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4U Rack 4/8 Socket Servers

ThinkSystem SR950

DATA SHEET

The Lenovo ThinkSystem SR950 server is designed for your most demanding, mission-critical workloads, such as in-memory databases, large transactional databases, batch and real-time analytics, ERP, CRM, and virtualized server workloads. Now supporting second-generation Intel Xeon Scalable Family processors, the powerful 4U ThinkSystem SR950 can grow from two to eight processors, and with 96 DIMM sockets, supports up to 24 TB of high-speed memory. The SR950 also now supports Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory for the ultimate in performance. The modular design of SR950 speeds upgrades and servicing with easy front or rear access to all major subsystems to maximize server availability.

The SR950 packs numerous fault-tolerant and high-availability features into a high-density, 4U rack-optimized design that reduces the space needed to support massive network computing operations and simplify servicing.

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SKU 12-ThinkSystem-SR950 Categories , , , , ,
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4U Rack 4/8 Socket Servers

ThinkSystem SR950

DATA SHEET

The Lenovo ThinkSystem SR950 server is designed for your most demanding, mission-critical workloads, such as in-memory databases, large transactional databases, batch and real-time analytics, ERP, CRM, and virtualized server workloads. Now supporting second-generation Intel Xeon Scalable Family processors, the powerful 4U ThinkSystem SR950 can grow from two to eight processors, and with 96 DIMM sockets, supports up to 24 TB of high-speed memory. The SR950 also now supports Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory for the ultimate in performance. The modular design of SR950 speeds upgrades and servicing with easy front or rear access to all major subsystems to maximize server availability.

The SR950 packs numerous fault-tolerant and high-availability features into a high-density, 4U rack-optimized design that reduces the space needed to support massive network computing operations and simplify servicing.

Configure to Order

Did you know?

The SR950 server supports up to eight processors in a single 4U chassis. You can upgrade from a 2-socket system to an 8-socket system without having to replace the server enclosure or upgrade to a physically larger design. The SR950 offers enterprise scalability and advanced RAS features to support the most demanding mission-critical applications that require 24×7 operations.

Key features

The Lenovo ThinkSystem SR950 server is designed for your most demanding, CPU and memory intensive, mission-critical workloads, such as in-memory databases, large transactional databases, batch and real-time analytics, ERP, CRM, and virtualized server workloads. The powerful 4U ThinkSystem SR950 can grow from two to eight second-generation Intel Xeon Processor Scalable Family CPUs, delivering up to 36% total performance improvement over the first generation processor (based on Intel internal testing). The modular design of SR950 speeds upgrades and servicing with easy front and rear access to all major subsystems, to maximize server uptime.

Scalability and performance

The SR950 offers numerous features to boost performance, improve scalability, and reduce costs:

  • Supports second-generation Intel Xeon Processor Scalable processors
  • Dense server offering where up to 8 processors and 96 DIMMs are housed in only 4U of rack space.
  • Offers a simple upgrade path that enables the server to be initially configured with as few as two processors and then later be upgraded to up to eight processors simply by adding a compute tray and system boards.
  • Supports the Gold and Platinum level processors in the Intel Xeon Processor Scalable Family, including the “top bin” highest-performing 205 W processors available from Intel.
  • Up to eight processors, each with up to 28 cores and 56 threads (for a total of up to 448 threads) to maximize the concurrent execution of multithreaded applications.
  • Intelligent and adaptive system performance with Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 allows processor cores to run at maximum speeds during peak workloads by temporarily exceeding processor 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 use the hardware for virtualization workloads.
  • Intel Speed Select Technology provides improvements in server utilization and guaranteed per-core performance service levels with more granular control over processor performance.
  • Intel Deep Learning Boost (Vector Neural Network Instruction set or VNNI) is designed to deliver significant, more efficient Deep Learning (Inference) acceleration for high-performance Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads.
  • Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 512 (AVX-512) enable acceleration of enterprise-class workloads, including databases and enterprise resource planning (ERP).
  • Support for up to 96 TruDDR4 DIMMs operating at up to 2933 MHz means you have the fastest available memory subsystem and memory capacity of up to 24 TB using 96x 256 GB 3DS RDIMMs.
  • Supports 2933 MHz Performance+ memory DIMMs which allow configurations of 2 DIMMs per channel to operate at the 2933 MHz rated memory speed.
  • Supports the new Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory; up to 48 Data Center Persistent Memory Modules (DCPMMs) can be installed in conjunction with regular system memory. DCPMMs are up to 512 GB each, for a total of up to 24 TB of Persistent Memory.
  • With both Persistent Memory and RDIMMs installed, the server supports up to a total of 36 TB of memory, 24 TB of Persistent Memory + 12 TB of regular system memory.
  • Up to 24x 2.5-inch HDDs or SSDs provide a flexible and scalable all-in-one platform to meet your increasing demands.
  • Of the 24x drive bays, support for up to 12 NVMe PCIe SSDs maximizes drive I/O performance, in terms of throughput, bandwidth, IOPS, and latency.
  • The use of solid-state drives (SSDs) instead of, or along with, mechanical hard disk drives (HDDs), can improve I/O performance. An SSD can support up to 100 times more I/O operations per second (IOPS) than a typical HDD.
  • New high-speed RAID controllers provide 12 Gb SAS connectivity to the drive backplanes. A variety of RAID adapters are available, with cache up to 8 GB and support for 12 drives on a single controller.
  • Supports the Lenovo-patented M.2 adapter design for convenient operating system boot functions. Available M.2 adapters support either one M.2 drive, or two M.2 drives in a RAID 1 configuration, for the boot drive performance and reliability.
  • The server has a dedicated flexible LAN-on-motherboard (LOM) slot offering a variety of 10 GbE or Gigabit Ethernet adapters that do not occupy one of the standard PCIe slots.
  • A total of up to 17 rear-accessible PCIe slots: 14 general-purpose PCIe 3.0 slots plus slots dedicated to the LOM adapter and two ML2 adapters. In addition, the server has two internal slots for RAID or HBA adapters.
  • The server offers PCI Express 3.0 I/O expansion capabilities that improve the theoretical maximum bandwidth by almost 100% (8 GTps per link using 128b/130b encoding) compared to the previous generation of PCI Express 2.0 (5 GTps per link using 8b/10b encoding).

Availability and serviceability

The SR950 is based on a modular service model where all components and options can be removed from the front or rear of the system, even parts that are located in the center of the machine such as fans, memory DIMMs, and processors. The SR950 is designed for 99.99% availability.

Watch the following video to show how easy it is to service the SR950 server:
https://lenovopress.com/lp0899-thinksystem-sr950-ease-of-service-video

The SR950 provides many features to simplify serviceability and increase system uptime:

