IBM zSeries - z990 and z890

The z990, also known by its code name T-Rex, is a 64-bit mainframe computer from IBM® that contains up to 32 processors, together capable of executing approximately 9,000 million instructions per second (MIPS), nearly three times the processing power of IBM's z900. The z990 is not only faster but can be configured with four times the memory capacity and twice the number of I/O channels than the z900.

To serve variable "on demand" situations, the z990 directs processor resources to the highest priority tasks and also minimizes problems that occur when addressable memory becomes insufficient. It also allows dynamic flexible partitioning and resource management under mixed or unpredictable workloads. The z990 supports up to 30 logical partitions. High-speed interconnects make it possible for Internet traffic to move between partitions and virtual servers at memory speed on z/OS hardware.

 

Major features of the eServer zSeries family:

  • Based on z/Architecture (64-bit real and virtual addresses), as opposed to earlier ESA/390 (31-bit) used in S/390 systems
  • ESA/390 applications are fully compatible with z/Architecture
  • Offers up to 32 central processors (CPs) per frame
  • Frames can be coupled in up to a 32-frame Sysplex, with each frame physically separated up to 100 kilometers
  • Supports the z/OS, Linux on zSeries, z/VM, z/VSE, z/TPF, and MUSIC/SP operating systems
  • Some models introduced multiple I/O channel subsystems (exceeding the previous 256 channel limit) and zAAPs

  

z990 Models - 2084

2084
MODEL

ACTIVE
CPUS
MEMORY
OPTIONS
CHANNELS (INCREMENT)
ESCON / FICON
COUPLING LINKS
ICF ICB STI
A08301-308 1 - 8 16GB - 64GB 0 - 512 (4) / 0 - 120 (2) 32 16 12
B16309-316 9 - 16 16GB - 64GB 0 - 512 (4) / 0 - 120 (2) 32 16 24
C25316-324 16 - 24 16GB - 64GB 0 - 512 (4) / 0 - 120 (2) 32 16 36
D32325-332 25 - 32 16GB - 64GB 0 - 512 (4) / 0 - 120 (2) 32 16 48

  

z890 Models - 2086

2086
MODEL

ACTIVE
CPUS

MEMORY
OPTIONS

CHANNELS

MAX LINKS

ESCON

FICON

OSA PORTS

IC / ICB-3 / ICB - 4/ ISC-3 **

110 - 170 1 8 - 32 0 - 420* 0 - 40* 0 - 40 32 / 18 / 8 / 48
210 - 270 2 8 - 32 0 - 420* 0 - 40* 0 - 40 32 / 18 / 8 / 48
310 - 370 3 8 - 32 0 - 420* 0 - 40* 0 - 40 32 / 18 / 8 / 48
410 - 470 4 8 - 32 0 - 420* 0 - 40* 0 - 40 32 / 18 / 8 / 48

* Minimum of 4 ESCON or 2 FICON channels or 1 coupling link
** Maximum 64 total links