Lenovo ThinkSystem SR950 User manual

ThinkSystem SR950
Setup Guide
Machine Types: 7X12, 7X11, and 7X13

Note
Before usin this information and the product it supports, be sure to read and understand the safety
information and the safety instructions, which are available at:
http://thinksystem.lenovofiles.com/help/topic/safety_documentation/pdf_files.html
This equipment is not suitable for use in locations where children are likely to be present.
In addition, be sure that you are familiar with the terms and conditions of the Lenovo warranty for your server,
which can be found at:
http://datacentersupport.lenovo.com/warrantylookup
Twentieth Edition (December 2021)
© Copyright enovo 2017, 2021.
LIMITED AND RESTRICTED RIGHTS NOTICE: If data or software is delivered pursuant to a General Services
Administration (GSA) contract, use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth in Contract No. GS-35F-
05925.

Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . 1
Server packa e contents . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Particulate contamination . . . . . . . . . . 9
PCIe slot-to-processor mappin . . . . . . . . 10
Confi urations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Four-socket performance . . . . . . . . . 11
Four-socket performance / stora e rich. . . . 13
Four-socket up radable. . . . . . . . . . 15
Four-socket up radable / stora e rich . . . . 17
Ei ht-socket stora e rich . . . . . . . . . 18
Mana ement options. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapter 2. Server components . . . . 23
Front view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Front operator panel . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Rear view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Rear view LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Internal cable routin . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Cable routin for common components . . . 37
Cable routin for drives . . . . . . . . . . 40
Parts list. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Power cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Chapter 3. Server hardware setup . . 55
Server setup checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
System reliability uidelines . . . . . . . . 57
Handlin static-sensitive devices . . . . . . 57
Memory module installation rules and order . . . . 58
Memory uidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . 58
DRAM DIMM installation order . . . . . . . 62
DCPMM installation order . . . . . . . . . 176
Install server hardware options . . . . . . . . . 210
Remove the front cover . . . . . . . . . . 211
Install the system board . . . . . . . . . . 211
Install a processor-heat-sink module. . . . . 213
Install a memory module . . . . . . . . . 216
Install a hard disk drive backplane . . . . . . 220
Install a hard disk drive . . . . . . . . . . 225
Install the front cover . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Install an adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Install a riser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Install a power supply. . . . . . . . . . . 245
Installin the 4S Performance to 8S Up rade
Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Install the server in a rack . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Cable the server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Power on the server (connect input power) . . . . 253
Validate server setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Power off the server (disconnect input power) . . . 254
Chapter 4. System configuration . . . 255
Set the network connection for the Lenovo XClarity
Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Update the firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Confi ure the firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Memory confi uration . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Independent memory mode . . . . . . . . 261
Memory mirrorin . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Memory sparin . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Confi ure DC Persistent Memory Module
(DCPMM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
RAID confi uration . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Deploy the operatin system. . . . . . . . . . 266
Back up the server confi uration . . . . . . . . 267
Update the Vital Product Data (VPD). . . . . . . 268
Update the Universal Unique Identifier
(UUID). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Update the asset ta . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Chapter 5. Resolving installation
issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Appendix A. Getting help and
technical assistance . . . . . . . . . . 279
Before you call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Collectin service data . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Contactin Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Appendix B. Component
reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Internal connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
System-board connectors . . . . . . . . . 283
System-board LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Stora e-board-assembly connectors . . . . 284
I/O tray connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Stora e interposer connectors . . . . . . . 289
RAID card connectors . . . . . . . . . . 290
Drive backplane connectors . . . . . . . . 291
Component access . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Adapter replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Upper/lower compute tray replacement . . . 305
System board replacement . . . . . . . . 308
© Copyri ht Lenovo 2017, 2021 i

System board filler replacement. . . . . . . 312
Fan ca e replacement . . . . . . . . . . 314
Front cover replacement . . . . . . . . . 322
Hard disk drive replacement . . . . . . . . 323
Hard disk drive backplane replacement. . . . 327
I/O tray replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 334
M.2 backplane replacement . . . . . . . . 342
M.2 drive replacement . . . . . . . . . . 346
Memory air baffle replacement . . . . . . . 350
Memory module replacement . . . . . . . 353
Riser replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Stora e interposer replacement. . . . . . . 369
Stora e tray replacement . . . . . . . . . 375
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
ii ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide

Chapter 1. Introduction
The ThinkSystem SR950 server is a hi h performance 4U rack server that supports up to ei ht Intel Xeon
processors. It is an enterprise-class server desi ned for customers requirin four or more processors, lar e
amounts of memory, and numerous I/O connections.
The server comes with a limited warranty. For details about the warranty, see:
https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht503310
For details about your specific warranty, see:
http://datacentersupport.lenovo.com/warrantylookup
Server package contents
When you receive your server, verify that the shipment contains everythin that you expected to receive.
The server packa e includes the followin items:
• ThinkSystem SR950 server
• Rail installation kit (optional). Detailed instructions for installin the server in a rack usin these rails are in
the Rack Installation Instructions document packa ed with your server.
• Material box, includin items such as the power cords, printed documentation, and an accessory kit.
If any item is missin or dama ed, contact your place of purchase. Ensure that you retain your proof of
purchase and packin material. They mi ht be required to receive warranty service.
Features
Performance, ease of use, reliability, and expansion capabilities were key considerations in the desi n of
your server. These desi n features make it possible for you to customize the system hardware to meet your
needs today and provide flexible expansion capabilities for the future.
Your server implements the followin features and technolo ies:
• enovo XClarity Controller (XCC)
The Lenovo XClarity Controller is the common mana ement controller for Lenovo ThinkSystem server
hardware. The Lenovo XClarity Controller consolidates multiple mana ement functions in a sin le chip on
the server system board.
© Copyri ht Lenovo 2017, 2021 1

Some of the features that are unique to the Lenovo XClarity Controller are enhanced performance, hi her-
resolution remote video, and expanded security options. For additional information about the Lenovo
XClarity Controller, refer to the XCC documentation compatible with your server at:
https://sysm t.lenovofiles.com/help/topic/lxcc_frontend/lxcc_overview.html
Important: Lenovo XClarity Controller (XCC) supported version varies by product. All versions of Lenovo
XClarity Controller are referred to as Lenovo XClarity Controller and XCC in this document, unless
specified otherwise. To see the XCC version supported by your server, o to https://
sysm t.lenovofiles.com/help/topic/lxcc_frontend/lxcc_overview.html.
• UEFI-compliant server firmware
Lenovo ThinkSystem firmware is Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) compliant. UEFI replaces
BIOS and defines a standard interface between the operatin system, platform firmware, and external
devices.
Lenovo ThinkSystem servers are capable of bootin UEFI-compliant operatin systems, BIOS-based
operatin systems, and BIOS-based adapters as well as UEFI-compliant adapters.
Note: The server does not support DOS (Disk Operatin System).
• Active Memory
The Active Memory feature improves the reliability of memory throu h memory mirrorin . Memory
mirrorin mode replicates and stores data on two pairs of DIMMs within two channels simultaneously. If a
failure occurs, the memory controller switches from the primary pair of memory DIMMs to the backup pair
of DIMMs.
• arge system-memory capacity
The server supports synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM) re istered dual inline
memory modules (DIMMs) with error correctin code (ECC). The server also supports Intel Optane DC
persistent memory modules (DCPMMs).
For more information about the specific types and maximum amount of memory, see “Specifications” on
pa e 3.
• Integrated network support
The server comes with one of several types of LOM adapter, which supports connection to one of the
followin network types: 10GBASE-T (2-port or 4-port), 1GBASE-T (2-port or 4-port), or 2x 10Gb SFP+ (2-
port or 4-port). An ML2 form factor network adapter is also supported.
• Integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
This inte rated security chip performs crypto raphic functions and stores private and public secure keys.
It provides the hardware support for the Trusted Computin Group (TCG) specification. You can
download the software to support the TCG specification when the software is available.
Note: For customers in Chinese Mainland, TPM is not supported. However, customers in Chinese
Mainland can install a Trusted Crypto raphic Module (TCM) adapter or a Lenovo-qualified TPM adapter
(sometimes called a dau hter card).
• arge data-storage capacity and hot-swap capability
The server models support a maximum of 24 2.5-inch hard disk drives that are of the hot-swap Serial
Attached SCSI (SAS) or hot add/remove NVMe types (dependin on system confi uration).
With the hot-swap feature, you can add, remove, or replace hard disk drives without turnin off the server.
• ight path diagnostics
2ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide

Li ht path dia nostics provides LEDs to help you dia nose problems and an LCD information display
panel that provides additional dia nostic information. For more information about the li ht path
dia nostics, see “Front operator panel with LCD display” on pa e 28 and “Li ht path dia nostics” in
ThinkSystem SR950 Maintenance Manual.
• Mobile access to enovo Service Information website
The server provides a QR code on each system board that you can scan usin a QR code reader and
scanner with a mobile device to et quick access to the Lenovo Service Information website. The Lenovo
Service Information website provides additional information for parts installation, replacement videos, and
error codes for server support. See “QR code” on pa e 23 for information about accessin the QR code
label.
• Active Energy Manager
Lenovo XClarity Ener y Mana er is a power and temperature mana ement solution for data centers. You
can monitor and mana e the power consumption and temperature of Conver ed, NeXtScale, System x,
and ThinkServer servers, and improve ener y efficiency usin Lenovo XClarity Ener y Mana er.
• Redundant networking connection
The Lenovo XClarity Controller provides failover capability to a redundant Ethernet connection with the
applicable application installed. If a problem occurs with the primary Ethernet connection, all Ethernet
traffic that is associated with the primary connection is automatically switched to the optional redundant
Ethernet connection. If the applicable device drivers are installed, this switchin occurs without data loss
and without user intervention.
• Redundant cooling and optional power capabilities
The server supports a maximum of four 1100-watt (110V or 220V ac), 1600-watt (220V ac), or 2000-watt
(220V ac) hot-swap power supplies and six or twelve hot-swap fans, dependin on the server
confi uration. The redundant coolin by the fans in the server enables continued operation if a fan fails.
Note: You cannot mix power supply types in the server.
Two types of fans are supported:
– 60 mm x 38mm, 16K internal hot-swap fans (01CX965)
– 60 mm x 38mm, 19K internal hot-swap fans (01PG490)
Notes:
– Different fan types cannot be mixed within a system. All fans must be either 16K fans or 19K fans.
– Before up radin fans from 16K to 19K, you must make sure that the system has version 2 of the
ThinkSystem 2-CPU, 24-DIMM, Compute System Board (01CV978) installed in each compute tray.
• ThinkSystem RAID support
The ThinkSystem RAID adapter provides hardware redundant array of independent disks (RAID) support
to create confi urations. The standard RAID adapter provides RAID levels 0 and 1. An optional RAID
adapter is available for purchase.
Specifications
The followin information is a summary of the features and specifications of the server. Dependin on the
model, some features mi ht not be available, or some specifications mi ht not apply.
Chapter 1.Introduction 3

Table 1. Server Specifications
Specification Description
Size 4U server
• Hei ht: 175.3 mm (6.90 in.)
• Depth: 851 mm (33.50 in.)
• Width: 447.0 mm (17.6 in.)
Wei ht Approximately 32.6 k (71.9 lbs.) to 58.7 k (129.4 lbs.) dependin on your
confi uration.
Processor (dependin on the
model)
Supports multi-core Intel Xeon processors, with inte rated memory controller and
Ultra Path Interconnect (UPI)
• Two processors, minimum (expandable up to ei ht).
• Desi ned for the LGA 3647-0 socket
• Scalable up to 224 cores (with ei ht processors installed)
For a list of supported processors, see https://static.lenovo.com/us/en/serverproven/
index.shtml and the “Processor Options” section of the ThinkSystem SR950 Pro uct
Gui e at http://lenovopress.com/LP0647.
Note: If 82xx processors are installed, 60 mm x 38mm, 19K internal hot-swap fans
(01PG490) must also be installed to meet CPU coolin requirements at 35°C. If 16K
internal hot-swap fans are currently installed, you must validate that the system has
version 2 of the ThinkSystem 2-CPU, 24-DIMM, Compute System Board (01CV978)
installed in each compute tray before up radin the fans from 16K to 19K.
Memory See “Memory module installation rules and order” on pa e 58 for detailed
information about memory confi uration and setup.
• Minimum: 32 GB
• Maximum:
– 6.2 TB usin re istered DIMMs (RDIMMs) or load reduction DIMMs (LRDIMMs)
– 24.6 TB usin three-dimensional-stackin re istered DIMMs (3DS RDIMMs)
– 36.9 TB usin Intel® OptaneTM DC persistent memory modules (PMMs)
• Type:
– PC4-21300 (DDR4-2666), operatin speed depends on processor model and
UEFI settin s
– Sin le-rank or dual-rank
– Re istered DIMM (RDIMM), load reduced DIMM (LRDIMM), or three-
dimensional-stackin re istered DIMM (3DS RDIMM)
• Slots: 24 dual inline in each compute tray (96 DIMMs, maximum)
• Supports (dependin on the model):
– 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB RDIMMs
– 64 GB LRDIMMs
– 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB 3DS RDIMMs
– 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB Intel® OptaneTM DC persistent memory modules
(DCPMMs)
Note: When Windows Server 2016 or 2019 is installed on the ThinkSystem SR950,
the server cannot have reater than 20 TB of system memory installed unless
Credential Guard and the Hyper-V role are both disabled. This issue will be
addressed on Windows Server 2019 within a Microsoft Update at a future date. Note
that Optane DIMMs are only supported on Windows Server 2019 and later.
4ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide

Table 1. Server Specifications (continue )
Specification Description
Drive expansion • Up to six SAS/SATA/NVMe drive backplanes:
• Up to 24 2.5-inch hot-swap drive bays:
– Up to 24 SATA/SAS drives (dependent on installed drive backplanes)
– Up to 12 NVMe drives (dependent on installed drive backplanes)
See “Confi urations” on pa e 11 for more details.
Expansion slots Up to seventeen expansion slots (dependent on server confi uration):
• Slot 1 - 4: PCI Express 3.0 for PCIe riser-card with the followin slots available
dependin on the riser installed:
1. x8/x8/x8/x8 PCIe full-hei ht riser kit provides:
– Slot 1: PCI Express 3.0 x8
– Slot 2: PCI Express 3.0 x8
– Slot 3: PCI Express 3.0 x8
– Slot 4: PCI Express 3.0 x8
2. x16/x16 PCIe full-hei ht riser kit provides:
– Slot 3: PCI Express 3.0 x16
– Slot 4: PCI Express 3.0 x16
3. x16/x16/x16/x16 PCIe full-hei ht riser kit (8-processor systems only)
provides:
– Slot 1: PCI Express 3.0 x16
– Slot 2: PCI Express 3.0 x16
– Slot 3: PCI Express 3.0 x16
– Slot 4: PCI Express 3.0 x16
• Slot 5: PCI Express 3.0 x16 (low profile)
• Slot 6: PCI Express 3.0 x16 (low profile)
• Slot 7: PCI Express 3.0 x8 (low profile)
Note: You should not install a RAID or Host Bus Adapter card in this slot.
• Slot 8: ML2 x16 network adapter (with NC-SI support)
• Slot 9: LOM adapter
• Slot 10 - 15: PCI Express 3.0 for PCIe riser-card with the followin slots available
dependin on the riser-card installed:
1. x8/x8/x8/x8 PCIe full-hei ht riser kit provides:
– Slot 10: PCI Express 3.0 x8
– Slot 11: PCI Express 3.0 x8
– Slot 12: PCI Express 3.0 x8
– Slot 13: PCI Express 3.0 x8
2. x16/x16 PCIe full-hei ht riser kit provides:
– Slot 12: PCI Express 3.0 x16
– Slot 13: PCI Express 3.0 x16
3. x16/x16/x16/x16 PCIe and ML2 x16 full-hei ht riser kit (8-processor systems
only) provides:
– Slot 10: PCI Express 3.0 x16
Chapter 1.Introduction 5

Table 1. Server Specifications (continue )
Specification Description
– Slot 11: PCI Express 3.0 x16
– Slot 12: PCI Express 3.0 x16
– Slot 13: PCI Express 3.0 x16
– Slot 14: PCI Express 3.0 x16
– Slot 15: ML2 x16 network adapter (no NC-SI support)
• Slot 16 - 17: x8/x8 PCIe low-profile riser kit (processor-rich systems only)
provides:
– Slot 16: PCI Express 3.0 x8
– Slot 17: PCI Express 3.0 x8
See “Confi urations” on pa e 11 for more details.
Inte rated functions • Lenovo XClarity Controller, which provides service processor control and
monitorin functions, video controller, and remote keyboard, video, mouse, and
remote drive capabilities.
• Li ht-path dia nostics
• Standard connectors (front of server):
– DB-15 VGA port
– USB 2.0 ports (two):
– USB 2.0 for Lenovo XClarity Controller mana ement
– USB 2.0
• Standard connectors (rear of server):
– DB-15 VGA port
– DB-9 serial port
– RJ-45 system-mana ement network port. This connector is dedicated for
Lenovo XClarity Controller functions and runs at 1 i abit (Gb) speed.
– USB 3.0 ports (two)
RAID controller (dependin on
the model)
The followin RAID options are available for this server:
• ThinkSystem 430-8i Basic Hardware RAID PCIe Adapter, supports RAID levels 0/
1/10/5 cacheless
• ThinkSystem 430-16i Basic Hardware RAID PCIe Adapter, supports RAID levels 0/
1/10/5 cacheless
• ThinkSystem 530-8i Basic Hardware RAID PCIe Adapter, supports RAID levels 0/
1/10/5 cacheless
• ThinkSystem 730-8i Value Advanced Hardware RAID 1 GB Cache PCIe Adapter,
supports JBOD mode and RAID levels 0/1/5/10/50 (for Chinese Mainland only)
• ThinkSystem 730-8i Value Advanced Hardware RAID 2 GB Cache PCIe Adapter,
supports JBOD mode and RAID levels 0/1/5/10/50 (for Chinese Mainland only and
Asian-Pacific area only)
• ThinkSystem RAID 930-8i Advanced Hardware 2 GB Flash Cache PCIe Adapter,
supports RAID levels 0/1/5/6/10/50/60
• ThinkSystem RAID 930-16i Advanced Hardware 4 GB Flash Cache PCIe Adapter,
supports RAID levels 0/1/5/6/10/50/60
6ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide

Table 1. Server Specifications (continue )
Specification Description
Fans Up to twelve (60 mm x 38 mm) internal hot-swap system fans (dependent on server
confi uration)
• The six upper fans are not installed for the four-processor-limited server
confi uration.
• Only three upper fans are installed for the stora e-rich confi uration.
Two types of fans are supported:
• 60 mm x 38mm, 16K internal hot-swap fans (01CX965)
• 60 mm x 38mm, 19K internal hot-swap fans (01PG490)
Notes:
• Different fan types cannot be mixed within a system. All fans must be either 16K
fans or 19K fans.
• Before up radin fans from 16K to 19K, you must make sure that the system has
version 2 of the ThinkSystem 2-CPU, 24DIMM, Compute System Board
(01CV978) installed in each compute tray.
Power supplies • This server supports three types of hot-swap power supply units:
– 1100-watt power supply
– input volta e 110V, 220V, or 240V ac
– 1600-watt power supply
– input volta e 220V or 240V ac
– 2000-watt power supply
– input volta e 220V ac
• The power subsystem supports balanced N+N redundancy operation, where N =
1 or 2.
CAUTION:
1. 240 V dc input (input range: 180-300 V dc) is ON Y supported in Chinese
Mainland.
2. Power supplies with 240 V dc are not hot-swappable. To remove the power
cord, ensure you have turned off the server or disconnected the dc power
sources at the breaker panel.
3. In order for the ThinkSystem products to operate error free in both a DC or
AC electrical environment, a TN-S earthing system which complies to
60364-1 IEC 2005 standard has to be present or installed.
Minimal confi uration for
debu in • Two processors in processor socket 1 and 2
• Two DRAM DIMMs in slot 8 and 20
• One power supply in slot 1
• One drive with RAID adapter and backplane (If OS is required for debu in )
• Six system fans (fan 1 to 6)
Chapter 1.Introduction 7

Table 1. Server Specifications (continue )
Specification Description
Acoustical noise emissions
(base confi uration) • Sound power level, idlin :
– Minimum confi uration: 7.0 bels
– Typical confi uration: 7.0 bels
– Maximum confi uration: 7.8 bels
• Sound power level, operatin :
– Minimum confi uration: 7.0 bels
– Typical confi uration: 7.2 bels
– Maximum confi uration: 8.0 bels
Notes:
1. These levels were measured in controlled acoustical environments accordin to
procedures specified by ISO 7779 and are reported in accordance with ISO
9296.
2. The options supported in this server vary in function, power consumption, and
required coolin . Any increase in coolin required by these options will increase
the fan speed and enerated sound level. The actual sound pressure levels
measured in your installation depend upon a variety of factors, includin : the
number of racks in the installation; the size, materials, and confi uration of the
room; the noise levels of other equipment; the room ambient temperature and
barometric pressure; and the location of employees in relation to the equipment.
Heat output Approximate heat output:
• Minimum confi uration: 935 BTU, 275 W (in BTU per hour and watts)
– Minimum confi uration of two microprocessors, two memory modules, one M.2
adapter, and no PCIe adapters.
• Maximum confi uration: 21837 BTU, 6400 W (in BTU per hour and watts)
– Maximum confi uration with four 1600-watt power supplies confi ured for non-
redundant operation under maximum loadin .
8ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide

Table 1. Server Specifications (continue )
Specification Description
Environment • Air temperature:
– Server on: 5° to 45°C (41° to 113°F); altitude: 0 to 3050 m (10,006 ft) derate
maximum dry bulb temperature 1°C (33°F) per 125 m (410 ft) above 950 m
(3,117 ft). Maximum rate of chan e 20°C (68°F) per hour
– Server off: 5° to 45°C (41° to 113°F)
– Shipment: -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F)
• Humidity ran e (noncondensin ):
– Server on: Minimum = hi her (more moisture) of -12°C (10°F) dew point and 8%
to 90% relative humidity; maximum dew point: 24°C (75°F)
– Server off: 8% to 90% relative humidity; maximum dew point: 27°C (80°F)
– Shipment: 5% to 100%
Notes:
• Particulate contamination
Attention: Airborne particulates and reactive ases actin alone or in
combination with other environmental factors such as humidity or temperature
mi ht pose a risk to the server. For information about the limits for particulates and
ases, see “Particulate contamination” in ThinkSystem SR950 Maintenance
Manual.
• ASHRAE compliance information (see the “Operatin Environment” section of the
ThinkSystem SR950 Pro uct Gui e at http://lenovopress.com/LP0647 for specific
ASHRAE compliance levels for each server confi uration):
– The server is desi ned for thermal compliance in ASHRAE A4 ambient
environments. Certain processor and adapter confi urations will limit product
environmental support to ASHRAE A2 ambient conditions.
– If 82xx processors are installed, 60 mm x 38mm, 19K internal hot-swap fans
(01PG490) must also be installed to meet CPU coolin requirements at 35°C.
– 205W processors used in an ei ht-socket confi uration mi ht experience a
sli ht drop in performance under extreme workloads when the ambient
temperature is above 30°C.
– NVMe devices are supported up to an ambient temperature of 35°C.
Operating systems
Supported and certified operatin systems:
• Microsoft Windows Server
• VMware ESXi
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
References:
• Complete list of available operatin systems: https://lenovopress.com/osi .
• OS deployment instructions: “Deploy the operatin system” on pa e 266.
Particulate contamination
Attention: Airborne particulates (includin metal flakes or particles) and reactive ases actin alone or in
combination with other environmental factors such as humidity or temperature mi ht pose a risk to the
device that is described in this document.
Chapter 1.Introduction 9

