PowerEdge VRTX Technical Guide The world’s first integrated IT solution designed from the ground up specifically for office environments.
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Table of contents 1 System overview ..................................................................................................................................................................5 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................................5 Specifications .................................................................................................................
Tables Table 1. Table 2. Table 3. Table 4. Table 5. Table 6. Table 7. Table 8. Table 9. Table 10. Table 11. Table 12. Table 13. Table 14. Table 15. Table 16. Table 17. Table 18. Table 19. Table 20. Table 21. Key technologies .................................................................................................................................................. 6 Technical specifications ................................................................................................................
1 System overview Introduction The Dell™ PowerEdge™ VRTX platform brings order to chaos, redefines IT operations and allows users to deploy performance anywhere. PowerEdge VRTX is a powerful, scalable and easy-tomanage solutions platform, optimized specifically for office environments.
Flexibility within a stable platform VRTX is both flexible and stable. Flexible in its extensive hardware configurability and scalability, while consistent and uniform in performing systems management operations. These characteristics give users confidence that VRTX can readily adapt to accommodate new workload requirements, while protecting existing investments in hardware, software, management tools and skills.
Fresh Air cooling Dell has tested and validated an integrated data center solution that enables you to operate at higher temperatures or even chiller-less. Failsafe hypervisors The internal dual SD module enables Dell's unique failsafe virtualization architecture, ensuring uptime by providing failover capability for embedded ® ® ® ® hypervisors, such as VMware vSphere ESXi™ and Microsoft Windows Server ® 2012 with Hyper-V .
Feature Technical specification 8 Optional DVD-RW Drive bays and hard drives Up to 12 x 3.5 in NLSAS, SAS, or SAS SSD hot-plug drives or Up to 25 x 2.
2 System features The Dell PowerEdge VRTX integrates compute and storage capabilities through a 5U rackable tower chassis. VRTX supports up to four 12th-generation, hot-plug PowerEdge M520 or PowerEdge M620 blade servers. The M620 is a half-height blade server that supports up to 24 DIMMs and two processors. The M520 is a half-height blade server that supports up to 12 DIMMs and two processors. VRTX can be configured into four different chassis types: Tower form factor supporting up to 12 3.
Figure 2. Figure 3. 10 VRTX tower with 2.5-inch drives VRTX rack with 3.5-inch (top) and 2.
The chassis design of the VRTX is optimized for easy access to components and for airflow for effective and efficient cooling. Figure 4 shows components on the back of the VRTX chassis including the PCIe expansion cards, CMC ports, blower modules and I/O modules. Figure 4. VRTX back view VRTX provides the features and components listed in Table 3. Table 3.
Feature Description Video connector Connects a monitor to the system Optical drive Optional SATA DVD-ROM drive or DVD+/-RW drive Vents Vents for the temperature sensor Server modules Up to 4 PowerEdge M520 or M620 server modules specifically configured for the enclosure Power supply units Up to 4 1100W AC PCIe expansion card slots Connects up to 3 full-height and 5 low-profile PCIe expansion cards I/O module ports Network interface for I/O modules Serial connector DB-9 serial connector for
Figure 5 illustrates the underlying architecture of VRTX. For more detailed information on features and descriptions for VRTX, see the Dell PowerEdge VRTX Systems Owner's Manual on Dell.com/Support/Manuals. Figure 5.
3 Processors See the Dell PowerEdge M520 Technical Guide and the Dell PowerEdge M620 Technical Guide at Dell.com/PowerEdge for detailed information on supported processors. For more information on the Intel Xeon processor E5 product family, visit Intel.com.
4 Memory See the Dell PowerEdge M520 Technical Guide and the Dell PowerEdge M620 Technical Guide on Dell.com/PowerEdge for detailed information on supported memory.
5 Storage The PowerEdge VRTX platform provides comprehensive, shared internal storage options, including several drive types to choose from. VRTX supports up to 48TB of internal, low-latency storage. All four server nodes have access to the full storage space. Each server node sees the storage as its own singular storage pool. You can assign virtual disks to single server nodes or across server nodes (with clustering) using the CMC.
Supported hard drives The VRTX shared storage supports the internal drives listed in Table 5. Table 5. Form factor 2.5" 3.5" Supported hard drives Type Speed (rpm) Capacities Nearline SAS (6Gb) 7.2K 500GB, 1TB SAS (6Gb) 10K 600GB, 900GB, 1.2TB SAS (6Gb) 15K 146GB, 300GB SSD (SLC) N/A 200GB, 400GB Nearline SAS (6Gb) 7.2K 1TB, 2TB, 3TB, 4TB SAS (6Gb) 10K 600GB, 900GB, 1.2TB SAS (6Gb) 15K 300GB, 450GB, 600GB For the latest information on supported hard drives, visit Dell.
