Fujitsu Primergy TX120 S3 review

Fujitsu's new Primergy TX120 S3 is an entry-level server with a difference. It may look like a standard PC, but Dave Mitchell thinks it's anything but. Read this exclusive review to find out why.

IT Pro Verdict

The Primergy TX120 S3 is an entry-level server that’s very small and very quiet making it a good choice for space-constrained offices. It doesn't consume a lot of power and has, despite its compact dimensions, a surprisingly good range of server-specific features. The integrated iRMC S3 controller also makes it well suited to companies looking to deploy it in small remote and branch offices and be able to remotely manage and monitor it.

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the brilliant HP ProLiant ML110 G7 as it offers a very similar feature set to HP's iLO3 controller. The iRMC S3 web interface provides masses of information about the status of critical components.

Full remote management is included as standard – even the server’s power can be controlled from the web interface.

Full remote management is included as standard – even the server’s power can be controlled from the web interface.

Full remote management is included as standard even the server's power can be controlled from the web interface.

Remote access to the power supply is provided so you can use the web interface to turn the server on and off or reboot it. If you want full KVM-over-IP remote control and virtual media services you'll need to purchase the Advanced upgrade which costs around 192 ex VAT.

Even remote management can be physically secured as you can add an optional service LAN port which is accessed from the front panel. With this kit in place only a key holder will be able to access the management port when required.

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You also get Fujitsu's ServerView Suite software which provides even more system monitoring facilities. After installing an agent, you can view all components, run hardware inventory reports and tie errors or problems with alarms and notifications.

The Primergy TX120 S3 is an impressive little server that packs a lot into its space-saving chassis. Storage options and remote management are surprisingly good and it is exceedingly quiet.

So what's our verdict?

Verdict

The Primergy TX120 S3 is an entry-level server that’s very small and very quiet making it a good choice for space-constrained offices. It doesn't consume a lot of power and has, despite its compact dimensions, a surprisingly good range of server-specific features. The integrated iRMC S3 controller also makes it well suited to companies looking to deploy it in small remote and branch offices and be able to remotely manage and monitor it.

Chassis: Pedestal CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1240, 3.3GHz Memory: 4GB DDR3 expandable to 32GB Storage: 2 x 300GB Seagate Savvio 10K.3 6Gbps SAS SFF hard disks in hot-swap carriers (max 4) RAID: Fujitsu SAS/SATA PCI Express RAID card Array support: RAID 0, 1, 10, 5, 6 Expansion: 3 x PCI Express, 1 x PCI (32-bit) Network: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Management: Embedded iRMC S3 with 10/100 Ethernet port Power: 250W cold-swap supply Software: Fujitsu ServerView Suite Warranty: 1 year on-site with Next Business Day service Options: iRMC S3 Advanced upgrade, £192 ex VAT POWER CONSUMPTION Idle 35W Active 109W

Dave Mitchell
Dave Mitchell

Dave is an IT consultant and freelance journalist specialising in hands-on reviews of computer networking products covering all market sectors from small businesses to enterprises. Founder of Binary Testing Ltd – the UK’s premier independent network testing laboratory - Dave has over 45 years of experience in the IT industry.

Dave has produced many thousands of in-depth business networking product reviews from his lab which have been reproduced globally. Writing for ITPro and its sister title, PC Pro, he covers all areas of business IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, network security, data protection, cloud, infrastructure and services.

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