Lenovo ThinkSystem SR550 Server (Xeon SP Gen 1)Product Guide

The Lenovo ThinkSystem SR550 dual-socket 2U rack server is ideal for small to large organizations that need industry-leading reliability, management, and security, as well as cost-optimized performance, storage capacity, and flexible I/O. Designed to handle a wide range of workloads, the SR550 server cost-effectively performs complex analytics on structured and unstructured data, speeds transactional systems, and powers through collaboration workloads with ever-growing data sets and large files shared within an organization.

Featuring the Intel Xeon Processor Scalable Family, the SR550 server offers a balance of performance, capacity and value. The SR550 server supports up to two processors, up to 768 GB of 2666 MHz TruDDR4 memory, up to 16x 2.5-inch or up to 12x 3.5-inch drive bays with an extensive choice of SAS/SATA SSDs and SAS/SATA HDDs, and flexible and scalable I/O expansion options with the LOM slot and up to 6x PCIe slots.

The SR550 server offers basic software RAID or advanced hardware RAID protection and a wide range of networking options, including embedded LOM, selectable LOM, ML2, and PCIe network adapters. The next-generation Lenovo XClarity Controller, which is built into the SR550 server, provides advanced service processor control, monitoring, and alerting functions.

The following figure shows the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR550.

Figure 1. Lenovo ThinkSystem SR550

The SR550 server delivers impressive compute power per watt, featuring 80 PLUS Titanium and Platinum redundant power supplies that can deliver 96% (Titanium) or 94% (Platinum) efficiency at 50% load when connected to a 200 - 240 V AC power source.

The SR550 server is designed to meet ASHRAE A4 standards (up to 45 °C [113 °F]) in select configurations, which enable customers to lower energy costs, while still maintaining world-class reliability. 

The SR550 server offers a balance of processing power, storage capacity, and cost for small and medium businesses up to the large enterprise. Ease of use and comprehensive systems management tools help make deployment easier and efficient design improves your business environment and helps save operational costs.

Scalability and performance

The SR550 server offers numerous features to boost performance, improve scalability, and reduce costs:

• Improves productivity by offering superior system performance with the Intel Xeon Processor Scalable Family with up to 20-core processors, up to 27.5 MB of last level cache (LLC), up to 2666 MHz memory speeds, and up to 10.4 GT/s Ultra Path Interconnect (UPI) links.
  • Support for up to two processors, 40 cores, and 80 threads allows to maximize the concurrent execution of multithreaded applications.
  • Intelligent and adaptive system performance with energy efficient Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology allows CPU cores to run at maximum speeds during peak workloads by temporarily going beyond processor thermal design power (TDP).
  • Intel Hyper-Threading Technology boosts performance for multithreaded applications by enabling simultaneous multithreading within each processor core, up to two threads per core.
  • Intel Virtualization Technology integrates hardware-level virtualization hooks that allow operating system vendors to better utilize the hardware for virtualization workloads.
  • Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 512 (AVX-512) enable acceleration of enterprise-class and high performance computing (HPC) workloads.
• Helps maximize system performance for data intensive applications with up to 2666 MHz memory speeds and up to 768 GB of memory capacity.
• Offers flexible and scalable internal storage in a 2U rack form factor with up to 16x 2.5-inch drives for performance-optimized configurations or up to 12x 3.5-inch drives for capacity-optimized configurations, providing a wide selection of SAS/SATA HDDs/SSDs.
• Provides I/O scalability with the LOM slot and up to six PCI Express (PCIe) 3.0 I/O expansion slots in a 2U rack form factor.
• Reduces I/O latency and increases overall system performance with Intel Integrated I/O Technology that embeds the PCI Express 3.0 controller into the Intel Xeon Processor Scalable Family.

