IBM iSeries Model 520: Difference between revisions
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The system can utilize a [[LAN Console]] instead of a hardware twinaxial console. This requires an appropriate version of Client Access. | The system can utilize a [[LAN Console]] instead of a hardware twinaxial console. This requires an appropriate version of Client Access. | ||
As the system is the first to have its logical partitioning feature advertised, it is likely that this is the first system that does away with the [[System Password]] mechanism. | |||
== Hardware == | == Hardware == | ||
Latest revision as of 04:33, 22 October 2024
| Introduced: | August 1, 1997 |
|---|---|
| Discontinued: | August 2, 2002 |
| Architecture: | POWER5 |
| Bus: | PCI |
| Minimum OS: | IBM i5/OS V5R3, IBM i5/OS V5R4 (POWER5+ only) |
| Maximum OS: | IBM i 7.1 |
The iSeries Model 520 is a 9406-class machine. It is the final hardware platform sold where the platform was split between the AS/400 platform and the RS/6000. The iSeries and pSeries variants of this machines feature identical hardware, but use differing Vital Product Data to enforce AIX or i5/OS compatibility and hardware functionality.
Software Compatibility
The Model 520 is compatible with i5/OS V5R3 (when using a POWER5 processor) or V5R4 (when using a POWER5+ processor) through IBM i 7.1. When using Logical Partitions, the Model 520 can also run AIX and Red Hat Linux in text mode only; graphics cards are not usable in an iSeries. The equivalent pSeries is capable of running AIX and Red Hat Linux only.
The system can be managed with a Hardware Management Controller. The last version of the HMC software to support the Model 520 was (version). An HMC is required to make use of logical partitions.
The system can utilize a LAN Console instead of a hardware twinaxial console. This requires an appropriate version of Client Access.
As the system is the first to have its logical partitioning feature advertised, it is likely that this is the first system that does away with the System Password mechanism.
Hardware
The Model 520 comes with 128 MB of Main Storage in its base configuration, and can be expanded to a maximum of 16 GB [cite this]. It can support a maximum of 1 TB of disk storage (unprotected) across a maximum of eight DASD, with support for a RAID controller. It can also support more DASD when connected to an Expansion cabinet.
Model 520s were typically optioned with either an MLR/SLR QIC drive, or an LTO drive. The CD-ROM drive is a slimline laptop style drive using a contemporary ThinkPad Ultrabay connector.
An 8-port twinaxial option was available, and this is the final machine in which the twinaxial controller can be used as the system console.
The machine features six hot-swappable PCI-X slots, but it is recommended to install two IOP cards into the system as several expansion cards do not function or function with limited capabilities when no IOP is present. For example, serial communication adapters cannot be used to create an Advanced Peer-to-Peer Network over SNA without an IOP, and the 10/100 Mbit Ethernet adapter (FC xxxx) cannot be used at all without an IOP.
The Model 520 can be optioned with a System Power Control Network and RIO Loop to make use of expansion cabinets.
The planar board is equipped with dual gigabit Ethernet interfaces. However, SNA (and therefore APPN) is not supported on gigabit interfaces and so a 10/100 Mbit Ethernet adapter must be installed to make use of SNA.
The Model 520 is the last system to support the Integrated PC Server.
Differences Between POWER5 and POWER5+
In 200x, the Model 520 was refreshed with the POWER5+ processor which was a die shrink of the original POWER5 processor, resulting in lower power consumption, cooler temperatures, and higher clocks. However, this also resulted in a new revision of the service processor which is not fully compatible between the two processor revisions. A POWER5-based Model 520 with a POWER5+ service processor will still function, but the newer service processor requires i5/OS V5R4 or newer as V5R3 will perform constant main storage dumps. The original service processor is P/N xxxxxx, while the newer service processor is P/N xxxxxx.
Resetting the Service Processor
To reset the service processor, you will need a null-modem cable or a Cisco-style cable. The front RJ-45 or the back DB-9 connectors may be used.
Service Processor Flash
The service processor card is known to use unreliable flash, often spontaneously wiping its contents without rhyme or reason. It is recommended to keep a Model 520 powered to keep the contents of the flash active, even if the system is not being actively used.
Capacitor Plague
The Model 520 was produced at the height of capacitor plague. Some planar boards were manufactured with faulty boards.
External Links
Archive: iSeries Model 520 Redbook
