BM System x iDataPlex dx360 M4 server offers maximum performance with the new Intel Xeon Phi co-processor and the latest NVIDIA GPUs
IBM United States Hardware Announcement 112-225November 13, 2012
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| At a glance |
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The IBM® System x® iDataPlex® dx360 M4 is a half-depth, dual-socket server designed for data centers that require high performance, yet are constrained on floor space, power, and cooling infrastructure. The dx360 M4 is equipped with the latest Intel Xeon™ E5-2600 Series processors and is ideal for clients that need a dense, flexible solution with low total cost of ownership.
New features of the iDataPlex dx360 M4 server
Support for up to two of the new Intel Xeon Phi co-processors or NVIDIA GPUs per 2U chassis
- Intel Xeon Phi 5110P
- NVIDIA Tesla K20
- NVIDIA Tesla K20X
- NVIDIA VGX K1
- NVIDIA VGX K2
Easy-to-order dual compute dx360 M4 standard models and CTO (build your own) models are now available in Standalone Solutions Configurator Tool (SSCT), IBM Hardware Configurator (Blue Horizons), and IBM System x and Cluster Solutions configurator (x-config).
IBM service options: Three-year customer replaceable unit (CRU) and on-site1 limited warranty2 .
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| Overview |
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IBM System x iDataPlex is an innovative data center solution for users of High Performance Computing (HPC) clusters, grid deployment, and large-scale cloud and virtualization infrastructures who want to reduce power, cooling, or physical space. It represents a new approach for maximum usable density in the data center through innovation at the server level, at the rack level, and at the data center level.
An iDataPlex solution is built with industry-standard components to create flexible configurations of servers, chassis, and networking switches that integrate easily. Customized solutions for your applications can be configured to meet your specific business needs for maximum compute power, GPU acceleration, and the right I/O and networking.
In addition to flexibility at the server level, iDataPlex offers flexibility at the rack level. The iDataPlex can be cabled either through the bottom (if it is set on a raised floor) or from the ceiling. Front-access cabling and Direct Dock Power enable you to quickly and easily make changes in networking, power connections, and storage. The rack also supports multiple networking topologies including Ethernet, InfiniBand, and Fibre Channel.
For iDataPlex Integrated Solutions, IBM manufacturing sites fully integrate the components on site and test them as a complete solution before shipping the rack to your location. When you receive the rack, it is removed from the packaging, placed in its proper location, powered up, and connected to the network in minimal time. IBM personnel confirm that the servers and network are functioning properly before acceptance.
With the optional IBM Rear Door Heat eXchanger as part of an iDataPlex solution, you can have a high-density data center environment that can alleviate the cooling challenges. With further adjustments, the Rear Door Heat eXchanger can help cool the room -- helping to reduce the need for air conditioning in the data center.
- 1 You may be asked certain diagnostic questions before a technician is sent.
- 2 For information on IBM's Statement of Limited Warranty, contact your IBM representative. Copies are available upon request.
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| Key prerequisites |
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- Supported operating system
- USB CD-RW/DVD drive
- Device drivers, as required
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| Planned availability date |
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February 18, 2013
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| Description |
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The iDataPlex dx360 M4 system-board tray uses the following features and technologies:
- Two PCI Express® x16 adapter capabilities
The system-board tray has two connectors for PCI Express adapters. These connectors accept standard x16 or x8 adapters.
- Dynamic System Analysis (DSA) programs
The DSA programs collect and analyze system information to aid in diagnosing problems. The diagnostic programs collect a large amount of information, some of which is listed below:
- System configuration
- Network interfaces and settings
- Installed hardware
- Service processor status and configuration
- Vital product data, firmware, and uEFI configuration
- RAID controller configuration and status
- Event logs for ServeRAID controllers and service processors
- Operating system configuration3
- Installed device drivers3
- System services3
- 3 Online DSA only.
DSA comes in both online (run under the operating system) and preboot (runs its own media) versions. Online DSA, which is a web download, collects additional software information and operating system vital product data. DSA Preboot runs additional diagnostics, such as the memory test which can help to detect faulty hardware. Both versions can transmit data back to IBM for analysis by service and support or can have the results analyzed locally.
