Lenovo 6241, Installation And Service Manual

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Server scalability
This topic provides information about scaling from a 4-socket to an 8-socket configuration.
The Lenovo System x3850 X6 and x3950 X6 server uses a direct QPI connection topology through the
midplane to scale from a x3850 X6 (4-socket configuration) to a x3950 X6 (8-socket configuration) server.
The x3950 X6 is achieved by utilizing the 8-socket chassis, the 8-socket midplane, and the 8-socket shuttle
(which comes in the x3950 X6 4-socket to 8-socket Upgrade Kit), in addition to all of components used for
the x3850 X6. All components are interchangeable between both the x3850 X6 and the x3950 X6
configurations, except the chassis, mid-planes, shuttle, and the E7-8xxx microprocessors.
Note: The upgrade of the server from a 4-socket to an 8-socket system must be performed by a service
technician.
The x3950 X6 has two nodes that have their own resources as independent servers.
The server power is distributed through the server midplane. In the x3950 X6 (8-socket) configuration, the
power subsystem is divided into two separate nodes, the top node and the bottom node.
Note: Power is not shared between the top node and the bottom node of the x3950 X6 configuration. Each
node must have its own set of power supplies.
For additional information, see “FlexNode support” on page 19 and “Configuring a multinode system” on
page 131.
FlexNode support
This topic provides information about using FlexNode support to reconfiguring a multinode 8-socket
configuration into two stand-alone 4-socket configurations.
The Lenovo System x3850 X6 and x3950 X6 server provides support for reconfiguring a multinode server into
two independent, stand-alone servers, known as FlexNode support (also called Scalable Complex). When
FlexNode support is enabled, each scalable partition can support its own independent operating-system
installation. Each scalable partition has its own local resources as an independent server, and cannot access
the resources or boot the operating system of another stand-alone server while FlexNode is enabled. The
default setting for the x3950 X6 (8-socket) system is one 8-socket partition. The FlexNode (Scalable
Complex) is a feature of the Integrated Management Module II (IMM2).
Note: The server must be powered off when you enable FlexNode support.
You can manage FlexNode support in two ways:
• Using the IMM2 web interface
• Using the IMM2 telnet interface
For more information on using the IMM2 web interface and the IMM2 telnet interface to manage nodes, see
“Configuring a multinode system” on page 131.
Chapter 1
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The Lenovo System x3850 X6 and x3950 X6 Type 6241 server
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