or processor, the system will restart and mark the component as bad while offline, thus
allowing the system to continue running, with reduced capacity, until serviced.)
Other Features
• Trusted Platform Module standard — This module provides a highly secure start-up process
from power-on through hand-off to the operating system boot loader. ACPI support is provided
to allow ACPI-enabled operating systems to access the security features of this module. (TCG
V1.2-compliant.)
• Five USB 2.0 ports — Provides flexibility to add high-speed external devices. The USB 2.0
specification supports up to 480Mbps transfer rates. (Note: Not all USB 2.0 devices are
capable of achieving this rate.) Two ports are provided on the front of the server, two are on
the back, and 1 is internal to support an optional flash memory key with embedded hypervisor.
• Toolless slides — Allows quick rack installation and quicker upgrade and servicing of the
server.
• Toolless chassis — The cover can be opened without tools, and many components can be
added or replaced without tools, including processors, DIMMs, hot-swap HDDs, PCIe
adapters, an optional optical drive, and the integrated or optional ServeRAID controller. This