Availability and serviceability

The SR550 server provides many features to simplify serviceability and increase system uptime:

• Offers protection in the event of a non-correctable memory failure with Single Device Data Correction (SDDC, also known as Chipkill, requires x4-based DIMMs), Adaptive Double Device Data Correction (ADDDC, also known as Redundant Bit Steering [RBS], requires x4-based DIMMs and Intel Xeon Gold or Platinum processors), memory mirroring, and memory rank sparing.
• Provides easy access to upgrades and serviceable parts (such as processors, memory DIMMs, and adapter cards) with tool-less cover removal.
• Offers affordable data protection with software RAID and Simple Swap drives and advanced hardware RAID data redundancy with hot-swap drives.
• Provides availability for applications with redundant hot-swap power supplies and redundant non-hot-swap fans.
• Allows preventive actions in advance of possible failure, thereby increasing server uptime and application availability with Proactive Platform Alerts (including PFA and SMART alerts) for processors, voltage regulators, memory, internal storage (SAS/SATA HDDs and SSDs, M.2 storage), fans, power supplies, RAID controllers, and server ambient and sub-component temperatures.
• Continuously monitors system parameters, triggers alerts, and performs recovery actions in case of failure to minimize downtime with Built-in XClarity Controller (XCC).
• Provides quick access to system status, firmware, network, health, and alerts information via Virtual Operator Panel from the XClarity Mobile App running on the Android or iOS mobile device that is connected to the front USB port with XClarity Controller access.
• Speeds up troubleshooting tasks to reduce service time with diagnostics built into the XClarity Provisioning Manager.

Manageability and security

Powerful systems management features simplify local and remote management of the SR550 server and deliver enterprise-class data protection:

• Provides advanced service processor control, monitoring, and alerting functions with XClarity Controller, a next generation service processor.
• Improves Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) system setup, configuration, updates, simplified error handling, and operating system deployment with the embedded XClarity Provisioning Manager.
• Offers XClarity Essentials software tools that can help you set up, use, and maintain the server.
• Increases uptime, reduces costs, and improves productivity through advanced server management capabilities with Lenovo XClarity Administrator that provides comprehensive hardware management.
• Provides on-the-go monitoring and management of devices in XClarity Administrator from anywhere with the Lenovo XClarity mobile app, which can help improve efficiency and reduce downtime risks.
• Centralizes infrastructure resource management with Lenovo XClarity Integrators for VMware vCenter and Microsoft System Center, extending XClarity Administrator features to virtualization management software tools and enabling users to deploy and manage infrastructure end-to-end.
• Offers advanced cryptographic functionality (such as digital signatures and remote attestation) with an integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) or optional Trusted Cryptographic Module (TCM) or Nationz TPM (available only in China).
• Keeps user data safe with Lenovo Business Vantage, a security software tool suite designed to work with the Trusted Cryptographic Module (available only in China).
• Offers enterprise-class data protection with advanced RAID and optional self-encrypting drives.
• Provides faster, stronger encryption with industry-standard AES NI support.
• Helps prevent certain classes of malicious buffer overflow attacks with Intel Execute Disable Bit functionality, when combined with a supporting operating system.
• Enhances security through hardware-based resistance to malicious software attacks with Intel Trusted Execution Technology, allowing an application to run in its own isolated space, protected from all other software running on a system.

Energy efficiency

The SR550 server offers the following energy-efficiency features to save energy, reduce operational costs, increase energy availability, and contribute to the green environment:

• Delivers impressive compute power per watt, featuring 80 PLUS Titanium and Platinum redundant power supplies.
• Enables customers to lower energy costs with design to meet ASHRAE A4 standards in select configurations.
• Reduces power drawn with Intel Intelligent Power Capability that powers individual processor elements on and off as needed.
• Helps reduce power consumption with variable speed fans.
• Helps achieve lower heat output and reduced cooling needs with Lenovo XClarity Energy Manager that provides advanced data center power notification, analysis, and policy-based management.

The following figure shows the front of the SR550 server with 8x 3.5-inch drive bays.

Figure 2. Front view of the SR550: 8x 3.5-inch drive bays

The following table lists the system specifications for the SR550 server.

ThinkSystem SR550 server models can be configured by using the Lenovo Data Center Solution Configurator (DCSC):
http://dcsc.lenovo.com

ThinkSystem SR550 server models are country-specific; that is, each country may define their own server models, and not all server models are available in every country. For a complete list of the SR550 models, contact a Lenovo or Lenovo Business Partner representative in your country. Information on the SR550 models is also available on the PSREF website:
http://psref.lenovo.com/Product/ThinkSystem/ThinkSystem_SR550

The following tables list the models of the SR550 server for the following regions:

• North America
• United States (Buy Online)
• Brazil
• Latin America (except Brazil)
• Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)
• India
• Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea
• Japan
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• Australia and New Zealand

* Processor details: Processor quantity and model, cores, thermal design power (TDP), and core speed.
^ The server supports one onboard PCIe slot 4 and up to five I/O slots on the riser cards. An internal storage controller occupies the PCIe slot 4. The onboard SATA RAID controller does not consume a PCIe slot.