  • The server offers Single Device Data Correction (SDDC, also known as Chipkill), Adaptive Double-Device Data Correction (ADDDC, also known as Redundant Bit Steering or RBS), memory mirroring, and memory rank sparing for redundancy in the event of a non-correctable memory failure.
  • The server offers hot-swap drives, supporting RAID redundancy for data protection and greater system uptime.
  • The Dual M.2 Boot Adapter uses RAID-1 so that the two M.2 drives installed are configured as a redundant pair.
  • The server has up to four hot-swap N+N redundant power supplies to help keep the server operational in the event of a power supply or utility supply failure.
  • Each compute tray has 6 hot-swap N+1 redundant fans (a total of 12 fans when two compute trays are installed) to maximize availability for business-critical applications.
  • The power source-independent light path diagnostics functionality provides individual light path LEDs that lead the technician to failed (or failing) components, which simplifies servicing, speeds up problem resolution, and helps increase system availability.
  • The included LCD system information display panel provides greater diagnostic function by listing all error messages and VPD data needed for a service call, thereby speeding problem resolution and increasing system uptime.
  • Proactive Platform Alerts (including PFA and SMART alerts): Processors, voltage regulators, memory, internal storage (SAS/SATA HDDs and SSDs, NVMe SSDs, M.2 storage, and flash storage adapters), fans, power supplies, RAID controllers, ambient temperature, and subcomponent temperatures. Alerts can be surfaced through the XClarity Controller to managers such as Lenovo XClarity Administrator, VMware vCenter, and Microsoft System Center. These proactive alerts let you take appropriate actions in advance of possible failure, thereby increasing server uptime and application availability.
  • Solid-state drives (SSDs) offer more reliability than mechanical HDDs for greater uptime.
  • The built-in XClarity Controller continuously monitors system parameters, triggers alerts, and performs recovery actions in case of failures to minimize downtime.
  • Built-in diagnostics in UEFI, using Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager, speed up troubleshooting tasks to reduce service time.
  • Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager supports diagnostic functions and collects service data to USB key drive or remote CIFS share folder for troubleshooting, to reduce servicing time.
  • Auto-restart in the event of a momentary loss of AC power (based on power policy setting in the XClarity Controller service processor).
  • Support for the XClarity Administrator Mobile app running on a supported smartphone and connected to the server through the service-enabled USB port, enables additional local systems management functions.
  • Three-year or one-year customer-replaceable unit and onsite limited warranty, 9 x 5 next business day. Optional service upgrades are available.

Manageability and security

Powerful systems management features simplify local and remote management of the SR950:

  • The server includes an XClarity Controller (XCC) to monitor server availability and perform remote management. XCC Enterprise is included as standard, which enables remote KVM and remote media files (ISO and IMG image files), boot capture, and power capping.
  • Lenovo XClarity Administrator offers comprehensive hardware management tools that help to increase uptime, reduce costs, and improve productivity through advanced server management capabilities.
  • New UEFI-based Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager, accessible from F1 during boot, provides system inventory information, graphical UEFI Setup, platform update function, RAID Setup wizard, operating system installation function, and diagnostic functions.
  • Support for Lenovo XClarity Energy Manager which captures real-time power and temperature data from the server, and provides automated controls to lower energy costs.
  • Integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 support enables advanced cryptographic functionality, such as digital signatures and remote attestation.
  • Supports Secure Boot to ensure that only a digitally signed operating system can be used. Supported with HDDs and SSDs as well as M.2 drives in the M.2 Adapter.
  • Industry-standard Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) NI support for faster, stronger encryption.
  • Intel Execute Disable Bit functionality can prevent certain classes of malicious buffer overflow attacks when combined with a supported operating system.
  • Intel Trusted Execution Technology provides enhanced security through hardware-based resistance to malicious software attacks, allowing an application to run in its own isolated space, protected from all other software running on a system.

Energy efficiency

The SR950 offers the following energy-efficiency features to save energy, reduce operational costs, and increase energy availability:

  • The server can be used in environments up to ASHRAE A4 with ambient temperatures up to 45 °C.
  • The server is Energy Star 2.1 compliant.
  • Energy-efficient planar components help lower operational costs.
  • High-efficiency power supplies with 80 PLUS Platinum certifications
  • Intel Intelligent Power Capability powers individual processor elements on and off as needed, to reduce energy draw.
  • Low-voltage 1.2 V DDR4 memory offers energy savings compared to 1.35 V and 1.5 V DDR3 DIMMs.
  • Solid-state drives (SSDs) consume as much as 80% less power than mechanical 2.5-inch HDDs.
  • The server uses hexagonal ventilation holes, which can be grouped more densely than round holes, providing more efficient airflow through the system.
  • Optional Lenovo XClarity Energy Manager provide advanced data center power notification, analysis, and policy-based management to help achieve lower heat output and reduced cooling needs.

Components and connectors

The following figure shows the front of the SR950 server.