6 Networking VRTX supports up to eight Ethernet connections on the back of the system. The Fabric A infrastructure supports either a pass-through or a switch card installed in the back of the chassis. These cards plug directly into the midplane.
Fabric A switches A single switch is implemented for all I/O, and allows maximum signal consolidation without forcing bifurcation of the Ethernet fabric. Switches accept up to 16 lanes from Fabric A and output up to eight lanes at the external ports. A switch is the only Fabric A card that can support the full four-lane count from Fabric A. When equipped with four M520 servers and quad-port LOMs, VRTX can take full advantage of all 16 internal ports (four per server node). Figure 8.
7 PCIe Infrastructure Instead of using traditional I/O modules for Fabric B or Fabric C, Dell has designed the PowerEdge VRTX to use PCIe slots using two PCIe switches — one for Fabric B and one for Fabric C. Each PCIe switch ties into one of the two mezzanine cards on the server nodes.
8 Power, thermal and acoustics Lower overall system-level power draw is a result of Dell’s breakthrough system design. The PowerEdge VRTX chassis maximizes performance-per-watt through a combination of power and cooling, energy-efficient technologies, and tools. Additionally, VRTX has an extensive collection of sensors that automatically track thermal activity, which helps regulate temperature thereby reducing server noise and power consumption.
Feature Description Active power management Intel Node Manager is an embedded technology that provides individual server-level power reporting and power limiting functionality. Dell offers a complete power management solution comprised of Intel Node Manager accessed through Dell iDRAC7 Enterprise and OpenManage Power Center that allows policy-based management of power and thermals at the individual server, rack and data center level. Hot spare reduces power consumption of redundant power supplies.
Attribute Value Max output current 108.0 Amps Input voltage range 90–264V AC, 47–63Hz Iin (100–240V AC) for rating on safety label 12.0 Amps–6.5 Amps Initial in-rush current 55 Amps (peak) Secondary in-rush current 25 Amps (peak) Table 8. 1100W PSU efficiency 10% load 20% load 50% load 100% load Power supply efficiency at 115VAC 87% 91% 92.5% 90% Power supply efficiency at 230VAC 89% 93% 94.
Figure 9.
balanced DIMMs; 16 balanced DIMMs versus 24 balanced DIMMs with a standard M620 blade server. One or more M620 server nodes with the standard processor and heatsink option — Idle2 3 > LwA-UL = 5.5 bels 4 > LpA = 37 dBA — Operating2 2 > LwA-UL = 6.2 bels 3 > LpA = 41 dBA 4 > No prominent tones — What this means: Operating values would begin to compete with normal conference room environments or conversation levels depending upon proximity to PowerEdge VRTX chassis.
9 Rack, rails and cable management VRTX supports ReadyRails II sliding rails for 4-post racks and cable management arm (CMA) options: Support for toolless installation in 19-inch EIA-310-E compliant square or unthreaded round hole 4-post racks including all generations of Dell racks Support for tooled installation in 19-inch EIA-310-E compliant threaded hole 4-post racks Support full extension of the system out of the rack to allow serviceability of key internal components Support for optiona
Cable management The optional CMA can be mounted on either the left or right side of the rails without the use of tools for fast and easy deployment. The optional CMA for the VRTX organizes and secures the cords and cables exiting the back of the server and unfolds to allow the server to extend out of the rack without having to detach the cables.
10 Operating systems and virtualization The Dell PowerEdge VRTX supports a wide range of industry-standard operating systems and virtualization software. For the latest information on supported operating systems, see Dell.com/OSsupport. Supported operating systems Table 11 lists the operating systems supported on the VRTX platform. Table 11.
11 Dell OpenManage systems management Whether your IT environment consists of a few servers or a few thousand servers, the Dell OpenManage systems management portfolio provides comprehensive management for evolving IT environments. OpenManage is based on open standards and offers both agent-free and agent-based server lifecycle management functionality for Dell PowerEdge servers. OpenManage solutions help you automate and streamline essential hardware management tasks.
OpenManage systems management The Dell OpenManage systems management portfolio includes powerful hardware and software management tools and consoles. iDRAC7 with Lifecycle Controller The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller 7 (iDRAC7) with Lifecycle Controller is the heart of the second generation of Dell PowerEdge embedded management functionality.
iDRAC7 with Lifecycle Controller for VRTX configuration options iDRAC7 Enterprise is the standard offering for VRTX as it is designed for optimal remote management. iDRAC7 Express is optional and offers a reduced feature set for cost-conscious customers. iDRAC7 Enterprise and Express are available for PowerEdge VRTX M620 and M520 server nodes. Table 14 compares the features available with iDRAC7 Express or iDRAC7 Enterprise. Table 14.
