It’s hard for me to get excited about commodity x86 servers these days. There are endless numbers of boxes on the market, and few vendors and models truly stand out. However, IBM always manages to capture my attention, with stellar Linux compatibility, scalability, and performance.
Recently, I got a chance to evaluate two servers representative of IBM’s current eServer line — the System x3550 and the System x3950. The machines have a cool, Darth Vader-black case and cool blue LEDs — true geek eye-candy — but the machine’s screaming performance and flawless installation and operation is really impressed me. I was sad to return the machines after my three-month trial.
I Wanna Go Fast!
Both servers utilize IBM’s latest X3 Architecture, a proprietary chipset the company has developed to improve 64-bit performance, high avaliability, and enhanced scalability on x86 Intel processors. Both also employ IBM’s Calibrated Vector Cooling, which is an automated fan and thermal management system that dynamically optimizes the path of air flow through the equipment, increasing the efficiency with which heat is removed from the system. Both servers were incredibly cool to the touch even after running for weeks nonstop with active virtual machines. The systems are amazingly quiet as well: the flashing LEDs are nearly the only evidence that the machines were crunching along. Both servers also employ the very latest in power saving technology, which scales back the CPU’s performance and power utilization when the machine is idle or are handling less intensive computational…
Please log in to view this content.
Not Yet a Member?
Register with LinuxMagazine.com and get free access to the entire archive, including:
