Specifications

118 IBM Flex System p260 and p460 Planning and Implementation Guide
5.1 Planning your system: An overview
One of the initial tasks for your team is to plan for the successful implementation
of your Power Systems compute node. This planning includes ensuring that the
primary reasons for acquiring the server are effectively planned for. Consider the
overall uses for the server, the planned growth of your applications, and the
operating systems in your environment. Correct planning of these issues ensures
that the server meets the needs of your organization.
We describe the following topics in this section:
򐂰 Hardware planning
򐂰 Software planning
5.1.1 Hardware planning
Important topics to consider in your planning activities are:
򐂰 Network connectivity
On Power Systems compute nodes, several models of expansion cards are
available (as described in 4.9, “I/O adapters” on page 99). Make sure that you
choose the best expansion cards for your environment, either chassis,
switches, or networking in general, to avoid compatibility issues. Purchasing
Ethernet expansion cards requires the purchase of an Ethernet switch in
the chassis.
򐂰 Fibre Channel and storage area network (SAN) connectivity
The same considerations described for network connectivity also apply to
Fibre Channel and storage area network (SAN) connectivity.
򐂰 Hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs)
If you choose to use your Power Systems compute node with internal disks,
your memory choices are affected. SAS and SATA HDD options are
available, and solid-state drives (SSDs). Very Low Profile (VLP) memory
DIMMs are required if HDDs are chosen (as described in 4.8, “Storage” on
page 95). If Low Profile (LP) memory options are chosen, only SSD disks can
be used. Choosing the disk type that best suits your needs involves
evaluating the size, speed, and price of the options.