Front view of the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR950
Figure 2. Front view of the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR950

The following figure shows the rear of the SR950 server. The server has up to 17 PCIe slots, depending on the riser cards selected, and the number of processors installed.

Rear view of the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR950
Figure 3. Rear view of the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR950

The processors and other components are located on compute trays, the Upper Compute Tray and the Lower Compute Tray. Each compute tray holds up to four processors on two system boards. The compute trays are accessible from the front of the server, as shown in the following figure.

ThinkSystem SR950 with Lower Compute Tray partially removed
Figure 4. Lower Compute Tray partially removed

The server has one or two compute trays. Each compute tray contains:

  • One or two compute system boards, each comprising:
    • Two processors
    • 24 DIMMs
  • Six hot-swap fans, accessible even when the compute tray is installed
  • 12x 2.5-inch hot-swap drive bays
  • One PCIe slot reserved for a RAID adapter for internal SAS/SATA drives

The following figure shows the rear of the compute tray with its two compute system boards, one of them removed.

SR950 compute tray with two compute system boards
Figure 5. Compute tray with two compute system boards

The compute system board is shown in the following figure. Each system board holds two processors and 24 DIMM sockets, 12 per processor. The system board also has connections for the NVMe ports used to connect to the PCIe NVMe drive bays at the front of the server.

ThinkSystem SR950 Compute System Board
Figure 6. Compute system board

Processors installed in the compute system boards are numbered as shown in the following figure.

Processor numbering
Figure 7. Processor numbering (viewed from the rear of the compute trays)

For some four-socket storage-rich configurations, a storage tray is used in the upper tray area instead of a compute tray. The following figure shows the key components of the storage tray.

Storage tray
Figure 8. Storage tray

All slots and ports at the rear of the server are housed in the I/O tray as shown in the following figure.

I/O tray
Figure 9. I/O tray

System architecture

The following figure shows the architecture of the SR950 at a high level. The system boards with processors and memory are installed in compute trays along with the drive bays and storage adapter. The I/O board houses all onboard PCIe slots as well as the slots for the riser cards the offer the remaining PCIe slots.

SR950 architecture
Figure 10. SR950 architecture

The specific connections between system boards, processors and PCIe slots are dependent on the server configuration. This is described in detail in the Server configurations section. Specific processor-slot connections based on each configuration are described in the Slot availability by server configuration section.

The following figure shows System board 1 where processors 1 and 2 are installed. The slots on the I/O board are connected directly to these processors (or indirectly through the Intel C624 Platform Controller Hub, PCH).

System board 1 connections to the I/O board
Figure 11. System board 1 connections to the I/O board

The processors within the chassis communicate via UltraPath Interconnect (UPI) ports. These ports allow high speed communication between the CPUs. UPI replaces the Intel QuickPath Interconnect (QPI). One UPI link connects the two processors on each system board (UPI 3) and the other two UPI links are used to connect the other processors in adjacent boards to form four-way and larger systems.

In four-processor configurations, the design of the UPI links is either in a mesh or a ring topology. When a processor has 3 UPI ports, it can be used in a 4-socket mesh configuration where all processors are directly connected to every other processor. 5200 Series processors only have 2 UPI ports (ports 1 and 2) and therefore do not support mesh topology. These two UPI configurations are shown in the following figure.

Mesh (left) and Ring (right) topologies for four-socket configurations
Figure 12. Mesh (left) and Ring (right) topologies for four-socket configurations

Ring topology with 8200 Series processors: As discussed in the Server configurations section, the “Four-Socket Upgradable / Storage Rich” configuration is a four-socket configuration that uses a Ring topology but uses 8200 Series processors.

The server supports an 8-socket configuration (8200 Series processors required). The following figure shows the UPI links used to connect eight processors.

8-socket topology
Figure 13. 8-socket topology

Refer to the processor options table for information on the number UPI links each processor option has for the SR950 system.

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4U Rack 4/8 Socket Servers

ThinkSystem SR950

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