Lenovo 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 v3 or v4 series processors (not E7-4800 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 Lenovo System x3950 X6 Product Guide:
http://lenovopress.com/tips1251
Note: It is supported to install E7-4800-based Compute Books in a x3950 X6 from either an System x3850
X6 (machine type 3837) or a Lenovo System x3850 X6 (machine type 6241)
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
RPQ.
As part of the RPQ, a 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 series processors as ordered for the RPQ, however, in this scenario,
the server maintain the original serial number.
Note: Use of E7-4800 processors: Intel Xeon E7-4800 v2/v3/v4 processors cannot be used in an x3950
X6. If your x3850 X6 has Compute Books with E7-4800 processors, then these must be replaced with
Compute Books with E7-8800 processors if you plan to upgrade to an x3950 X6. The memory in the
Compute Books can be reused in the x3950 X6, however (provided the selected processors support the
memory type, DDR3 or DDR4).
For this method, submit an RPQ for assessment and pricing. The existing x3850 X6 configuration will be
evaluated and recommendations will be made based on the workload requirements.
The major parts of the 4U to 8U upgrade are the 8U chassis, the Storage Book and the Primary I/O Book.
All the components in the 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.
The x3850 X6 components that can be migrated to the x3950 X6 as part of the RPQ upgrade are:
Compute Books, provided they use Intel Xeon E7-8800 processors
All memory DIMMs
Storage Book
All internal drives
Primary I/O Book (and associated fans)
Half-length I/O Books
Full-length I/O Books
Lenovo System x3850 X6 (6241)
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