- Integrated Management Module (IMM)
The Integrated Management Module combines the baseboard management controller (BMC) and video controller functions in a single chip that provides basic service-processor environmental monitoring functions. If an environmental condition exceeds a threshold or if a system component fails, LEDs are illuminated on the BMC to help you diagnose the problem and the error is recorded in the error log. The BMC also provides remote server management capabilities, using the Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) version 2.0 protocol.
Note: In messages and documentation, the term "service processor" refers to the baseboard management controller.
- Integrated network support
The system-board tray comes with an integrated Intel™ dual-port Gigabit Ethernet controller, which supports connection to a 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps network.
- Storage capacity
The system-board tray supports one 3.5-inch simple-swap SATA, or two 2.5-inch simple-swap SATA/SAS/SSD, or four 1.8-inch simple-swap solid-state HDDs. An optional SAS controller must be installed for specific configurations.
- Supported memory options
The dx360 M4 server system-board tray can address up to 512 GB of system memory. The memory controller supports up to 16 industry-standard, registered ECC double-data-rate 3 (DDR3) -1066 DIMMs, -1333 DIMMs, and -1600 DIMMs or unbuffered ECC double-data-rate 3 (DDR3) -800 DIMMs, -1066 DIMMs, -1333 DIMMs, and -1600 DIMMs.
- Memory mirroring
Memory mirroring stores data in two pairs of DIMMs simultaneously.
- Redundant connection
The addition of an optional network interface card (NIC) provides a failover capability to a redundant Ethernet connection. If a problem occurs with the primary Ethernet connection, all Ethernet traffic that is associated with the primary connection is automatically switched to the redundant NIC. If the applicable device drivers are installed, this switching can occur without data loss and without user intervention.
- ServeRAID support
The dx360 M4 server system-board tray supports ServeRAID adapters to create redundant array of independent disks (RAID) configurations.
IBM System x iDataPlex Rack (7825)
This specially designed rack is used in iDataPlex configurations.
The iDataPlex Rack is designated as IBM-installed for easy on-site installation. This designation, coupled with the factory integration services and optional on-site installation and verification of software, results in a ready-to-run cluster system.
The iDataPlex solution offers increased density in a holistic rack design for up to 100U: 84U of compute and 16U for network and PDU infrastructure. The mechanical design is optimized for cooling efficiency with half the airflow distance to reduce the amount of heat produced and cooling required.
For ease of serviceability, all hard drive, planar, and I/O access is from the front of the rack.
IBM System x iDataPlex 2U chassis (7913)
- SAS, SATA, and SSD hard drive support
- Shared high-efficiency power supply (optional redundant supply)
- Shared low-power consuming fans
- Choice of SAS, Ethernet, or iSCSI host interface
Power and cooling advantages
iDataPlex servers help pack more processors into the same power and cooling envelope, better utilizing floor space, and "right size" data center design. With the iDataPlex solution, less power per processor means more processing capacity per kilowatt. The iDataPlex can run cooler to deliver greater reliability.
IBM System x iDataPlex Rear Door Heat eXchanger (43V6048)
For dense data center environments, IBM offers smart rack-level heat management solutions such as the super-efficient IBM Rear Door Heat eXchanger. The water-cooled door is designed to dissipate heat generated from the back of the rack to reduce the overall room temperature. With this combination of benefits at the server and data center level, IBM systems deliver strong power and cooling benefits to iDataPlex clients.
The iDataPlex Rear Door Heat eXchanger for iDataPlex racks helps reduce the air temperature in your growing data center to approximately the same air temperature as that entering the rack, alleviating the need to add air conditioning units. This unobtrusive solution brings more cooling capacity to areas where the heat is greatest, around racks of servers with multiple, more powerful processors.
This cooling efficiency can help alleviate or even eliminate the need for additional air conditioning power and the associated construction cost.
Lab services
iDataPlex installation planning
Features:
- Assess the client's air conditioning and air distribution in support of iDataPlex systems
- Evaluate the need for any Rear Door Heat eXchanger installations and offer necessary guidance
- Review the iDataPlex power specifications based on the client's hardware configurations and offer necessary guidance
Typical benefits:
- Offers accurate environmental information as required for supporting iDataPlex systems most reliably
- Identifies the most efficient approach to the iDataPlex system cooling and ventilation needs
- Reduces potential installation shortfalls with open and ongoing communication with the client surrounding their specific iDataPlex system requirements
iDataPlex Systems Management
The System x iDataPlex product family offers systems management support through standards-based, scriptable interfaces. This support starts with the embedded Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) baseboard management controller (BMC).
For rapid diagnosis of problems, iDataPlex supports IBM Dynamic System Analysis (DSA) preboot diagnostics and online data collection for problem determination in supported Microsoft™ Windows™ and Linux™ environments. Refer to the Dynamic System Analysis product documentation for additional detail on DSA features.
iDataPlex compute nodes support IBM Systems Director with limited function. Refer to IBM Systems Director product documentation for specific details on supported functions on iDataPlex hardware.
The compute nodes have been tested with the Extreme Cluster Administration Toolkit (xCAT), an open source community-based cluster administration tool set tailored to scale-out compute environments. You can download xCAT from SourceForge at
For additional information on xCAT, contact your IBM Sales and Support Team, or visit
Accessibility by people with disabilities
A US Section 508 Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) containing details on accessibility compliance can be requested at
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| Product positioning |
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IBM delivers innovations that meet your specific needs. The right choice depends on your business requirements, target applications, and operating environment. iDataPlex focuses on:
- Compute performance in gigaflops per dollar and performance per watt
- Rapidly scaling and large scale-out deployments
- Maximum usable compute density in the data center
- Software-resilient workloads such as HPC, grid, and cloud computing
- Optional redundant power supply for non-grid workloads
The iDataPlex hardware platform is positioned for large-scale enterprise deployments that rely on recovery-oriented architecture that primarily enables redundancy through the software layer instead of redundant hardware.
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| Product number |
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The following are features already announced for the 3331 machine type.
Description MT Model Feature NVIDIA Tesla K20 3331 HC1 A3J7 NVIDIA Tesla K20X 3331 HC1 A3J8 NVIDIA VGX K1 3331 HC1 A3GM NVIDIA VGX K2 3331 HC1 A3GN Intel Xeon Phi 5110P 3331 HC1 A3GQ
Option SEOs The following are new unique option part numbers for iDataPlex dx360 M4. SEO number Description 00J6164 NVIDIA Tesla K20 00J6165 NVIDIA Tesla K20X 00J6160 NVIDIA VGX K1 00J6161 NVIDIA VGX K2 00J6163 Intel Xeon Phi 5110P
Product customization services
The following product customization services are included with iDataPlex .
For information, refer to the following and contact your IBM representative.
Description Feature iDataPlex Rack Assembly (100U) 2312 Rack Installation of 1U Component in iDataPlex 2313 Rack Installation of >1U Component in iDataPlex 2314 iDataPlex Hardware / Configuration Verification 2315
Applicable quantities are configuration-dependent and will be determined in the configuration process.
Business Partner information
If you are a Direct Reseller - System Reseller acquiring products from IBM , you may link directly to Business Partner information for this announcement. A PartnerWorld® ID and password are required (use IBM ID).
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| Publications |
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The User's Guide , Maintenance Guide , and Problem Determination and Service Guide , for iDataPlex solutions, in US English versions, are available from
Under Product Support, select System x , and under Popular links, select Publications lookup. Select the Product family and click on continue.
IBM Systems Information Center provides you with a single information center where you can access product documentation for IBM systems hardware, operating systems, and server software. Through a consistent framework, you can efficiently find information and personalize your access. The IBM Systems information Center is at
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| Services |
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Global Technology Services
IBM services include business consulting, outsourcing, hosting services, applications, and other technology management.