Risks that are posed by the presence of excessive particulate levels or concentrations of harmful ases
include dama e that mi ht cause the device to malfunction or cease functionin alto ether. This
specification sets forth limits for particulates and ases that are intended to avoid such dama e. The limits
must not be viewed or used as definitive limits, because numerous other factors, such as temperature or
moisture content of the air, can influence the impact of particulates or environmental corrosives and aseous
contaminant transfer. In the absence of specific limits that are set forth in this document, you must
implement practices that maintain particulate and as levels that are consistent with the protection of human
health and safety. If Lenovo determines that the levels of particulates or ases in your environment have
caused dama e to the device, Lenovo may condition provision of repair or replacement of devices or parts
on implementation of appropriate remedial measures to miti ate such environmental contamination.
Implementation of such remedial measures is a customer responsibility.
Table 2. Limits for particulates an gases
Contaminant imits
Reactive ases Severity level G1 as per ANSI/ISA 71.04-19851:
• The copper reactivity level shall be less than 300 An stroms per month (Å/month ≈ 0.0039 μ /
cm2-hour wei ht ain).2
• The silver reactivity level shall be less than 200 Å/month (Å/month ≈ 0.0035 μ /cm2-hour
wei ht ain).3
• The reactive monitorin of aseous corrosivity must be conducted approximately 5 cm (2 in.) in
front of the rack on the air inlet side at one-quarter and three-quarter frame hei ht off the floor
or where the air velocity is much hi her.
Airborne
particulates Data centers must meet the cleanliness level of ISO 14644-1 class 8.
For data centers without airside economizer, the ISO 14644-1 class 8 cleanliness mi ht be met by
choosin one of the followin filtration methods:
• The room air mi ht be continuously filtered with MERV 8 filters.
• Air enterin a data center mi ht be filtered with MERV 11 or preferably MERV 13 filters.
For data centers with airside economizers, the choice of filters to achieve ISO class 8 cleanliness
depends on the specific conditions present at that data center.
• The deliquescent relative humidity of the particulate contamination should be more than 60%
RH.4
• Data centers must be free of zinc whiskers.5
1 ANSI/ISA-71.04-1985. Environmental con itions for process measurement an control systems: Airborne
contaminants. Instrument Society of America, Research Trian le Park, North Carolina, U.S.A.
2 The derivation of the equivalence between the rate of copper corrosion rowth in the thickness of the corrosion
product in Å/month and the rate of wei ht ain assumes that Cu2S and Cu2O row in equal proportions.
3 The derivation of the equivalence between the rate of silver corrosion rowth in the thickness of the corrosion
product in Å/month and the rate of wei ht ain assumes that A 2S is the only corrosion product.
4 The deliquescent relative humidity of particulate contamination is the relative humidity at which the dust absorbs
enou h water to become wet and promote ionic conduction.
5 Surface debris is randomly collected from 10 areas of the data center on a 1.5 cm diameter disk of sticky
electrically conductive tape on a metal stub. If examination of the sticky tape in a scannin electron microscope
reveals no zinc whiskers, the data center is considered free of zinc whiskers.
PCIe slot-to-processor mapping
The followin table shows the connectivity between processors and PCIe slots in the server. In situations
where multiple risers can be installed (such as for PCIe adapter slots 1 and 2, the table shows the processor
connectivity based on each of the riser options.
10 ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide

Table 3. PCIe slot-to-processor mapping
PCIe Slot Processor (Riser if the mapping changes for different risers)
1, 2 • 4 (4 x8)
• 8 (6 x16)
3, 4 • 4 (4 x8)
• 4 (2 x16)
• 6 (6 x16)
5, 6 2
7, 8, 9 1
10, 11 • 3 (4 x8)
• 7 (6 x16)
12, 13 • 3 (4 x8)
• 5 (6 x16)
14, 15, 16 3
17 1
Configurations
The ThinkSystem SR950 is available in several confi urations.
Four-socket performance
These confi urations meet the expectations of hi h-performance and low costs, while support up to 12
drives and 15 rear PCIe slots.
The four-socket performance confi urations support two to four processors with the followin requirements/
capabilities:
• Fan 1 to 6 are required to be installed.
• The upper tray filler is installed in the upper tray slot.
• Up to 12 drives (bay 0 - 11) are supported.
See the followin for the support variations dependin on number of processors that are installed:
• “Four-socket performance, two processors” on pa e 12
• “Four-socket performance, three processors” on pa e 12
• “Four-socket performance, four processors” on pa e 13
Notes:
• 5100 series processors are only supported in four-processor confi uration in this cate ory.
• For optimal performance, confi ure four processors in mesh topolo y.
• These confi uration require the upper tray filler, and could be up raded to ei ht-socket ones, but it
requires the 4S-to-8S Up rade Option kit, additional components, and Lenovo hardware installation.
Chapter 1.Introduction 11

Consider “Four-socket up radable” on pa e 15 or “Four-socket up radable / stora e rich” on pa e 17 for
an easier potential up rade in the future.
For more information about up radin to the ei ht-socket confi uration, see the followin topic:
http://thinksystem.lenovofiles.com/help/topic/7X12/installin _the_4S-to-8S_up rade_option.html
Four-socket performance, two processors
This confi uration comes with two processors, requires at least one 1100/1600-watt PSU, and supports up
to:
• 24 memory modules.
• six rear PCIe slots.
See the followin tables for the location of the supported components.
Table 4. Location of the two processors an 24 supporte memory mo ule slots (viewe from the front)
Upper tray filler
Not populated Not populated
CPU 1 and DIMM 1-12 CPU 2 and DIMM 13-24
Table 5. Location of the six supporte PCIe slots (viewe from the rear)
PCIe 5 PCIe 6 PCIe 7 PCIe 8
(ML2)
PCIe 9
(LOM)
PCIe
17
Four-socket performance, three processors
This confi uration comes with three processors, requires at least two 1100/1600-watt PSUs, and supports
up to:
• 36 memory modules.
• Ten rear PCIe slots.
See the followin tables for the location of the supported components.
Table 6. Location of the three processors an 36 supporte memory mo ule slots (viewe from the front)
Upper tray filler
Not populated CPU 4 and DIMM 37-48
CPU 1 and DIMM 1-12 CPU 2 and DIMM 13-24
Table 7. Location of ten supporte PCIe slots (viewe from the rear)
PCIe 11(P4)
12 ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide
1. This slot is blank if a 2 x16 riser is installed.

Table 7. Location of ten supporte PCIe slots (viewe from the rear) (continue )
PCIe 22(P4)
PCIe 3 (P4)
PCIe 4 (P4)
PCIe 5 PCIe 6 PCIe 7 PCIe 8
(ML2)
PCIe 9
(LOM)
PCIe
17
Four-socket performance, four processors
This confi uration comes with four processors, requires at least two 1100/1600-watt PSUs, and supports up
to:
• 48 memory modules.
• 15 rear PCIe slots.
See the followin tables for the location of the supported components.
Table 8. Location of the four processors an 48 supporte memory mo ule slots (viewe from the front)
Upper tray filler
CPU 3 and DIMM 25-36 CPU 4 and DIMM 37-48
CPU 1 and DIMM 1-12 CPU 2 and DIMM 13-24
Table 9. Location of the 15 supporte PCIe slots (viewe from the rear)
PCIe 12PCIe 10 2PCIe
16
PCIe 22PCIe 11 2
PCIe 3 PCIe 12
PCIe 4 PCIe 13
PCIe 5 PCIe 6 PCIe 7 PCIe 8
(ML2)
PCIe 9
(LOM)
PCIe
17
Four-socket performance / storage rich
These confi urations meet the expectations of hi h-performance and low costs, while support up to 24
drives and 13 rear PCIe slots.
The four-socket performance / stora e confi urations support two to four processors with the followin
requirements/capabilities:
• Fan 1 to 6, 7, 9, and 11 are required to be installed.
• The upper stora e tray is installed in the upper tray slot.
• Up to 24 drives are supported.
See the followin for the support variations dependin on number of processors that are installed:
Chapter 1.Introduction 13
2. This slot is blank if a 2 x16 riser is installed.