Feature Remote Management and Remediation Monitoring and Power 32 iDRAC7 Express iDRAC7 Enterprise Public key authentication (for SSH) No Yes Embedded diagnostics Yes Yes Remote firmware update Yes Yes Server power control Yes Yes Serial-over-LAN (with proxy) Yes Yes Serial-over-LAN (no proxy) Yes Yes Last crash screen capture Yes Yes Last crash video capture/playback Yes Yes Boot video capture/playback No Yes Virtual Media2 Yes Yes Virtual Console2 Yes Yes Virtual Con
Feature Logging Lifecycle Controller iDRAC7 Express iDRAC7 Enterprise Real-time power monitoring Yes Yes Real-time power graphing Yes Yes Real-time power capping No Yes System event log Yes Yes RAC log Yes Yes Trace log Yes Yes Lifecycle Controller Log Yes Yes Remote sysLog No Yes Local updates Yes Yes Driver packs Yes Yes One-to-many hardware configuation (WS-MAN or RACADM) Yes Yes Asset inventory export Yes Yes Remote services (via WS-MAN) Yes Yes Settings resto
Upgrade options after point of sale (APOS) You can evaluate and purchase upgrades from Dell from your iDRAC web interface with no need to install additional hardware. You have a choice of ordering either the software-only license, or ordering an Enterprise license that includes an 8GB or 16GB vFlash SD card. The vFlash is factory installed, but requires a license key for activation. You may also purchase and use a non Dellsupplied SD card if you need more memory.
Table 15.
Dell OpenManage Essentials v1.2 console OpenManage Essentials (OME) provides a comprehensive view of Dell systems, devices and components in an enterprise network. It is used to discover, inventory and monitor Dell PowerEdge servers, Compellent, EqualLogic™ and PowerVault™ storage, Dell Networking switches, and business client PCs; to perform agent-free updates and configuration for Dell 11th–12th-generation servers; and to create asset reports including service tag and warranty information.
OpenManage Integration with third-party consoles Dell OpenManage integrates iDRAC with Lifecycle Controller functionality with several leading thirdparty consoles, including Microsoft System Center, VMware vCenter, BMC Software BladeLogic and ProactiveNet Performance Management. Microsoft System Center offers management of applications, services, physical resources, hypervisors, software defined networks, configuration and automation in a single comprehensive platform.
OpenManage Connections with third-party consoles Dell OpenManage Connections are designed specifically for monitoring Dell server and storage platforms within infrastructures managed by HP Operations Manager, IBM Tivoli Netcool/OMNIbus or Computer Associates (CA) Network and Systems Management (NSM). OpenManage Connections improve operational efficiency and flexibility in managing Dell hardware in large heterogeneous data center environments.
Table 16 lists the products that are available for one-to-one and one-to-many operations, and when they are used in the server’s lifecycle: Table 16.
Appendix A. Additional specifications Chassis dimensions and weight The VRTX chassis dimensions for the tower and rack form factors differ due to chassis feet and rack ears. Also, while chassis depth measured at the base chassis sheet metal is less than 26 inches, server handles and power supply handles increase the depth slightly. Table 17. VRTX tower form factor dimensions VRTX tower variations Dimensions Height with system feet 48.4 cm (19.1 in) Height without system feet 46.4 cm (18.
Table 19. Environmental specifications Dell Fresh Air: temperature, humidity, altitude de-rating Expanded operation Expanded operating temperature ranges are supported for fresh air environments. ≤10% of annual operating hours: 5°C to 40°C at 5% to 85% RH with 26°C dew point. ≤1% of annual operating hours: –5°C to 45°C at 5% to 90% RH with 26°C dew point.
Altitude Operating –15.2 m to 3048 m (–50 ft to 10,000 ft) Storage –15.2 m to 10,668 m (–50 ft to 35,000 ft) Airborne contaminant level Class G1 or lower as defined by ISA-S71.04-1985 USB peripherals VRTX supports USB peripherals through the front USB ports, which are USB 2.0 compliant.
Appendix B. Standards compliance VRTX conforms to the industry standards in Table 20. Table 20. Industry standards documentation Standard URL for information and specifications ACPI Advance Configuration and Power Interface Specification, v2.0c acpi.info Ethernet IEEE 802.3-2005 standards.ieee.org/getieee802/802.3.html HDG Hardware Design Guide Version 3.0 for Microsoft Windows Server microsoft.com/whdc/system/platform/pcdesign/desguide/serv erdg.
Appendix C. Additional resources Table 21 provides a list of documents and websites that provide for more information about VRTX. Table 21. Additional resources Resource Description of contents Location Dell PowerEdge VRTX Systems Owner’s Manual This manual, available in PDF format, provides the following information: Dell.
Resource Description of contents Location Energy Smart Solution Advisor (ESSA) This Dell online advisor enables easier and more meaningful estimates to help you determine the most efficient configuration possible. Use ESSA to calculate the power consumption of your hardware, power infrastructure and storage. Dell.com/ESSA OpenManage Advisor Use this simple web-based utility to assist in determining systems management requirements for IT environments of all sizes.