* Processor details: Processor quantity and model, cores, thermal design power (TDP), and core speed.
^ The server supports one onboard PCIe slot 4 and up to five I/O slots on the riser cards. An internal storage controller occupies the PCIe slot 4. The onboard SATA RAID controller does not consume a PCIe slot.

* Processor details: Processor quantity and model, cores, thermal design power (TDP), and core speed.
^ The server supports one onboard PCIe slot 4 and up to five I/O slots on the riser cards. An internal storage controller occupies the PCIe slot 4. The onboard SATA RAID controller does not consume a PCIe slot.
† Tool-less Friction Rail; no support for optional CMA.

* Processor details: Processor quantity and model, cores, thermal design power (TDP), and core speed.
^ The server supports one onboard PCIe slot 4 and up to five I/O slots on the riser cards. An internal storage controller occupies the PCIe slot 4. The onboard SATA RAID controller does not consume a PCIe slot.

* Processor details: Processor quantity and model, cores, thermal design power (TDP), and core speed.
^ The server supports one onboard PCIe slot 4 and up to five I/O slots on the riser cards. An internal storage controller occupies the PCIe slot 4. The onboard SATA RAID controller does not consume a PCIe slot.

* Processor details: Processor quantity and model, cores, thermal design power (TDP), and core speed.
^ The server supports one onboard PCIe slot 4 and up to five I/O slots on the riser cards. An internal storage controller occupies the PCIe slot 4. The onboard SATA RAID controller does not consume a PCIe slot.

* Processor details: Processor quantity and model, cores, thermal design power (TDP), and core speed.
^ The server supports one onboard PCIe slot 4 and up to five I/O slots on the riser cards. An internal storage controller occupies the PCIe slot 4. The onboard SATA RAID controller does not consume a PCIe slot.

* Processor details: Processor quantity and model, cores, thermal design power (TDP), and core speed.
^ The server supports one onboard PCIe slot 4 and up to five I/O slots on the riser cards. An internal storage controller occupies the PCIe slot 4. The onboard SATA RAID controller does not consume a PCIe slot.

* Processor details: Processor quantity and model, cores, thermal design power (TDP), and core speed.
^ The server supports one onboard PCIe slot 4 and up to five I/O slots on the riser cards. An internal storage controller occupies the PCIe slot 4. The onboard SATA RAID controller does not consume a PCIe slot.

The SR550 server supports one or two Intel Xeon Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum processors of up to 125 W TDP. The following table lists the specifications of the processors for the SR550 server.

For the SR550 server models that come standard with one processor, the second processor can be ordered, if required (see the following table for ordering information). The second processor must be of the same model as the first processor. The second processor option includes a processor, a heatsink, and an additional system fan.

* For CTO configurations, the feature code represents a processor, and fans and heatsinks are derived by the configurator.

The SR550 server supports up to 6 TruDDR4 memory DIMMs with one processor and up to 12 DIMMs when two processors are installed. Each processor has six memory channels, and there is a one DIMM per channel.

Lenovo TruDDR4 memory uses the highest-quality components sourced from Tier 1 DRAM suppliers and only memory that meets strict requirements is selected. It is compatibility tested and tuned on every ThinkSystem server to maximize performance and reliability.

TruDDR4 memory has a unique signature programmed into the DIMM, which enables Lenovo servers to verify whether the memory installed is qualified and supported. Lenovo qualified and supported TruDDR4 memory is covered by Lenovo warranty, and service and support provided worldwide.

The following rules apply when selecting the memory configuration:

• The server supports RDIMMs and LRDIMMs.
• Mixing different types of memory (RDIMMs and LRDIMMs) is not supported.
• Mixing x4 and x8 RDIMMs and RDIMMs of different capacity is supported.
• All DIMMs in the server operate at the same speed up to 2666 MHz, which is determined by the maximum memory speed supported by the specific processor.
  Note: Maximum memory speed can be achieved when Max performance mode is enabled in UEFI.
• The following maximum memory capacities supported by the server:
  • RDIMMs: 384 GB (192 GB per processor).
  • LRDIMMs: 768 GB (384 GB per processor).

Single Device Data Correction (SDDC) works only in the independent channel mode (the default operational mode) and supports only x4-based memory DIMMs.

