IBM i integration
with BladeCenter and System x

System x models supported with IXA

The IBM® System x™ models listed in the tables below are supported for attachment to the
IBM i via the Integrated xSeries Adapter (IXA).

Note: There are two models of the IXA: feature codes 1519-200 and 1519-100. These two IXA models provide the same function, but they are designed to work with different System x models. Make sure you use the IXA model that is designed to work with your choice of System x model.

  Note 1: With the Integrated xSeries Adapter configuration, all the disk drives for the System x model are under the control of IBM i. There is no disk in the System x model. When ordering System x models, do not order internal or external System x controlled disk or disk controller adapters. Any disk drives and disk controller adapters that may be installed in the System x model need to be removed before the IXA installation process is started.

Note 2: IXA requires interconnect cables for System x models x236, x360, x440 and x445.
To connect the Integrated xSeries Adapter to the System x service processor on the x236, x360, x440 and x445, interconnect cables are required. The interconnect cables provide the conversion from the RJ45 cable provided with the IXA to the RJ14 connector on the System x service processor.
The Interconnect Cables required are included in the xSeries Advanced Systems Management Interconnect Cable Kit, Part Number 03K9309.
This part is required for each x236, x360, x440 and x445 server that will attach to the IBM i platform via the IXA.
For more information on the interconnect cables please refer to Appendix F, Systems Management Overview, in the IBM eServer™ xSeries and BladeCenter® Configuration and Options guide at http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/eserver/xseries/library/configtools.html.
These interconnect cables are included with new orders of the IXA (1519-100 and 1519-200).

Note 3: The IXA does not support System x models with more than 8 processors. The IXA does not support Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Datacenter Edition nor Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition.

Note 4: These models have dual-core processors.

 Note 5: The indentified x360 models require a firmware update. Please contact Bruce Powers at bpowers@us.ibm.com for further information.

Note 6: Do not apply BIOS version 1.08 to xSeries model 350. It will prevent the installation of Windows through the IXA.

Note 7: The Remote Supervisor Adapter (RSA) must be ordered and installed for the x255 and x235 when the IXA card is used. Two versions of the RSA are available for use with the IXA:

For more information on the RSA please refer to Appendix F, Systems Management Overview, in the IBM eServer xSeries and BladeCenter Configuration and Options guide at http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/eserver/xseries/library/configtools.html.

Note 8: The x440 with 8 processors requires Hardware Abstract Layer (HAL) version 1.6D for Windows 2000. The x440 custom HAL is available on the IBM Support web site at
http://www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?rs=0&context=SP00HE0&uid=psg1MIGR-42325

Note 9: All models of the x445 require a custom Hardware Abstract Layer (HAL) to install.

Note 11: The Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine option (P/N 39Y9566 or 73P9341) must be ordered and installed when the IXA is used with this model. For more information on the RSA II SlimLine please refer to the IBM eServer xSeries and BladeCenter Configuration and Options guide at http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/eserver/xseries/library/configtools.html.

Note 13: This model includes a Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine option (P/N 39Y9566 or 73P9341). For more information on the RSA II SlimLine please refer to the IBM eServer xSeries and BladeCenter Configuration and Options guide at http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/eserver/xseries/library/configtools.html.

Note 14: This model includes redundant power.

Note 15: When using an System x model 236, the IXA model 1519-200 card cable kit (part 97P4638) needs to be at EC level H86012.

Note 16: When installing SLES8 on an System x model 346 or 236, the planar SCSI support must be temporarily disabled during the installation of the server. Otherwise, message "Loading kernel modules for hard disk controllers" appears on the screen and then the Linux installation hangs.

To disable the planar SCSI support, the customer must boot the x346 or x236 to Setup and go to the Devices and I/O Ports menu. From that menu, set the Planar SCSI option to Disabled. Then save the BIOS settings and exit setup. After the server installation is complete, the Planar SCSI support can be reenabled, if needed.

Note 17: This model requires the use of a special RS-485 cable P/N 01R1484. This cable is included with IXA 1519-100 card/cable kit at P/N 39J2400 (EC level H86427 or later).

Note 18: The IBM System x models listed on this page have different model numbers, depending on which geographic region they are sold in. See the System x geographic model variants page to determine the System x model number for your geographic region.

Note 19: This model can be expanded up to an 8 processor configuration by adding an MXE-460 chassis (model number 8874-1Ry). In this configuration, only one IXA is required and it must be installed in the x460 chassis. The IXA is not supported in an MXE-460 chassis. Refer to x460 documentation for any additional requirements for attaching an MXE-460.

Note 20: When using an System x model 236, do not flash the RSA II firmware to version 1.02. RSA II firmware version 1.02 (build name NREP10A) does not work with the IXA on an System x model 236. Use another RSA II firmware version, such as version 1.01 (build name NREP09A). See Remote Supervisor Adapter II Firmware update (Packet files) - IBM eServer xSeries 236.

Note 21: These models do not have a diskette drive. If any of the BIOS or firmware updates that you download for these models are provided as bootable diskette images, then you will need to attach a USB diskette drive to the system in order to install them.