These services help you learn about, plan, install, manage, or optimize your IT infrastructure to be an on-demand business. They can help you integrate your high-speed networks, storage systems, application servers, wireless protocols, and an array of platforms, middleware, and communications software for IBM and many non-IBM offerings. IBM is your one-stop shop for IT support needs.
For details on available services, contact your IBM representative or visit
For details on available IBM Business Continuity and Recovery Services, contact your IBM representative or visit
For details on education offerings related to specific products, visit
Select your country, and then select the product as the category.
System x and BladeCenter support services
Recommended core technical support
When you buy IBM System x technology, include the support services you need -- to help keep both your hardware and software working for you, day after day, at peak performance. It is your first step toward helping to protect your investment and sustain high levels of system availability. We offer service-level and response-time options to fit your business needs. And we will help you get started with a core support package that includes:
- Continuous system monitoring
Electronic monitoring that helps speed up problem-solving with automated, early detection of potential problems and system errors.
- Hardware maintenance
World-class remote and on-site hardware problem determination and repair services.
- Software technical support
Access to help line calls for fast, accurate answers to your questions during installation and throughout ongoing operations.
For more information, visit
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| Technical information |
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Specified operating environment
Physical specifications
Supported Xeon processors
- Intel Xeon Processor E5-2603 4C 1.8 GHz 10 MB Cache 1066 MHz 80W
- Intel Xeon Processor E5-2637 2C 3.0 GHz 5 MB Cache 1600 MHz 80W
- Intel Xeon Processor E5-2609 4C 2.40 GHz 10 MB Cache 1066 MHz 80W
- Intel Xeon Processor E5-2620 6C 2.0 GHz 15 MB Cache 1333 MHz 95W
- Intel Xeon Processor E5-2630 6C 2.3 GHz 15 MB Cache 1333 MHz 95W
- Intel Xeon Processor E5-2640 6C 2.5 GHz 15 MB Cache 1333 MHz 95W
- Intel Xeon Processor E5-2650 8C 2.0 GHz 20 MB Cache 1600 MHz 95W
- Intel Xeon Processor E5-2660 8C 2.2 GHz 20 MB Cache 1600 MHz 95W
- Intel Xeon Processor E5-2680 8C 2.7 GHz 20 MB Cache 1600 MHz 130W
- Intel Xeon Processor E5-2667 6C 2.9 GHz 15 MB Cache 1600 MHz 130W
- Intel Xeon Processor E5-2630L 6C 2.0 GHz 15 MB Cache 1333 MHz 60W
- Intel Xeon Processor E5-2650L 8C 1.8 GHz 20 MB Cache 1600 MHz 70W
- Intel Xeon Processor E5-2670 8C 2.6 GHz 20 MB Cache 1600 MHz 115W
- Intel Xeon Processor E5-2665 8C 2.4 GHz 20 MB Cache 1600 MHz 115W
Note: Processors greater than 95W are supported only in special bid configurations generated in the x-config configurator due to limitations in tracking chassis power requirements.
iDataPlex dx360 M4 server specifications
Electrical
- 100 - 127 (nominal) V ac; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 11.72 A
- 200 - 240 (nominal) V ac; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 5.36 A
- Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA) (approximately):
- Minimum configuration: 0.150 kVA
- Maximum configuration: 1.148 kVA
- Btu output:
- Ship configuration: 512.28 Btu/hr (150 watts)
- Full configuration: 3,920.63 Btu/hr (1,148 watts)
Power requirements (per rack) max configuration
- Operating voltage: 100 - 240 V ac at 50 Hz or 60 Hz
Note: For nonredundant power supply.