Adaptive Double Device Data Correction (ADDDC) works with x4-based memory DIMMs and requires two DIMM ranks per channel, Intel Xeon Gold or Platinum processors, and the Closed Page memory access mode.

If memory mirroring is used, then DIMMs must be installed in pairs (a minimum of one pair per each processor), and both DIMMs in a pair must be identical in type and size.

If memory rank sparing is used, then a minimum of one quad-rank DIMM or two single-rank or dual-rank DIMMs must be installed per populated channel (the DIMMs do not need being identical). In rank sparing mode, one rank of a DIMM in each populated channel is reserved as spare memory. The size of a rank varies depending on the DIMMs installed.

SDDC, memory mirroring, and memory rank sparing modes are mutually exclusive. Only one operational memory mode can be enabled on the server, and it is a system-wide setting.

The SR550 server supports the following internal drive bay configurations:

1. 8 LFF SATA Simple Swap drive bays
2. 8 LFF SAS/SATA hot-swap drive bays
3. 12 LFF SAS/SATA hot-swap drive bays
4. Up to 16 SFF hot-swap drive bays: 8x 2.5" SAS/SATA + 8x 2.5" SAS/SATA

In addition, the SR550 server models can be configured with one or two internal M.2 SATA SSDs. The server also supports configurations without drive bays.

Configuration notes:

• The 2.5" 8-drive backplane kit (7XH7A06254) adds 8x 2.5" SAS/SATA hot-swap drive bays to the previously configured models that support drive bay expansion capabilities.
• Models without any drive bays that are based on the 16x 2.5" chassis (feature code AV0R) support adding drive bays by using the 2.5" 8-drive backplane kit (7XH7A06254).
• Models without any drive bays that are based on the 12x 3.5" chassis (feature code AV0Q) include the Right EIA Latch with FIO (USB ports, status LEDs, and a power button). These models support adding drive bays by using the 3.5" 8-drive backplane kit (4XH7A08770) or 3.5" 12-drive backplane kit (4XH7A08771).
• The backplane upgrade kits include drive backplanes and required SAS cables, power cables, and drive bay fillers; storage controllers are not included.
• The M.2 Enablement Kit (7Y37A01092) supports one M.2 SATA SSD which is connected to the SATA port on the Intel Platform Controller Hub (PCH).
• The M.2 with Mirroring Enablement Kit (7Y37A01093) is connected to the Intel PCH via the PCIe link, and the kit supports two M.2 SATA SSDs that can be configured in a RAID-1 or RAID-0 drive group, or they can operate as two separate drives.

The following tables list supported internal storage configurations with the SAS/SATA backplanes.

* The numbers in brackets (x or x+y) specify the quantity of drive bays connected to each of the controllers.

The following table lists the storage controllers and options for internal storage of the SR550 server.

* The onboard SATA controller integrated into the Intel C622 Platform Controller Hub (PCH) supports non-RAID (JBOD) AHCI mode or a hardware-assist, software RAID feature (Intel Rapid Storage Technology Enterprise [RSTe]).

Configuration notes:

• Low profile SAS RAID controllers and HBAs for internal storage are supported in the PCIe x8 slot 4 on the system board and full-high PCIe x8 and x16 slots supplied by the riser card 1.
• A combination of any two of the RAID 530-8i, RAID 730-8i 1GB, and RAID 930-8i controllers is allowed in the server configuration.
• A combination of the RAID 530-8i and RAID 730-8i 2GB controllers is allowed in the server configuration.
• A combination of the RAID 730-8i 2GB controller and the RAID 930-8i or RAID 730-8i 1GB controller is not allowed in the server configuration.

The following table summarizes features of supported SAS/SATA storage controllers.

* HBAs do not support key management for SEDs; third-party host software is responsible for managing the keys.
** The SSD caching feature has been phased out in the new generation of advanced RAID controllers.

Important: The onboard Intel RSTe is not supported by virtualization hypervisors, including VMware vSphere (ESXi), Linux KVM, Xen, and Microsoft Hyper-V.

For more information, see the list of Product Guides in the following categories:

• RAID adapters
  http://lenovopress.com/servers/options/raid#rt=product-guide
• Host bus adapters
  http://lenovopress.com/servers/options/hba#rt=product-guide

The following tables list drive options for the SR550 server.