Get scalable and manageable x64 computing in dense and serviceable rackmount enclosures with the Sun Fire X4640 server. Based on the latest six-core AMD Opteron processors, this server can help scale, virtualize, and consolidate datacenter infrastructure. Learn how in a 44-page Sun white paper that examines the server's architecture, along with its key software components.

In general, the Sun Fire X4640 server offers large memory support (up to 512 GB), considerable I/O bandwidth, up to eight processor sockets (up to 48 processor cores), and a choice of operating systems, including Solaris, Linux, Microsoft Windows, and VMware. The compact four rack unit (4U) form-factor comes with redundant and hot-swappable components, front-to-back air flow, efficient power supplies, and built-in system management tools.

Other features highlighted in the paper:

• Internal storage, with support for four internal SAS disk drives
• Internal hardware RAID support provided
• PCI-X and PCI Express expandability
• Four external and one internal USB 2.0 ports
• Built-in quad Gigabit Ethernet support, built-in VGA video port
• Integrated Lights Out Management (ILOM) service processor and firmware

The paper also goes into X4640's design philosophy, which involves a common chassis design that is shared with other Sun x64 and SPARC server platforms for simplified administration through consistent component placement and shared components. Key design elements identified to help increase the dependability of IT services are its:

• Reduced parts count
• Built-in RAID capabilities
• Redundancy and hot-swap components
• Parity protection and error correction capabilities
• Integrated Lights Out Management (ILOM) service processor
• Superior energy efficiency
• Robust virtualization technology
• Comprehensive fault management

Five pages are allotted to the innovations found in the six-core AMD Opteron processors before its authors delve into the server architecture. Areas covered in the architecture portion of the paper include:

System-Level Architecture

• AMD Direct Connect Architecture Implementation with HyperTransport Links
• I/O Subsystem: AMD-8132 HyperTransport PCI-X Tunnel; NVIDIA nForce Professional Media and Communications Processors (MCPs); LSI SAS1064 SAS Controller; Intel 82546GB Dual-Port Gigabit Ethernet Controllers; ATI Rage XL graphics Controller
• ILOM Daughter Card

CPU/Memory Modules

• Memory Subsystem
• Configuration Options

Server Overview

• System Motherboard and Chassis Perspective
• Enclosure
• Front and Rear Perspectives
• Cooling and Power

Software

The paper also details the Solaris 10 OS support, pointing out technology benefits from Solaris Containers, DTrace, NUMA optimizations, ZFS, Solaris Binary Compatibility, and Fault Management Architecture.

Additionally, ILOM is expounded on with portions of information devoted to the on-board ILOM firmware and connections; communication channels; user management; security; and remote keyboard, video, mouse, and storage (RKVMS).

Finally, the Sun Ops Center is discussed, whose technology provides an IT infrastructure management platform for integrating and automating management of thousands of heterogeneous systems.

More Information

Sun Fire X4640 Server Architecture White Paper

Sun Fire X4640 Servers with Six-Core AMD Opteron Processors

Sun's New x64 Server Sets New World Records

Sun Fire X4640 Sets Record on SPECompL2001

Sun Fire X4640 Server Product Page

Datasheet [...read more...]

		fullsource
Print Email Current Profile Archive Blog Generate newsletter