• “Four-socket performance / stora e rich, two processors” on pa e 14
• “Four-socket performance / stora e rich, three processors” on pa e 14
• “Four-socket performance / stora e rich, four processors” on pa e 15
Notes:
• 5100 series processors are only supported in four-processor confi uration in this cate ory.
• For optimal performance, confi ure four processors in mesh topolo y.
• These confi uration require the upper stora e tray, and could be up raded to ei ht-socket ones, but it
requires the 4S-to-8S Up rade Option kit, additional components, and Lenovo hardware installation.
Consider “Four-socket up radable” on pa e 15 or “Four-socket up radable / stora e rich” on pa e 17 for
an easier potential up rade in the future.
For more information about up radin to the ei ht-socket confi uration, see the followin topic:
http://thinksystem.lenovofiles.com/help/topic/7X12/installin _the_4S-to-8S_up rade_option.html
Four-socket performance / storage rich, two processors
This confi uration comes with two processors, requires at least one 1100/1600-watt PSU, and supports up
to:
• 24 memory modules.
• five rear PCIe slots.
See the followin tables for the location of the supported components.
Table 10. Location of the two processors an 24 supporte memory mo ule slots (viewe from the front)
Upper tray filler
Not populated Not populated
CPU 1 and DIMM 1-12 CPU 2 and DIMM 13-24
Table 11. Location of the five supporte PCIe slots (viewe from the rear)
PCIe 5 PCIe 6 PCIe 7 PCIe 8
(ML2)
PCIe 9
(LOM)
Four-socket performance / storage rich, three processors
This confi uration comes with three processors, requires at least two 1100/1600-watt PSUs, and supports
up to:
• 36 memory modules.
• nine rear PCIe slots.
This confi uration comes with three processors, requires nine fans, and supports up to:
See the followin tables for the location of the supported components.
14 ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide

Table 12. Location of the three processors an 36 supporte memory mo ule slots (viewe from the front)
Upper tray filler
Not populated CPU 4 and DIMM 37-48
CPU 1 and DIMM 1-12 CPU 2 and DIMM 13-24
Table 13. Location of the nine supporte PCIe slots (viewe from the rear)
PCIe 13
PCIe 23
PCIe 3
PCIe 4
PCIe 5 PCIe 6 PCIe 7 PCIe 8
(ML2)
PCIe 9
(LOM)
Four-socket performance / storage rich, four processors
This confi uration comes with four processors, requires at least two 1100/1600-watt PSUs, and supports up
to:
• 48 memory modules.
• 13 rear PCIe slots.
See the followin tables for the location of the supported components.
Table 14. Location of the four processors an 48 supporte memory mo ule slots (viewe from the front)
Upper tray filler
CPU 3 and DIMM 25-36 CPU 4 and DIMM 37-48
CPU 1 and DIMM 1-12 CPU 2 and DIMM 13-24
Table 15. Location of the 13 supporte PCIe slots (viewe from the rear)
PCIe 13PCIe 10
PCIe 23PCIe 11
PCIe 3 PCIe 12
PCIe 4 PCIe 13
PCIe 5 PCIe 6 PCIe 7 PCIe 8
(ML2)
PCIe 9
(LOM)
Four-socket upgradable
These confi urations allow a simple up rade to ei ht-socket confi urations in the future, while support up to
12 drives and 15 rear PCIe slots. The upper tray slot requires a upper tray filler.
Chapter 1.Introduction 15
3. This slot is blank if a 2 x16 riser is installed.

The four-socket up radable confi urations support two or four processors with the followin requirements/
capabilities:
• Only 8100 series processors are supported.
• Fan 1 to 6 are required to be installed.
• The upper tray filler is installed in the upper tray slot.
• Up to 12 drives (bay 0 - 11) are supported.
See the followin for the support variations dependin on number of processors that are installed:
• “Four-socket up radable, two processors” on pa e 16
• “Four-socket up radable, four processors” on pa e 16
Notes:
• When four processors are installed, they must be confi ured in a rin topolo y.
• These confi urations allow a simple up rade to 8-socket ones. See “Ei ht-socket stora e rich” on pa e
18 for details about 8-socket confi urations.
Four-socket upgradable, two processors
This confi uration comes with two processors, requires at least one 1100/1600-watt PSU, and supports up
to:
• 24 memory modules.
• six rear PCIe slots.
See the followin tables for the location of the supported components.
Table 16. Location of the two processors an 24 supporte memory mo ule slots (viewe from the front)
Upper tray filler
Not populated Not populated
CPU 1 and DIMM 1-12 CPU 2 and DIMM 13-24
Table 17. Location of the six supporte PCIe slots (viewe from the rear)
PCIe 5 PCIe 6 PCIe 7 PCIe 8
(ML2)
PCIe 9
(LOM)
PCIe
17
Four-socket upgradable, four processors
This confi uration comes with four processors, requires at least two 1100/1600-watt PSUs, and supports up
to:
• 48 memory modules.
• 15 rear PCIe slots.
See the followin tables for the location of the supported components.
16 ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide