Processor & Compute Performance:

• Processor Architecture: IBM POWER6 64-bit processors with AltiVec SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data) and Hardware Decimal Floating-Point
• Processor Frequencies: Available at 4.2 GHz or 4.7 GHz
• Core Configurations: 1-core, 2-core, or 4-core configurations
• Cache Memory:
  • 4 MB L2 Cache per core
  • 32 MB L3 Cache shared
• Performance Metrics:
  • 4,300 CPW (Commercial Processing Workload) for single-core
  • Up to 18,300 CPW for 4-core configurations
• Processor Activation: Flexible processor activations allow for on-demand performance scaling

Available Processor Models:

• #5633: Single-core 4.2 GHz, 4,300 CPW, P05 Software Tier
• #5634: Dual-core 4.2 GHz, 4,300-8,300 CPW, P10 Software Tier
• #5635: Quad-core 4.2 GHz, 4,300-15,600 CPW, P10 Software Tier
• #5577: Dual-core 4.7 GHz, 9,500 CPW, P10 Software Tier
• #5587: Quad-core 4.7 GHz, 4,500-18,300 CPW, P10 Software Tier

Memory Specifications:

• Memory Type: DDR2 SDRAM with ECC (Error-Correcting Code)
• Memory Slots: 8 DDR2 DIMM slots
• Memory Capacity:
  • Standard: 1 GB to 2 GB (base configurations)
  • Maximum: Up to 64 GB total system memory (16 GB per core for 4-core systems)
• Memory Technology: Specialized POWER6 DDR2 memory providing greater bandwidth, capacity, and reliability
• Memory Features: Advanced RAS features including memory scrubbing and error correction

Storage Configurations:

The 8203-E4A offers flexible storage options to meet diverse business requirements:

3.5-inch Large Form Factor Option:

• Drive Bays: 6 x 3.5-inch hot-swap SAS drive bays
• Drive Capacity Options:
  • 146.8 GB (15,000 RPM)
  • 300 GB (15,000 RPM)
  • 450 GB (15,000 RPM)
• Maximum Capacity: Up to 2.7 TB (2,700 GB) total storage

2.5-inch Small Form Factor Option:

• Drive Bays: 8 x 2.5-inch hot-swap SAS drive bays
• Drive Capacity Options:
  • 73.4 GB (15,000 RPM)
  • 146.8 GB (10,000 RPM)
• Maximum Capacity: Up to 1,174.4 GB total storage

Storage Features:

• Hot-pluggable drives for easy maintenance without downtime
• Direct dock technology for simplified installation
• SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) interface for enterprise-class reliability
• RAID support with optional RAID controllers for data protection

Optical & Tape Storage:

• Slim Media Bay: SATA DVD-ROM (#5743 or #5756) or DVD-RAM drive
• Half-Height Media Bay: Optional LTO tape drive for backup and archival (LTO-4 SAS commonly configured)

Storage Controllers:

• Integrated Controller: Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) controller
• Optional RAID Controllers: Available for enhanced data protection and performance
• RAID Support: RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 configurations depending on controller

Networking:

• Integrated Ethernet: Dual-port 1 Gb Integrated Ethernet Daughter Card (#5623)
• Virtual Ethernet: 1 Gb or 10 Gb Integrated Virtual Ethernet adapter with native hardware support
• Optional Network Adapters:
  • PCIe 4-Port 1GbE Adapter for expanded connectivity
  • 10/100/1000 quad-port options
  • Dual-port 10 Gb Ethernet options

Virtualization Capabilities - PowerVM:

The Power 520 includes comprehensive virtualization features to maximize system utilization:

• PowerVM Express Edition:

  • Up to 3 logical partitions (LPARs) on the server
  • Integrated Virtualization Manager (IVM)
  • Virtual I/O Server (VIOS) with virtualized disk and optical devices
  • PowerVM Lx86 for running select x86 Linux applications

• PowerVM Standard Edition (optional):

  • Micro-Partitioning with up to 10 micro-partitions per processor core
  • Multiple Shared Processor Pools
  • Virtual I/O Server with advanced features
  • Shared Dedicated Capacity

• PowerVM Enterprise Edition (optional):

  • Live Partition Mobility for workload migration without downtime
  • Active Memory Sharing for dynamic memory allocation
  • Shared Ethernet Adapter for network virtualization
  • Advanced virtualization features for maximum flexibility

Maximum Partitions: Up to 10 LPARs (Logical Partitions) depending on configuration and licensing

Expansion & I/O:

• PCI Slots: Multiple PCI slots for expansion cards
• I/O Capabilities: High-speed I/O for storage, networking, and specialized adapters
• Hot-Swap Capability: Support for hot-pluggable components

Power & Environmental:

• Power Supplies: Dual 950W hot-pluggable redundant power supplies (#7703)
• Power Redundancy: N+1 redundancy for maximum uptime
• Auto-Sensing: Automatic voltage detection and adjustment
• EnergyScale Technology: Advanced power management features including:
  • Power usage monitoring and measurement tools
  • Energy-efficient operation policies
  • Dynamic power adjustment based on workload demands
  • Reduced energy consumption during idle periods