- Electrical output: 41.5 kW (maximum)
- Power source loading: 51.9 kVA (maximum) - Three 60 A 3ph PDUs at 17.3 kVA each
- Thermal output: 41.5 kW (141,460 Btu/hr) (maximum configuration)
900-watt PSU electrical power specifications
- 100 - 240 V ac auto-ranging operation
- Built-in overload and surge protection
- 100 - 127 (nominal) V ac; 50 or 60 Hz; 10.0 A (maximum)
- 200 - 240 (nominal) V ac; 50 or 60 Hz; 5.0 A (maximum)
750-watt PSU electrical power specifications
- 100 - 240 V ac auto-ranging operation
- Built-in overload and surge protection
- 100 - 127 (nominal) V ac; 50 or 60 Hz; 8.9 A (maximum)
- 200 - 240 (nominal) V ac; 50 or 60 Hz; 4.5 A (maximum)
550-watt PSU electrical power specifications
- 100 - 240 V ac auto-ranging operation
- Built-in overload and surge protection
- 100 - 127 (nominal) V ac; 50 or 60 Hz; 6.5 A (maximum)
- 200 - 240 (nominal) V ac; 50 or 60 Hz; 3.3 A (maximum)
Standards
Equipment approvals and safety
- FCC - Verified to comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules, Class A
- Canada ICES-003, issue 4, Class A
- UL/IEC 60950-1
- CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1
- NOM-019
- Argentina IEC60950-1
Operating environment
The iDataPlex dx360 M4 products are designed to operate in a general business environment, such as a Class A or A1, temperature and humidity-controlled room.
Air temperature:
- Server on: 5°C to 40°C (41.0°F to 104°F); altitude: 0 to 915 m (3,000 ft)
- Server off: 5°C to 45°C (41.0°F to 113°F)
- Shipment: -40°C to +60°C (-40°F to 140°F)
Humidity:
- Server on: 8% to 85%, Max. Dew Point 24°C, Max. rate of change 5°C/hr
- Server off: 8% to 80%, Max. Dew Point 27°C
- Design to ASHRAE Class A3, ambient of 40°C, with relaxed support
- Support cloud like workload with no performance degradation acceptable (Turbo-Off)
- Under no circumstance, can any combination of worst case workload and configuration result in system shutdown or design exposure at 40°C
- Declared noise level: 5.7 bels (idling)
Hardware requirements
For service, the iDataPlex requires a compatible:
- Monitor
- Combination USB keyboard and pointing device, such as IBM part number 40K5372
- USB CD-RW/DVD drive, such as the IBM and Lenovo part number 73P4515 or 73P4516
Note: Rack must have 784.86 mm (30.9 in) minimum clearance on the front and back sides of the rack to allow service.
Software requirements
The following network operating systems are supported in the iDataPlex :
- Microsoft
- Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2
- Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Datacenter x64 Edition
- Microsoft Windows HPC Server 2008
- Linux
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Server with Xen x64 Edition
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 Server x64 Edition
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 x64 Edition
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 with Xen x64 Edition
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 x64 Edition
- VMware
- ESX 4.1, ESXi 4.1, and 5.0
Note: For additional support, certification, and version information on network operating systems, visit
Compatibility
All components of the System x iDataPlex are compatible when purchased as a supported iDataPlex solution.
Limitations
System x iDataPlex options are supported only when ordered and deployed in a iDataPlex solution. They will not be supported when ordered without a corresponding order for an iDataPlex configuration.
- Regarding the use of solid-state disk drives, solid-state memory cells have an intrinsic, finite number of write cycles that each cell can incur. As a result, each solid-state device has a maximum amount of write cycles to which it can be subjected, documented as Total Bytes Written (TBW). IBM is not responsible for replacement of hardware that has reached the maximum guaranteed number of write cycles. This limit may be revealed as the device failing to respond to system-generated commands or becoming incapable of being written to. Additional information is available at
Planning information
Customer responsibilities
Installation of hardware components is provided by IBM on the iDataPlex .
Clients are responsible for preparing their site for installation.
You are expected to review the Installation Planning Guide before the delivery of your iDataPlex . Clients' responsibilities must be verified as complete before scheduling an IBM installer to come on site. Visit
To service your iDataPlex or obtain IBM service, the iDataPlex requires a compatible:
- Monitor
- Combination USB keyboard and pointing device, such as IBM part number 40K5372
- USB CD-RW/DVD drive, such as the IBM and Lenovo part number 73P4515 or 73P4516
Note: Rack must have 784.86 mm (30.9 in) minimum clearance on the front and back sides of the rack to allow service.
Cable orders
All cables are supplied with the iDataPlex . Depending on the applications, the cables may be fully installed, partially installed (plugged at one end and packaged for shipping), or included as part of a shipment group.
Installability
Installation of hardware components is provided by IBM with the exception of plumbing connections to the optional Rear Door Heat eXchanger. (Refer to the Limitations section for additional information.)
Packaging
System x iDataPlex shipping contents
iDataPlex CD, which contains the following documentation in portable document format (PDF):
- IBM Safety Information (multilingual)
- IBM Rack Safety Information (multilingual)
- IBM Environmental Notices and User Guide (multilingual)
- IBM iDataPlex Rack Type 7825 Installation and User's Guide
- IBM iDataPlex Rack Type 7197 Installation and User's Guide
- IBM Rear Door Heat eXchanger for the iDataPlex Rack Installation and Maintenance Guide
- IBM System x iDataPlex dx360 M4 User's Guide for Type 7912, 7913
- IBM System x iDataPlex dx360 M4 User's Guide for Type 7918, 7919
- IBM System x iDataPlex dx360 M4 Problem Determination and Service Guide for Type 7912, 7913
- IBM System x iDataPlex dx360 M4 Problem Determination and Service Guide for Type 7918, 7919
- Licenses and Attributions Documents
- IBM DPI C13 PDU+, DPI C13 3-phase PDU+ DPI C19 PDU+, and DPI C19 3-phase PDU+ Installation and Maintenance Guide
- IBM License Agreement for Machine Code
- UEFI Disclaimer Notices File
- IBM Types 7912, 7918, and Rear Door Heat eXchanger Warranty and Support Information is in printed format
Important Notices multilingual document that contains all of the legal, safety, emissions, and environmental statements in printed format.
Supplies
None
Security, auditability, and control
This offering uses the security and auditability features from standard IBM offerings and supported Linux distributions.
The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communications facilities.
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| Terms and conditions |
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MES discount applicable
No
Field installable feature
Yes
Warranty period
One year.
An IBM part or feature installed during the initial installation of an IBM machine is subject to a full warranty effective on the date of installation of the machine. An IBM part or feature that replaces a previously installed part or feature assumes the remainder of the warranty period for the replaced part or feature. An IBM part or feature added to a machine without replacing a previously installed part or feature is subject to a full warranty effective on its date of installation. Unless specified otherwise, the warranty period, type of warranty service, and service level of a part or feature are the same as those for the machine in which it is installed.
Customer setup
Yes
Machine code
Same license terms and conditions as base machine.
Optional features warranty period
Optional features - One year.
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| Prices |
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For current prices, contact IBM at 888-Shop-IBM (746-7426) or visit
To locate the web price, search on the feature number in the Search field.
The following are features already announced for the 3331 machine type:
Initial/
MES/
Description Model Feature Both/
Number Number Support
NVIDIA Tesla K20 HC1 A3J7 MES
NVIDIA Tesla K20X HC1 A3J8 MES
NVIDIA VGX K1 HC1 A3GM MES
NVIDIA VGX K2 HC1 A3GN MES
Intel Xeon Phi 5110P HC1 A3GQ MES
Option SEOs
Initial/
MES/
Description SEO Both/
Number Support CSU
NVIDIA Tesla K20 00J6164 Both Yes
NVIDIA Tesla K20X 00J6165 Both Yes
NVIDIA VGX K1 00J6160 Both Yes
NVIDIA VGX K2 00J6161 Both Yes
Intel Xeon Phi 5110P 00J6163 Both Yes
Quebec Label Kit 00W2471 Both Yes
Trademarks
IBM, System x, iDataPlex, Express and PartnerWorld are registered trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
Intel Xeon and Intel are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries, or both.
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.
Terms of use
IBM products and services which are announced and available in your country can be ordered under the applicable standard agreements, terms, conditions, and prices in effect at the time. IBM reserves the right to modify or withdraw this announcement at any time without notice. This announcement is provided for your information only. Additional terms of use are located at
For the most current information regarding IBM products, consult your IBM representative or reseller, or visit the IBM worldwide contacts page
