IBM System x3850 X6
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Upgrading to an 8-socket system
The x3850 X6 server has a flexible modular design that allows you to increase the server’s compute
power and I/O capabilities by adding additional Compute Books and I/O Books. The modular design also
means that if your business needs additional processing or I/O capability within the same system image,
then it is possible to migrate to an eight-socket x3950 X6.
IBM supports upgrading a 4-socket X6 server to an 8-socket X6 server. The two recommended methods
are as follows:
Start with a 4-socket x3950 X6 (8U chassis) and add additional processors when needed
Start with a 4-socket x3850 X6 (4U chassis) and upgrade it when needed using an RPQ process
Option 1: Start with a 4-socket x3950 X6
With this option, you plan for the need for future 8-socket performance in advance and purchase an x3950
X6 with only four Compute Books installed. The initial order would contain:
Four Compute Books with E7-8800 v2 series processors
Four Power Supplies (preferably 1400W)
Two Primary IO Book standard
Two Storage Book Standard
Once the need arises to upgrade the server to six or eight processors, simply purchase more Compute
Books with the same processor model, plus additional power supplies (as determined by using the Power
Configurator), I/O Books, adapters and drives as needed.
For information about the x3950 X6, see the IBM System x3950 X6 Product Guide:
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/tips1132.html?Open
Option 2: Upgrade your 4-socket x3850 X6 using an RPQ
With this option, you don’t have to plan for 8-socket capacity up front. You start with an x3850 X6 then
when you are ready to upgrade to a 6-socket or 8-socket server, you purchase an upgrade offering via an
IBM Techline RPQ.
As part of the RPQ, an IBM service engineer comes onsite with the new mechanical chassis and performs
the field upgrade by transferring all components to the new chassis. This method also requires the x3850
X6 compute books be the same E7-8800 v2 processors as ordered for the RPQ, however, in this
scenario, the server maintain the original serial number.
Note
: Use of E7-4800 v2 processors: Intel Xeon E7-4800 v2 processors cannot be used in an x3950 X6. If
your x3850 X6 has Compute Books with E7-4800 v2 processors, then these must be replaced with
Compute Books with E7-8800 v2 processors if you plan to upgrade to an x3950 X6. The memory in the
Compute Books can be reused in the x3950 X6, however.
For this method, contact IBM Techline in your country for assessment and pricing. The existing x3850 X6
configuration will be evaluated and recommendations will be made based on the workload requirements.
The primary part number for the upgrade is the 4U-2-8U Upgrade Option, 44X4058, however additional
part numbers will be required. All the components in the option package will be installed in the top portion
of the chassis. The 4U system's components will be transferred to the bottom section of the chassis.
Even though this upgrade requires a new 8U chassis replacing the existing 4U chassis, the majority of
internal components can be moved from the x3850 X6 to the x3950 X6.