Form Factor Options:

Deskside Tower Configuration:

• Dimensions: 21.3 in. H × 7.2-12.9 in. W × 24.7 in. D (540 mm × 182-328 mm × 628 mm)
• Weight: Approximately 90 lb (40.8 kg)
• Cover Set: IBM Deskside Coverset (#7112)
• Ideal For: Office environments, small server rooms

4U Rack-Mount Configuration:

• Height: 6.8 inches (4U)
• Width: 17.3 inches (standard 19-inch rack compatible)
• Depth: 21.2 inches
• Mounting: Standard EIA rack rails
• Ideal For: Data centers, server rooms requiring rack density

Operating System Support:

• IBM AIX: AIX 5L, AIX 6, AIX 7 for enterprise UNIX workloads
• IBM i (formerly OS/400 and i5/OS):
  • Minimum OS: V5R4M5 or later
  • IBM i V7Rx supported
  • Includes OS license and user entitlements (5 base users standard, expandable to unlimited)
  • 5250 Enterprise Enablement for terminal emulation
• Linux:
  • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 for POWER (SLES10 SP1) or later
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.5 for POWER or later
  • Additional Linux distributions supported

Reliability, Availability & Serviceability (RAS):

The Power 520 is architected with superior RAS characteristics designed to avoid, detect, and recover from errors:

• First Failure Data Capture (FFDC): Automatic error logging and diagnostics
• Redundant Components: Dual power supplies, redundant cooling
• Error Detection & Correction: Advanced memory and processor error handling
• Hot-Swap Components: Drives, power supplies for maintenance without downtime
• Service Processor: Built-in service processor with enhanced function for greater reliability
• Predictive Failure Analysis: Proactive component monitoring
• Near-Continuous Availability: Architecture designed for maximum uptime

Management Features:

• Integrated Management: Hardware Management Console (HMC) support (optional)
• Integrated Virtualization Manager (IVM): Simplified virtualization management without dedicated HMC
• Operations Panel: Front-panel LCD display with diagnostic capabilities and cable (#1843)
• Remote Management: Advanced remote management capabilities
• Service Tools: Comprehensive diagnostic and maintenance utilities

Ideal Applications:

• Small to Medium Business (SMB) IT Infrastructure: Core business applications, file/print services
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards on IBM i or AIX
• Database Servers: Oracle, DB2, MySQL, PostgreSQL
• Manufacturing & Distribution: Inventory management, supply chain applications
• Financial Services: Accounting systems, financial reporting, transaction processing
• Retail Management: Point-of-sale integration, inventory control
• Healthcare Information Systems: Patient management, medical records
• Virtualized Environments: Consolidation of multiple workloads on single server
• Development & Test: Application development and testing environments

Software Tier & Licensing:

• P05 Software Tier: Entry-level IBM i licensing for single-core configurations
• P10 Software Tier: Standard licensing for multi-core configurations
• User Entitlements:
  • #9633 Entry: 5 base users
  • #9634 Growth: 10 base users
  • Expandable to unlimited users

Key Advantages:

• Outstanding Price-to-Performance: Exceptional value for entry and midrange deployments
• Broad Application Support: Thousands of ISV applications for AIX, IBM i, and Linux
• Superior Reliability: Enterprise-class RAS features ensure near-continuous availability
• Energy Efficiency: EnergyScale technologies reduce operational costs
• Powerful Virtualization: PowerVM capabilities maximize system utilization and flexibility
• Scalability: Grow from single-core to quad-core configurations as business needs expand
• Form Factor Flexibility: Choose between deskside tower or rack-mount configurations
• Multi-OS Support: Run AIX, IBM i, and Linux workloads simultaneously in partitions

Base Configuration Components:

A typical base configuration includes:

• 1-4 core POWER6 processor card
• 2-8 GB DDR2 memory (expandable to 64 GB)
• 2 x 146.8 GB SAS drives (15,000 RPM)
• Dual-port 1 Gb Integrated Ethernet
• Dual 950W redundant power supplies
• SATA DVD-ROM drive
• DASD/Media Backplane (6 x 3.5-inch or 8 x 2.5-inch)
• Operations panel with cable
• Language group specification
• Power cords

Why Choose the IBM Power 520 Express (8203-E4A):

The Power 520 Express represents IBM's commitment to delivering enterprise-class computing power, reliability, and flexibility to small and mid-sized businesses at an affordable price point. Built on the proven POWER6 architecture with industry-leading performance-per-watt efficiency, comprehensive virtualization capabilities, and support for multiple operating systems, this server provides the foundation for mission-critical business applications. With its modular design, flexible configurations, and superior RAS characteristics, the Power 520 enables companies to focus on running their business with confidence, backed by IBM's legendary reliability and a proven ecosystem of thousands of software applications.