The Lenovo System x3550 M3 server

This publication contains information and instructions for setting up your Lenovo System x3550 M3 server, instructions for installing some optional devices, cabling and configuring the server, removing and replacing devices, and diagnostics and troubleshooting information.

In addition to the instructions in Installing optional devices for installing optional hardware devices, updating firmware and device drivers, and completing the installation, IBM Business Partners must also complete the steps in Instructions for IBM Business Partners.

The Lenovo System x3550 M3 Type 4254 and 7944 server is a 1-U-high¹ rack model server for high-volume network transaction processing. This high-performance, multi-core server is ideally suited for networking environments that require superior microprocessor performance, input/output (I/O) flexibility, and high manageability.

Performance, ease of use, reliability, and expansion capabilities were key considerations in the design of the server. These design features make it possible for you to customize the system hardware to meet your needs today and provide flexible expansion capabilities for the future.

The server comes with a limited warranty. For information about the terms of the warranty, see the Warranty Information document that comes with the server.

The server contains IBMX-Architecture technologies, which help increase performance and reliability. For more information, see What your server offers and Reliability, availability, and serviceability.

You can obtain up-to-date information about the server and other IBM server products at the IBM System x website. At the IBM Systems Support website, you can create a personalized support page by identifying IBM products that are of interest to you. From this personalized page, you can subscribe to weekly email notifications about new technical documents, search for information and downloads, and access various administrative services.

If you participate in the IBM client reference program, you can share information about your use of technology, best practices, and innovative solutions; build a professional network; and gain visibility for your business. For more information about the IBM client reference program, see the IBM Client Reference Materials website.

If firmware and documentation updates are available, you can download them from the IBM website. The server might have features that are not described in the documentation that comes with the server, and the documentation might be updated occasionally to include information about those features, or technical updates might be available to provide additional information that is not included in the server documentation. To check for updates, go to Lenovo Data Center Support.

Note

The illustrations in this document might differ slightly from your model.

The hot-swap server models support up to eight 2.5-inch hot-swap SAS/SATA hard disk drives. The simple-swap server models support up to four 2.5-inch simple-swap SATA hard disk drives. The following illustration shows the hot-swap server model.

Figure 1. Front view: 2.5-inch model

On server models with an optional optical drive bay, the servers support up to four 2.5-inch simple-swap SATA or hot-swap SAS/SATA hard disk drives.

Figure 2. Front view: 2.5-inch model with optical drive bay

If firmware and documentation updates are available, you can download them from the IBM Web site. The server might have features that are not described in the documentation that comes with the server, and the documentation might be updated occasionally to include information about those features, or technical updates might be available to provide additional information that is not included in the server documentation. To check for updates, go to Lenovo Data Center Support.

Record information about the server in the following table.

Product name Lenovo System x3550 M3 server Machine type 4254 or 7944 Model number _____________________________________________ Serial number _____________________________________________

The model number and serial number are on the ID label on the front of the server, as shown in the following illustration.

Note

The illustrations in this document might differ slightly from your hardware.

Figure 3. ID label

You can download an IBM ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD to help you configure the hardware, install device drivers, and install the operating system.

For a list of supported optional devices for the server, see Lenovo ServerProven website.

See the Rack Installation Instructions document on the IBM System x Documentation CD for complete rack installation and removal instructions.

• Features and specifications
  The following information is a summary of the features and specifications of the server.
• What your server offers
  The server uses the following features and technologies.
• Reliability, availability, and serviceability
  Three important computer design features are reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS). The RAS features help to ensure the integrity of the data that is stored in the server, the availability of the server when you need it, and the ease with which you can diagnose and correct problems.
• IBM Systems Director
  IBM Systems Director is a platform-management foundation that streamlines the way you manage physical and virtual systems supports multiple operating systems and virtualization technologies in IBM and non-IBM x86 platforms.
• Server controls, LEDs, and power
  This section describes the controls and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and how to turn the server on and off.
• Server components
  The following illustration shows the major components in the server.
• Safety
  Before installing this product, read the Safety Information.
• Notices
  Lenovo may not offer the products, services, or features discussed in this document in all countries. Consult your local Lenovo representative for information on the products and services currently available in your area.

¹ Racks are marked in vertical increments of 1.75 inches each. Each increment is referred to as a unit, or a “U”. A 1-U-high device is approximately 1.75 inches tall.