Lenovo ThinkSystem SR550 Server

Description

The Lenovo ThinkSystem SR550 server is a cost-effective system that can process workloads with ease. The motherboard features dual second-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors with 6x memory channels per CPU, combining performance, capacity, and value into a 2U server. The platform can be managed by Lenovo’s latest software, the XClarity Controller, providing status, monitoring and alert functions for the hardware.

Performance

Featuring dual processors from the 1st or 2nd generation of Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs, the SR550 server improves productivity. The system supports one or two processors from the Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum families with up to 22 cores and 44 threads each, and a thermal design power (TDP) of up to 125W. Each CPU also supports six memory channels with speeds of up to 2933MHz, depending on the CPUs installed, which communicate between each other at 10.4 GT/s using Intel’s Ultra Path Interconnect (UPI) links. Depending on the hardware under the hood, the chassis supports a redundant power supply of 550W or 750W.

Memory

Up to 768GB of memory is offered when all 12x DIMM sockets are populated with 64GB RDIMMs. Each CPU supports 6x DIMMs, and 6x memory channels per processor for maximum throughput with one DIMM per channel. Depending on the processor, memory speeds can reach up to 2933MHz to maximize performance for data intensive applications. LRDIMMs are also supported, but only with first-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors and offer somewhat lower memory transfer speeds of 2666MHz.

Storage

The ThinkSystem SR550 has several storage configurations supporting SAS and SATA drives. The 2U system holds up to 16x 2.5-inch or 12x 3.5-inch hot-swap drives on the front panel. In addition to the drive bays, the server can be configured with one or two internal M.2 SATA SSDs for use as an operating system boot solution. These cards are installed on an adapter, which in turn is installed in a dedicated slot on the system board and configured by default as a RAID-1 mirrored pair for redundancy. SAs implementations will require a dedicated SAS HD/RAID controller.

Expansion

Depending on the riser cards selected, up to 6x PCIe 3.0 expansion slots are available on the Lenovo SR550. The standard configuration also supports 2x 1GbE LAN on motherboard (LOM) card slots and a dedicated management LAN port to access a local network through the system’s board instead of using another PCIe slot. An onboard LOM slot is also available for 1/10Gb Ethernet ports, in addition to the integrated slots as previously mentioned. Also available is an optional 10GbE LAN port via a Lan on Module (LOM LM2)) slot offering SFP+ or an RJ45 connection.

Management

Lenovo’s proprietary XClarity Administrator manages the ThinkSystem SR550 server. The XClarity Mobile App runs on an Android or iOS mobile device, which is then connected to the front USB port and provides at chassis status and management features. The software provides quick access to the firmware, health, network, and alerts to reduce costs and increase performance time.

Summary

For small and medium organizations, the 2U Lenovo ThinkSystem SR550 server offers a solid mix of processing power, storage capacity, and affordability. It provides 16x storage bays, up to 768GB of memory in 12x slots to handle even the most complex workloads with ease. The server performs well under pressure and helps save on operational costs thanks to the dual 2nd generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors.