What do I specify when configuring a Lenovo ThinkSystem SR650 V4?
Specify the drive layout, the processors, the memory, the storage controller, the slots and GPUs, the power and cooling, and the machine type that sets the warranty.
The ThinkSystem SR650 V4 is a 2U rack server for one or two Intel Xeon 6700P-series or 6500P-series processors. Lenovo sells it configure-to-order and in preconfigured models. A configure-to-order quote needs the seven decisions below.
Drive layout
The front drive layout sets the chassis. Lenovo lists up to 16 bays for 3.5-inch drives, 40 for 2.5-inch drives or 32 for E3.S drives. The server supports 36 NVMe drives without oversubscription of PCIe lanes. With 3.5-inch front bays, an internal CFF RAID adapter or HBA is not supported, because the adapter and the bays occupy the same space.
Processors
The server takes one or two Xeon 6700P-series or 6500P-series processors, with up to 86 cores and 172 threads, core speeds up to 4.0 GHz and TDP up to 350 W. Risers 3 and 4 need the second processor.
Memory
The server has 32 DIMM slots with two processors, 16 per processor. RDIMMs run at up to 6400 MHz at one DIMM per channel and up to 5200 MHz at two. MRDIMMs run at up to 8000 MHz at one DIMM per channel, with no two-per-channel support. Maximum memory is 8TB, using thirty-two 256GB 3DS RDIMMs.
Lenovo sets three rules. Install the same number of DIMMs on each processor. Use identical RDIMM part numbers throughout. Populate all memory channels for full memory performance.
Storage controller
Choose onboard NVMe, a RAID adapter or an HBA. Lenovo lists 440-16i and 940-16i adapters. Tri-Mode needs an AnyBay backplane.
Slots and GPUs
The server has up to 10 PCIe 5.0 slots at the rear, plus two OCP 3.0 slots. It takes up to 10 single-wide GPUs or 2 double-wide GPUs.
Power and cooling
Lenovo offers up to two hot-swap redundant AC power supplies. Cooling is by air or by Lenovo Neptune liquid cooling for the processors. XClarity Controller 3 is built in, with XCC3 Premier available as an upgrade.
Machine type and warranty
The machine type sets the base warranty. Lenovo lists 7DGC with a one-year warranty and 7DGD with three years. Warranty and support upgrades are quoted with the server.
How to buy it through Gatewell USA
Gatewell USA is Lenovo 360 Authorized and quotes ThinkSystem servers configured to order. Send a Lenovo Data Center Solution Configurator export, a bill of materials or the choices above on the quote form, with the server count and target date. A quote comes back within one business day.