Product guide

A highly-affordable, ultradense, uniprocessor server for edge-of-network and Web-based
computing in space-constrained environments
Please see the Legal Information section for important notices and information.
6
Hot
-
Swap/Redundant Components
System availability is maximized through the use of hot-swap and redundant components,
including:
• Hot-swap/redundant hard disk drives (model-specific)
• Hot-swap/redundant power supplies (model-specific)
Ultra
-
Efficient Cooling
Strategically located fans, combined with efficient airflow paths, provide highly effective system
cooling for the x3250 M4. The server includes four system fans, plus a fan in the power supply.
In addition, the server uses hexagonal ventilation holes in the chassis. Hexagonal holes can
be grouped more densely than round holes, providing greater airflow through the system cover.
This cooling scheme is important because newer, more powerful, processors generate a
significant amount of heat, and heat must be controlled for the system to function properly.
Other Features
• High-efficiency power supply, achieving 80 Plus certification (model-specific)
• 22-inch depth — The small size offers greater back-of-rack airflow, promoting cooler rack
temperatures.
• Seven USB 2.0 ports — Provides flexibility to add high-speed external devices. The USB
2.0 specification supports up to 480Mbps transfer rates. (Note: Not all USB 2.0 devices are
capable of achieving this rate.) Two ports are provided on the front of the server, four are on
the back, and two are internal to support a hypervisor USB key and a USB-interface tape
drive or RDX Removable Disk Cartridge drive.
• Toolless chassis — The cover can be opened without tools, and many components can be
installed or removed and replaced without tools, including the optical drive, simple-swap and
hot-swap HDDs, as well as PCIe adapters. This can save a servicer significant time.
Extensive System Support Features
The IBM services and technical support portfolio provides world-class, consistent, high-quality
service and support. The x3250 M4 server offers a number of tools and services designed to
make ownership a positive experience. From the start, IBM programs make it easier for
customers to plan for, configure and purchase System x servers, get them running and keep
them running long-term. These features include IBM ServerProven
®
, the IBM Standalone
Solutions Configuration Tool, IBM ServerGuide, IBM Systems Director Service and Support
Manager, Product Customization Services, and extensive technical support offerings.
The IBM ServerProven program provides the confidence that specific options and operating
systems have been tested on the server and are officially supported to work together. It is
updated frequently to ensure that the latest compatibility information is always at your
customers’ fingertips.
The IBM Standalone Solutions Configuration Tool (SSCT) is a downloadable tool that
simplifies the often complex chore of configuring a full rack of servers (including blade servers)
and confirming that you have all the cables, power distribution units, KVM (keyboard, video and
mouse) switch boxes and other components you need, as well as the proper airflow
clearances, electrical circuits and other environmental conditions.
IBM ServerGuide (installed from CD) simplifies the process of installing and configuring
System x servers. ServerGuide goes beyond mere hardware configuration by assisting with the
automated installation of the Microsoft
®
Windows
®
Server 2003 and 2008 operating systems,
device drivers and other system components, with minimal user intervention. (Drivers are also
included for support of Novell NetWare, Red Hat Linux and SUSE LINUX.) This focus on
deployment helps customers reduce both their total cost of ownership and the complexity that
administrators and technical personnel face.
IBM Systems Director Service and Support Manager (previously called IBM Electronic
Service Agent
™
) is an innovative “call home” feature that allows System x and BladeCenter
servers to automatically report hardware problems to IBM support, which can even dispatch
onsite service if necessary to those customers entitled to onsite support under the terms of
their warranty or an IBM Maintenance Agreement. Service and Support Manager resides on a
server and provides electronic support and problem management capabilities through a highly
secure electronic dialogue between your systems and IBM. It monitors networked servers for
hardware errors and it can perform hardware and software inventories and report inventory
changes to IBM. All information sent to IBM is stored in a highly secure database and used for
improved problem determination.
Additional services include hardware warranty upgrades and factory-installed Product