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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIn IT Pro’s June 30, 2010 review, the IBM System x3850 X5 stood out for its memory and expansion options: a Max5 unit could raise one server’s stated memory ceiling to 1.5TB, while a QPI-linked pair was described as an eight-socket system with up to 2TB of DDR3. The review configuration itself was a 4U, four-processor server with 64GB of memory. These are historical review-era specifications, not current compatibility or performance guidance.
What configuration did IT Pro review?
The final page of Dave Mitchell’s review lists the following components for its sample. They describe that review unit, not every x3850 X5:
| Component | Review configuration |
|---|---|
| Chassis | 4U rack server |
| Processors | Four 2GHz Intel Xeon X7550 processors and two QPI wrap cards |
| Memory | 64GB of 1066MHz DDR3 RDIMM |
| Storage | Four 73GB IBM 6Gb/s SAS hot-swap SFF drives |
| RAID | IBM ServeRAID M5015 controller with 512MB cache and battery backup; RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and 50, with RAID 6 and 60 listed as optional |
| Expansion | Seven PCIe 2.0 slots |
| Networking | Two Gigabit Ethernet ports and an Emulex dual-port 10GbE adapter |
| Power | Two 1975W hot-plug power supplies |
| Management and software listed | IBM IMM, ServerGuide 8.3 and System Director 6.1.2 |
The figures above are the review’s inventory of the tested sample, not a claim about every system sold or what can be sourced today.
How much memory could the x3850 X5 support?
Mitchell’s review says the base system supported up to 1TB of memory. With a 1U Max5 memory expansion unit connected over QPI, the stated maximum for a single server rose to 1.5TB.
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The review also describes linking two x3850 X5 systems with an X5 QPI scalability kit. It presents the result as one eight-socket system with 128 DIMM slots and up to 2TB of DDR3 memory. That is a described review-era configuration, not evidence that the needed hardware is currently available or compatible with a particular workload.
Could two x3850 X5 servers be linked, and what were the limits?
Yes—in the configuration described in the 2010 review, an X5 QPI scalability kit linked two systems into an eight-socket arrangement. The review also identifies limits that matter when interpreting that capability:
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- Every single module is fully tested by the manufacturer and certified. These parts are not compatible with non-server computers.
- Compatible with most major brand servers. Not sure if your server is compatible? Feel free to contact us. Our experienced technicians can verify if these parts will work for you.
- All PCIe slots required four processors, according to the review.
- A two-node setup in which each server used a Max5 unit was not supported in the review-era configuration.
- VMware vSphere 4.0 did not then support Max5.
- FlexNode relied on linking through EXA ports on Max5 units; the review therefore said FlexNode was unavailable in the setup it described.
These statements describe the support context reported in 2010. They do not establish support for current hypervisors, operating systems, firmware, or hardware combinations.
What management features did the review describe?
The review attributes remote monitoring and control functions to the Integrated Management Module (IMM). Its listed capabilities included monitoring critical components, remotely controlling power, unattended firmware upgrades, KVM over IP, virtual boot media, and capturing a blue screen after an operating-system failure.
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IBM Systems Director was described as providing network discovery, hardware and software inventory, problem alerts, file transfers, and remote control sessions. The review says Active Energy Manager offered power capping and graphs tracking power use and system temperatures. These are descriptions of the tools in the 2010 review, not confirmation of current software or firmware support.
How did the reviewer compare it with the Dell PowerEdge R910?
Mitchell’s historical verdict was that the x3850 X5 was comparable to a similarly specified Dell PowerEdge R910 for features and stronger for expansion potential, while costing significantly more. That is the reviewer’s 2010 assessment, not a current price or performance comparison.
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The review reports 539W at idle and 859W under load for its Dell R910 test system. It notes that the Dell system had twice the memory and otherwise a similar specification. Those wattage readings belong to the Dell review unit; the pages consulted do not provide a directly comparable x3850 X5 power figure.
For a meaningful comparison today, check the exact configurations and intended use across these areas:
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What does this review establish about buying or using one now?
The cited review was published June 30, 2010, and documents a Xeon 7500-era enterprise server. It does not establish present-day parts availability, pricing, firmware status, hypervisor support, operating-system support, or performance. The reviewed system and accessories—including Max5, the QPI scalability kit, and ServeRAID M5015—should not be assumed available or suitable for a particular deployment on the strength of this historical review alone.
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