Lenovo ThinkSystem SR645 Server

Description

The Lenovo ThinkSystem SR645 is a 1U, 2-socket server powered by the latest AMD EPYC 7003 series processors or the previous 7002 series. Each CPU contributes 8 to 64 cores, coupled with fast memory speeds and 128 PCIe Gen 4.0 lanes. This allows the SR645 to deploy up to 3x single-width NVIDIA GPUs and plus NVMe drives. The system’s reliability is backed by Lenovo’s XClarity management capabilities, which adds an extra layer of security to the data center.

Performance

The ThinkSystem SR645 can house two second- or third-generation AMD EPYC processors, codenamed “Rome” and “Milan.” Each CPU contributes 8 to 64 physical cores and 16 to 128 virtual threads, for a total of 128 physical cores on the motherboard with top-tier 64 core CPUs installed. This in turn allows for more memory and PCIe Gen 4 devices like NVMe storage and NVIDIA GPUs. As a result, the platform is a compact powerhouse that enhances high-performance computing workloads by reducing network bottlenecks. Although the server can be used with only one processor installed, more memory and PCIe lanes can be achieved with dual CPUs. With only one 3rd generation processor, administrators can only use 16x DIMMs for a maximum of 4TB. With 2x 3rd generation processors installed it can support a maximum of 8TB using 256GB memory modules in all slots. 2nd generation CPUs only support a maximum of 2TB each for a maximum of 4TB with both processors installed. All SR645 models can be powered by dual redundant power supplies from 750W to 1800W.

Memory

There are 8x memory channels on each processor with support for 2x DIMMs per channel, for a total of 16x DIMMs or 32x active memory module slots when both CPUs are installed. The Lenovo SR645 server uses Lenovo TruDDR4 memory operating at up to 3200MHz, plus up to 8TB of memory when all 32x memory module slots are populated with 256GB RDIMMs and outfitted with 3rd Generation AMD EPYC processors.

Storage

Depending on the chassis and backplane configuration, the SR645 supports 4x 3.5-inch or 10x 2.5-inch drive bays, or a mix of drive types, accessed through the front of the chassis. In addition to the front mounted drives, the system supports either 2x M.2 drives, 2x 7mm NVMe drives or 2x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA or NVMe drives on the rear of the system. Depending on your choice of rear drive types, the two drives are connected via a separate RAID controller connected to a single PCIe 3.0 x2 host interface.

Expansion

Up to 3x PCIe 4.0 slots, all with rear access, are available on the ThinkSystem SR645 server. Similarly, a maximum of 3x single-width 75W GPUs can be installed including NVIDIA’s A2, T4, and Quadro P620 cards, but the GPUs must be identical as mixed GPU implementations are not supported. Moreover, there is an internal bay for a cabled RAID adapter or HBA, plus a slot dedicated to an OCP 3.0 SFF mezzanine slot for additional network connection options.

Management

Administrators can use Lenovo’s XClarity management software to help make the deployment, management, and servicing of the system simple and highly secure. The XClarity Controller is equipped with a dedicated management engine that, when combined with the XClarity Administrator, provides a data-driven, centralized view of data center operations. Depending on the situation, the system can be managed both remotely or at-chassis.

Summary

With dual AMD EPYC CPUs from the 7002 or 7003 series, the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR645 server can deliver up to 128 CPU cores and 8TB of memory at capacity, all in a 1U chassis. It is readily available to handle enterprise data center workloads such as database, analytics, and virtualization deployments. The system also features PCIe Gen 4.0 compatibility, and supports SATA, SAS, or NVMe drive formats.