Lenovo ThinkAgile MX Certified Node 1U User manual

ThinkAgile MX Certified Node 1U
ThinkAgile MX3321-H, MX3321-F
User Guide
Machine Type: 7D1H

Note
Before using this infor ation and the product it supports, be sure to read and understand the safety
infor ation and the safety instructions, which are available at:
http://thinksyste .lenovofiles.co /help/topic/safety_docu entation/pdf_files.ht l?cp=9_0
In addition, be sure that you are fa iliar with the ter s and conditions of the Lenovo warranty for your server,
which can be found at:
https://datacentersupport.lenovo.co /us/zh/warrantylookup
First Edition (January 2020)
© opyright Lenovo 2018, 2020.
LIMITED AND RESTRICTED RIGHTS NOTICE: If data or software is delivered pursuant to a General Services
Ad inistration (GSA) contract, use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth in Contract No. GS-35F-
05925.

Contents
hapter 1. Lenovo ThinkAgile MX
ertified Nodes overview . . . . . . . . 1
ThinkAgile MX certified configurations . . . . . . . 1
Network and infrastructure planning . . . . . . . . 1
hapter 2. Hardware removal,
installation and management
guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Syste reliability guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Working inside the server with the power on. . . . . 4
Handling static-sensitive devices . . . . . . . . . 5
Set the network connection for the Lenovo XClarity
Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Internal cable routing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Turn off the server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Turn on the server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Co plete the parts replace ent . . . . . . . . . 8
Manage ent options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Updating fir ware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Me ory configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
DC Persistent Me ory Module (DCPMM)
setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Configuring DC Persistent Me ory Module
(DCPMM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Adding e ory odules with DCPMMs . . . 17
Appendix A. Getting help and
technical assistance . . . . . . . . . . 19
Before you call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Collecting service data . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Contacting Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Appendix B. Notices. . . . . . . . . . 23
Trade arks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
I portant notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Particulate conta ination . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Teleco unication regulatory state ent. . . . . 25
Electronic e ission notices . . . . . . . . . . 25
Taiwan BSMI RoHS declaration . . . . . . . 26
Taiwan i port and export contact infor ation . . . 26
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
© Copyright Lenovo 2018, 2020 i

ii ThinkAgile MX Certified Node 1UThinkAgile MX3321-H, MX3321-FUser Guide

hapter 1. Lenovo ThinkAgile MX ertified Nodes overview
ThinkAgile MX Certified Nodes are a series of Microsoft Windows Server Software-Defined Datacenter
(WSSD) Pre iu hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI)-certified node.
ThinkAgile MX Certified Nodes are a series of Lenovo servers that require Microsoft Windows Server
Software-Defined Datacenter (WSSD) certification for all connected co ponents, not a solution bundled with
a rack, PDUs, switches, or network cables. Valid configurations ust only consist of WSSD HCI-certified
co ponents, including :
• Servers (syste , processors, e ory)
• Network interface adapters
• Storage adapters
• Storage devices
Additionally, Lenovo ThinkAgile MX Best Recipe si plifies fir ware and driver co pliance with the latest set
of WSSD HCI-certified fir ware and driver versions.
You can order ThinkAgile MX with Windows Server 2016 preloaded.
ThinkAgile MX certified configurations
Lenovo Certified Configurations for Microsoft Storage Spaces Direct provides detailed views of Lenovo
certified configurations for building Microsoft Storage Spaces Direct (S2D) solutions. The guide describes the
Microsoft Windows Server Software-Defined Datacenter progra , explains syste co ponent selection
criteria, and lists supported Lenovo switches for S2D.
To download a free copy of this guide, go to https://lenovopress.co /lp0866.
Network and infrastructure planning
Use the following table to plan for your Microsoft Windows Server Software-Defined Datacenter
i ple entation.
ThinkAgile MX Servers
X IP address X host name Hypervisor IP address Hypervisor host name
Node 1
Node 2
Node 3
User ID/
Password
User ID:
USERID (Default)
Password:
PASSW0RD (Default)
User ID:
root (Default)
Password:
Virtual Machines (VMs)
IPV4 Host name User ID Password
© Copyright Lenovo 2018, 2020 1

vCenter
Server (for
ESXi only)
XClarity
Ad inis-
trator
Infrastructure
Do ain
DNS/NTP
Default
Gateway
Virtual Network
Physical Adapters VMkernel Adapter
vSwitch 0
vSwitch 1
VLAN Name VLAN ID VLAN Portgroup Assigned vSwitch
VMKernel
Adapter
Services
vMotion Provision-
ing
FT
Logging
Manage-
ment
vSphere
Replica-
tion
vSphere
Replica-
tion NF
Adapter 1
Adapter 2
2ThinkAgile MX Certified Node 1UThinkAgile MX3321-H, MX3321-FUser Guide

hapter 2. Hardware removal, installation and management
guidelines
Before installing co ponents in your server, read the installation guidelines.
Before installing optional devices, read the following notices carefully:
Attention: Prevent exposure to static electricity, which ight lead to syste halt and loss of data, by
keeping static-sensitive co ponents in their static-protective packages until installation, and handling these
devices with an electrostatic-discharge wrist strap or other grounding syste .
• Read the safety infor ation and guidelines to ensure that you work safely.
– A co plete list of safety infor ation for all products is available at:
http://thinksyste .lenovofiles.co /help/index.jsp?topic=%2Fsafety_docu entation%2Fpdf_files.ht l
– The following guidelines are available as well: “Handling static-sensitive devices” on page 5 and
“Working inside the server with the power on” on page 4.
• Make sure the co ponents you are installing are supported by the server. For a list of supported optional
co ponents for the server, see http://static.lenovo.co /us/en/serverproven/index.sht l.
• When you install a new server, download and apply the latest fir ware. This will help ensure that any
known issues are addressed, and that your server is ready to work with opti al perfor ance. To
download fir ware updates for your server, go to Drivers and Software. Add link when site is live
Important: So e cluster solutions require specific code levels or coordinated code updates. If the
co ponent is part of a cluster solution, verify that the latest level of code is supported for the cluster
solution before you update the code.
• It is good practice to ake sure that the server is working correctly before you install an optional
co ponent.
• Keep the working area clean, and place re oved co ponents on a flat and s ooth surface that does not
shake or tilt.
• Do not atte pt to lift an object that ight be too heavy for you. If you have to lift a heavy object, read the
following precautions carefully:
– Make sure that you can stand steadily without slipping.
– Distribute the weight of the object equally between your feet.
– Use a slow lifting force. Never ove suddenly or twist when you lift a heavy object.
– To avoid straining the uscles in your back, lift by standing or by pushing up with your leg uscles.
• Make sure that you have an adequate nu ber of properly grounded electrical outlets for the server,
onitor, and other devices.
• Back up all i portant data before you ake changes related to the disk drives.
• Have a s all flat-blade screwdriver, a s all Phillips screwdriver, and a T8 torx screwdriver available.
• To view the error LEDs on the syste board and internal co ponents, leave the power on.
• You do not have to turn off the server to re ove or install hot-swap power supplies, hot-swap fans, or hot-
plug USB devices. However, you ust turn off the server before you perfor any steps that involve
re oving or installing adapter cables, and you ust disconnect the power source fro the server before
you perfor any steps that involve re oving or installing a riser card.
• Blue on a co ponent indicates touch points, where you can grip to re ove a co ponent fro or install it
in the server, open or close a latch, and so on.
© Copyright Lenovo 2018, 2020 3

• Orange on a co ponent or an orange label on or near a co ponent indicates that the co ponent can be
hot-swapped if the server and operating syste support hot-swap capability, which eans that you can
re ove or install the co ponent while the server is still running. (Orange can also indicate touch points on
hot-swap co ponents.) See the instructions for re oving or installing a specific hot-swap co ponent for
any additional procedures that you ight have to perfor before you re ove or install the co ponent.
• The Red strip on the drives, adjacent to the release latch, indicates that the drive can be hot-swapped if
the server and operating syste support hot-swap capability. This eans that you can re ove or install
the drive while the server is still running.
Note: See the syste -specific instructions for re oving or installing a hot-swap drive for any additional
procedures that you ight need to perfor before you re ove or install the drive.
• After finishing working on the server, ake sure you reinstall all safety shields, guards, labels, and ground
wires.
System reliability guidelines
Review the syste reliability guidelines to ensure proper syste cooling and reliability.
Make sure the following require ents are et:
• When the server co es with redundant power, a power supply ust be installed in each power-supply
bay.
• Adequate space around the server ust be spared to allow server cooling syste to work properly. Leave
approxi ately 50 (2.0 in.) of open space around the front and rear of the server. Do not place any
object in front of the fans.
• For proper cooling and airflow, refit the server cover before you turn the power on. Do not operate the
server for ore than 30 inutes with the server cover re oved, for it ight da age server co ponents.
• Cabling instructions that co e with optional co ponents ust be followed.
• A failed fan ust be replaced within 48 hours since alfunction.
• A re oved hot-swap fan ust be replaced within 30 seconds after re oval.
• A re oved hot-swap drive ust be replaced within two inutes after re oval.
• A re oved hot-swap power supply ust be replaced within two inutes after re oval.
• Every air baffle that co es with the server ust be installed when the server starts (so e servers ight
co e with ore than one air baffle). Operating the server with a issing air baffle ight da age the
processor.
• All processor sockets ust contain either a socket cover or a processor with heat sink.
• When ore than one processor is installed, fan population rules for each server ust be strictly followed.
Working inside the server with the power on
You ight need to keep the power on with the server cover re oved to look at syste infor ation on the
display panel or to replace hot-swap co ponents. Review these guidelines before doing so.
Attention: The server ight stop responding and data loss ight occur when internal server co ponents
are exposed to static electricity. To avoid this potential proble , always use an electrostatic-discharge wrist
strap or other grounding syste s when working inside the server with the power on.
• Avoid loose-fitting clothing, particularly around your forear s. Button or roll up long sleeves before
working inside the server.
• Prevent your necktie, scarf, badge rope, or long hair fro dangling into the server.
• Re ove jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces, rings, cuff links, and wrist watches.
4ThinkAgile MX Certified Node 1UThinkAgile MX3321-H, MX3321-FUser Guide

• Re ove ite s fro your shirt pocket, such as pens and pencils, in case they fall into the server as you
lean over it.
• Avoid dropping any etallic objects, such as paper clips, hairpins, and screws, into the server.
Handling static-sensitive devices
Review these guidelines before you handle static-sensitive devices to reduce the possibility of da age fro
electrostatic discharge.
Attention: Prevent exposure to static electricity, which ight lead to syste halt and loss of data, by
keeping static-sensitive co ponents in their static-protective packages until installation, and handling these
devices with an electrostatic-discharge wrist strap or other grounding syste .
• Li it your ove ent to prevent building up static electricity around you.
• Take additional care when handling devices during cold weather, for heating would reduce indoor
hu idity and increase static electricity.
• Always use an electrostatic-discharge wrist strap or other grounding syste , particularly when working
inside the server with the power on.
• While the device is still in its static-protective package, touch it to an unpainted etal surface on the
outside of the server for at least two seconds. This drains static electricity fro the package and fro your
body.
• Re ove the device fro the package and install it directly into the server without putting it down. If it is
necessary to put the device down, put it back into the static-protective package. Never place the device
on the server or on any etal surface.
• When handling a device, carefully hold it by the edges or the fra e.
• Do not touch solder joints, pins, or exposed circuitry.
• Keep the device fro others’ reach to prevent possible da ages.
Chapter 2.Hardware re oval, installation and anage ent guidelines 5

Set the network connection for the Lenovo X larity ontroller
Before you can access the Lenovo XClarity Controller over your network, you ust specify how Lenovo
XClarity Controller will connect to the network. Depending on how the network connection is i ple ented,
you ay need to specify a static IP address as well.
The following ethods are available to set the network connection for the Lenovo XClarity Controller if you
are not using DHCP:
• If a onitor is attached to the server, you can use Lenovo XClarity Controller to set the network
connection.
• If no onitor is attached to the server, you can set the network connection through the Lenovo XClarity
Controller interface. Connect an Ethernet cable fro your laptop to Lenovo XClarity Controller connector,
which is at the rear of the server. For the location of the Lenovo XClarity Controller connector, see the rear
view of the node.
Note: Make sure that you odify the IP settings on the laptop so that it is on the sa e network as the
server default settings.
The default IPv4 address and the IPv6 Link Local Address (LLA) is provided on the Lenovo XClarity
Controller Network Access label that is affixed to the Pull Out Infor ation Tab.
• If you are using the Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator Mobile app fro a obile device, you can connect to
the Lenovo XClarity Controller through the Lenovo XClarity Controller USB connector on the front of the
server. For the location of the Lenovo XClarity Controller USB connector, see the front view of the node.
Note: The Lenovo XClarity Controller USB connector ode ust be set to anage the Lenovo XClarity
Controller (instead of nor al USB ode). To switch fro nor al ode to Lenovo XClarity Controller
anage ent ode, hold the blue ID button on the front panel for at least 3 seconds until its LED flashes
slowly (once every couple of seconds).
To connect using the Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator Mobile app:
1. Connect the USB cable of your obile device to the Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator USB connector on
the front panel.
2. On your obile device, enable USB tethering.
3. On your obile device, launch the Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator obile app.
4. If auto atic discovery is disabled, click Discovery on the USB Discovery page to connect to the
Lenovo XClarity Controller.
For ore infor ation about using the Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator Mobile app, see:
http://sys gt.lenovofiles.co /help/index.jsp?topic=%2Fco .lenovo.lxca.doc%2Flxca_use obileapp.ht l
Important: The Lenovo XClarity Controller is set initially with a user na e of USERID and password of
PASSW0RD (with a zero, not the letter O). This default user setting has Supervisor access. Change this user
na e and password during your initial configuration for enhanced security.
To connect the Lenovo XClarity Controller to the network using the Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager,
co plete the following steps.
Step 1. Start the server.
Step 2. When you see <F1> Setup, press the F1 key.
Step 3. Specify how the Lenovo XClarity Controller will connect to the network.
• If you choose a static IP connection, ake sure that you specify an IPv4 or IPv6 address that is
available on the network.
6ThinkAgile MX Certified Node 1UThinkAgile MX3321-H, MX3321-FUser Guide

• If you choose a DHCP connection, ake sure that the MAC address for the server has been
configured in the DHCP server.
Step 4. Click OK to continue starting the server.
Internal cable routing
So e of the co ponents in the server have internal cables and cable connectors.
To connect cables, observe the following guidelines:
• Turn off the server before you connect or disconnect any internal cables.
• See the docu entation that co es with any external devices for additional cabling instructions. It ight
be easier for you to route cables before you connect the devices to the server.
• Cable identifiers of so e cables are printed on the cables that co e with the server and optional devices.
Use these identifiers to connect the cables to the correct connectors.
• Ensure that the cable is not pinched and does not cover any connectors or obstruct any co ponents on
the syste board.
• Ensure that the relevant cables pass through the cable clips.
Note: Disengage all latches, release tabs, or locks on cable connectors when you disconnect cables fro
the syste board. Failing to release the before re oving the cables will da age the cable sockets on the
syste board, which are fragile. Any da age to the cable sockets ight require replacing the syste board.
Chapter 2.Hardware re oval, installation and anage ent guidelines 7

Turn off the server
The server re ains in a standby state when it is connected to a power source, allowing the Lenovo XClarity
Controller to respond to re ote power-on requests. To re ove all power fro the server (power status LED
off), you ust disconnect all power cables.
To place the server in a standby state (power status LED flashes once per second):
Note: The Lenovo XClarity Controller can place the server in a standby state as an auto atic response to a
critical syste failure.
• Start an orderly shutdown using the operating syste (if supported by your operating syste ).
• Press the power button to start an orderly shutdown (if supported by your operating syste ).
• Press and hold the power button for ore than 4 seconds to force a shutdown.
When in a standby state, the server can respond to re ote power-on requests sent to the Lenovo XClarity
Controller. For infor ation about powering on the server, see “Turn on the server” on page 8.
Turn on the server
After the server perfor s a short self-test (power status LED flashes quickly) when connected to input power,
it enters a standby state (power status LED flashes once per second).
The server can be turned on (power LED on) in any of the following ways:
• You press the power button.
• Auto atic restart after a power interruption.
• Re ote power-on requests sent to the Lenovo XClarity Controller.
For infor ation about powering off the server, see “Turn off the server” on page 8.
omplete the parts replacement
Use this infor ation to co plete the parts replace ent.
To co plete the parts replace ent, do the following:
1. Ensure that all co ponents have been reasse bled correctly and that no tools or loose screws are left
inside your server.
2. Properly route and secure the cables in the server. Refer to the cable connecting and routing infor ation
for each co ponent.
3. If you have re oved the top cover, reinstall it.
4. Reconnect external cables and power cords to the server.
Attention: To avoid co ponent da age, connect the power cords last.
5. Update the server configuration if necessary.
• Download and install the Best Recipe device drivers at Lenovo’s Data Center Support site.
• Update the syste fir ware. See the ThinkAgile Best Recipe at https://datacentersupport.lenovo.co /
us/en/solutions/HT507406.
• Use the Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager to update the UEFI configuration. For ore
infor ation, see:
8ThinkAgile MX Certified Node 1UThinkAgile MX3321-H, MX3321-FUser Guide

http://sys gt.lenovofiles.co /help/topic/LXPM/UEFI_setup.ht l
• Use the Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager to configure the RAID if you have installed or re oved
the M.2 backplane and M.2 drive.
Management options
Multiple anage ent interfaces are available for anaging your ThinkAgile MX Certified Nodes servers.
Lenovo X larity Administrator
Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator is a centralized, resource- anage ent solution that si plifies infrastructure
anage ent, speeds responses, and enhances the availability of Lenovo server syste s and solutions. It
runs as a virtual appliance that auto ates discovery, inventory, tracking, onitoring, and provisioning for
server, network, and storage hardware in a secure environ ent.
Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator provides a central interface to perfor the following functions for all anaged
endpoints:
• Manage and monitor hardware. Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator provides agent-free hardware
anage ent. It can auto atically discover anageable endpoints, including server, network, and storage
hardware. Inventory data is collected for anaged endpoints for an at-a-glance view of the anaged
hardware inventory and status.
• onfiguration management. You can quickly provision and pre-provision all of your servers using a
consistent configuration. Configuration settings (such as local storage, I/O adapters, boot settings,
fir ware, ports, and Lenovo XClarity Controller and UEFI settings) are saved as a server pattern that can
be applied to one or ore anaged servers. When the server patterns are updated, the changes are
auto atically deployed to the applied servers.
• Firmware compliance and updates. Fir ware anage ent is si plified by assigning fir ware-
co pliance policies to anaged endpoints. When you create and assign a co pliance policy to anaged
endpoints, Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator onitors changes to the inventory for those endpoints and flags
any endpoints that are out of co pliance.
When an endpoint is out of co pliance, you can use Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator to apply and activate
fir ware updates for all devices in that endpoint fro a repository of fir ware updates that you anage.
• Operating System deployment. You can use Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator to anage a repository of
operating-syste i ages and to deploy operating-syste i ages to up to 28 anaged servers
concurrently.
• Service and support. You can anually collect diagnostic files, open a proble record, and send
diagnostic files to the Lenovo Support Center.
Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator can be integrated into external, higher-level anage ent and auto ation
platfor s through open REST application progra ing interfaces (APIs). Using the REST APIs, Lenovo
XClarity Ad inistrator can easily integrate with your existing anage ent infrastructure. In addition, you can
auto ate tasks using the PowerShell toolkit or the Python toolkit.
To obtain the latest version of the Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator, see https://datacentersupport.lenovo.co /
us/en/docu ents/lnvo-lxcaupd
Docu entation for Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator is available at http://sys gt.lenovofiles.co /help/
index.jsp?topic=%2Fco .lenovo.lxca.doc%2Faug_product_page.ht l
Lenovo X larity Integrator
Lenovo also provides a Lenovo XClarity Integrator for Microsoft Syste Center that you can use to anage
Lenovo servers fro higher-level anage ent tools.
Chapter 2.Hardware re oval, installation and anage ent guidelines 9

For ore infor ation about Lenovo XClarity Integrator, see https://www3.lenovo.co /us/en/data-center/
software/syste s- anage ent/xclarity-integrators.
Updating firmware
The ThinkAgile MX Certified Nodes Best Recipe details the supported fir ware levels for the ThinkAgile MX
Certified Nodes servers.
https://datacentersupport.lenovo.co /us/en/solutions/HT507406
You can use the tools listed here to update the fir ware listed on the ThinkAgile MX Certified Nodes Best
Recipe site for your server and the devices that are installed in the server as. All code levels ust be
contained within the sa e Best Recipe Release.
Important terminology
• In-band update. The installation or update is perfor ed using a tool or application within an operating
syste that is executing on the server’s core CPU.
• Out-of-band update. The installation or update is perfor ed by the Lenovo XClarity Controller collecting
the update and then directing the update to the target subsyste or device. Out-of-band updates have no
dependency on an operating syste executing on the core CPU. However, ost out-of-band operations
do require the server to be in the S0 (Working) power state.
• On-Target update. The installation or update is initiated fro an Operating Syste executing on the
server’s operating syste .
• Off-Target update. The installation or update is initiated fro a co puting device interacting directly with
the server’s Lenovo XClarity Controller.
• UpdateXpress System Packs (UXSPs). UXSPs are bundled updates designed and tested to provide the
interdependent level of functionality, perfor ance, and co patibility. UXSPs are server achine-type
specific and are built (with fir ware and device driver updates) to support specific Windows Server, Red
Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) operating syste distributions.
Machine-type-specific fir ware-only UXSPs are also available.
See the following table to deter ine the best Lenovo tool to use for installing and setting up the fir ware:
Tool
In-band
update
Out-of-
band
update
On-
target
update
Off-
target
update
Graphical
user
interface
ommand-
line interface
Supports
UXSPs
Lenovo X larity
Provisioning
Manager
Li ited to core syste
fir ware only.
√ √ √ √
Lenovo X larity
ontroller
Supports core syste
fir ware and ost
advanced I/O option
fir ware updates
√ √ √ √
Lenovo X larity
Administrator
Supports core syste
fir ware and I/O
fir ware updates
√ √ √ √
10 ThinkAgile MX Certified Node 1UThinkAgile MX3321-H, MX3321-FUser Guide

• Lenovo X larity Provisioning Manager
Fro Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager, you can update the Lenovo XClarity Controller fir ware, the
UEFI fir ware, and the Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager software.
Note: By default, the Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager Graphical User Interface is displayed when
you press F1. If you have changed that default to be the text-based syste setup, you can bring up the
Graphical User Interface fro the text-based syste setup interface.
Additional infor ation about using Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager to update fir ware is available
at:
http://sys gt.lenovofiles.co /help/index.jsp?topic=%2FLXPM%2Fplatfor _update.ht l
• Lenovo X larity ontroller
If you need to install a specific update, you can use the Lenovo XClarity Controller interface for a specific
server.
Notes:
– To perfor an in-band update through Windows or Linux, the operating syste driver ust be installed
and the Ethernet-over-USB (so eti es called LAN over USB) interface ust be enabled.
Additional infor ation about configuring Ethernet over USB is available at:
http://sys gt.lenovofiles.co /help/index.jsp?topic=
%2Fco .lenovo.syste s. anage ent.xcc.doc%2FNN1ia_c_configuringUSB.ht l
– If you update fir ware through the Lenovo XClarity Controller, ake sure that you have downloaded
and installed the latest device drivers for the operating syste that is running on the server.
Specific details about updating fir ware using Lenovo XClarity Controller are available at:
http://sys gt.lenovofiles.co /help/index.jsp?topic=
%2Fco .lenovo.syste s. anage ent.xcc.doc%2FNN1ia_c_ anageserverfir ware.ht l
• Lenovo X larity Administrator
If you are anaging ultiple servers using the Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator, you can update fir ware for
all anaged servers through that interface. Fir ware anage ent is si plified by assigning fir ware-
co pliance policies to anaged endpoints. When you create and assign a co pliance policy to anaged
endpoints, Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator onitors changes to the inventory for those endpoints and flags
any endpoints that are out of co pliance.
Specific details about updating fir ware using Lenovo XClarity Ad inistrator are available at:
http://sys gt.lenovofiles.co /help/index.jsp?topic=%2Fco .lenovo.lxca.doc%2Fupdate_fw.ht l
Memory configuration
Me ory perfor ance depends on several variables, such as e ory ode, e ory speed, e ory ranks,
e ory population and processor.
More infor ation about opti izing e ory perfor ance and configuring e ory is available at the Lenovo
Press website:
https://lenovopress.co /servers/options/ e ory
In addition, you can take advantage of a e ory configurator, which is available at the following site:
http://1config.lenovo.co /#/ e ory_configuration
Chapter 2.Hardware re oval, installation and anage ent guidelines 11

Table 1. Channel and slot information of DIMMs around processor 1 and 2
The e ory-channel configuration table is a three-colu n table that shows the relationship between the
processors, e ory controllers, e ory channels, slot nu ber and the DIMM connectors.
Integrated Memory ontroller
(iM ) Controller 0 Controller 1
hannel Channel 2 Channel 1 Channel 0 Channel 0 Channel 1 Channel 2
Slot 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
DIMM connector (processor 1) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
DIMM connector (processor 2) 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
D Persistent Memory Module (D PMM) setup
Follow the instructions in this section to co plete required setup before installing DCPMMs for the first ti e,
deter ine the ost suitable configuration, and install e ory odules accordingly.
Co plete the following steps to finish syste setup to support DCPMM, and install the e ory odules
according to the designated co bination.
1. Update the syste fir ware to the latest version that supports DCPMM (see “Update the fir ware” in
Setup Guide).
2. Make sure to eet all the following require ents before installing DCPMMs.
• All the DCPMMs that are installed ust be of the sa e Lenovo part nu ber.
• All DRAM e ory odules that are installed ust be of the sa e type, rank, and capacity with
ini u capacity of 16 GB. It is reco ended to use Lenovo DRAM e ory odules of the sa e
part nu ber.
3. Refer to DCPMM installation rules to deter ine the ost suitable co bination and the following:
• Nu ber and capacity of the DCPMMs and DRAM e ory odules to install
• Check if the presently installed processors support the co bination. If not, replace the processors
with ones that support the co bination.
4. Based on the deter ined DCPMM co bination, acquire the DCPMMs, DRAM e ory odules and
processors if necessary.
5. Re ove all the e ory odules that are installed.
6. Follow the slot co bination in DCPMM installation rules to install all the DCPMMs and DRAM e ory
odules.
7. Disable security on all the installed DCPMMs (see “Configuring DC Persistent Me ory Module
(DCPMM)” on page 12).
8. Make sure the DCPMM fir ware is the latest version. If not, update it to the latest version (see (lxca_fw_
update)).
9. Configure DCPMMs so that the capacity is available for use (see “Configuring DC Persistent Me ory
Module (DCPMM)” on page 12.
onfiguring D Persistent Memory Module (D PMM)
Follow the instructions in this section to configure DCPMMs and DRAM DIMMs.
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DCPMM capacity could act as accessible persistent e ory for applications or volatile syste e ory.
Based on the approxi ate percentage of DCPMM capacity invested in volatile syste e ory, the following
three operating odes are available for choice:
• App direct mode (0% of DCPMM e ory acts as syste e ory):
In this ode, DCPMMs act as independent and persistent e ory resources directly accessible by
specific applications, and DRAM DIMMs act as syste e ory.
The total displayed volatile syste e ory in this ode is the su of DRAM DIMM capacity.
Notes:
– In App Direct Mode, the DRAM DIMMs that are installed can be configured to irror ode.
– When only one DCPMM is installed for each processor, only not-interleaved App direct ode is
supported.
• Mixed memory mode (1-99% of DCPMM e ory acts as syste e ory):
In this ode, so e percentage of DCPMM capacity is directly accessible to specific applications (App
direct), while the rest serves as syste e ory. The App direct part of DCPMM is displayed as persistent
e ory, while the rest of DCPMM capacity is displayed as syste e ory. DRAM DIMMs act as cache
in this ode.
The total displayed volatile syste e ory in this ode is the DCPMM capacity that is invested in volatile
syste e ory.
• Memory mode (100% of DCPMM e ory acts as syste e ory):
In this ode, DCPMMs act as volatile syste e ory, while DRAM DIMMs act as cache. Only DCPMM
capacity is displayed as syste e ory in this ode.
The total displayed volatile syste e ory in this ode is the su of DCPMM capacity.
D PMM Management options
DCPMMs can be anaged with the following tools:
• Lenovo X larity Provisioning Manager (LEPT)
To open LEPT, power on the syste and press F1 as soon as the logo screen appears. If a password has
been set, enter the password to unlock LEPT.
Go to UEFI Setup ➙ System Settings ➙ Intel Optane D PMMs to configure and anage DCPMMs.
For ore details, see https://sys gt.lenovofiles.co /help/topic/LXPM/using_LXPM.ht l.
Note: If the text-based interface of Setup Utility opens instead of Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager,
go to System Settings ➙ <F1> Start ontrol and select Tool Suite. Then, reboot the syste and press
F1 as soon as the logo screen appears to open Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager.
• Setup Utility
To enter Setup Utility:
1. Power on the syste and press F1 to open LEPT.
2. Go to UEFI Settings ➙ System Settings, click on the pull-down enu on the upper right corner of
the screen, and select Text Setup.
3. Reboot the syste , and press F1 as soon as the logo screen appears.
Go to System onfiguration and Boot Management ➙ System Settings ➙ Intel Optane D PMMs to
configure and anage DCPMMs.
Chapter 2.Hardware re oval, installation and anage ent guidelines 13

• Lenovo X larity Essentials One LI
So e anage ent options are available in co ands that are executed in the path of Lenovo XClarity
Essentials OneCLI in the operating syste . See https://sys gt.lenovofiles.co /help/topic/toolsctr_cli_
lenovo/onecli_t_download_use_tcscli.ht l to learn how to download and use Lenovo XClarity Essentials
OneCLI.
Following are the available anage ent options:
• Intel Optane D PMM details
Select this option to view the following details concerning each of the the installed DCPMMs:
– Fir ware version
– Configuration status
– Raw capacity
– Me ory capacity
– App Direct capacity
– Unconfigured capacity
– Inaccessible capacity
– Reserved capacity
– Percentage re aining
– Security state
Alternatively, view DCPMM details with the following co and in OneCLI:
onecli.exe config show IntelOptaneDCPMM
--imm USERID:PAS[email protected].86
Notes:
– SERID stands for XCC user ID.
– PASSW0RD stands for XCC user password.
– 10.104.195.86 stands for IP address.
• Goals
– Memory Mode [%]
Select this option to define the percentage of DCPMM capacity that is invested in syste e ory, and
hence decide the DCPMM ode:
– 0%: App Direct Mode
– 1-99%: Mixed Me ory Mode
– 100%: Me ory Mode
Go to Goals ➙ Memory Mode [%], input the e ory percentage, and reboot the syste .
Notes:
– Before changing fro one ode to another:
1. Make sure the capacity of installed DCPMMs and DRAM DIMMs eets syste require ents for
the new ode.
2. Back up all the data and delete all the created na espaces. Go to Namespaces ➙ View/
Modify/Delete Namespaces to delete the created na espaces.
3. Perfor secure erase on all the installed DCPMMs. Go to Security ➙ Press to Secure Erase to
perfor secure erase.
– After the syste is rebooted and the input goal value is applied, the displayed value in System
onfiguration and Boot Management ➙ Intel Optane D PMMs ➙ Goals will go back to the
following default selectable options:
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• Scope: [Platfor ]
• Memory Mode [%]: 0
• Persistent Memory Type: [App Direct]
These values are selectable options for DCPMM settings, and do not represent the current DCPMM
status.
In addition, you can take advantage of a e ory configurator, which is available at the following site:
http://1config.lenovo.co /#/ e ory_configuration
Alternatively, set DCPMM Goals with the following co ands in OneCLI:
1. Set create goal status.
onecli.exe config set IntelOptaneDCPMM.CreateGoal Yes
--imm USERID:PAS[email protected].86
2. Define the DCPMM capacity that is invested in syste volatile e ory.
onecli.exe config set IntelOptaneDCPMM.MemoryModePercentage 20
--imm USERID:PAS[email protected].86
Where 20 stands for the percentage of capacity that is invested in syste volatile e ory.
3. Set the DCPMM ode.
onecli.exe config set IntelOptaneDCPMM.PersistentMemoryType "App Direct"
--imm USERID:PAS[email protected].86
Where App Direct stands for the DCPMM ode.
– Persistent Memory Type
In App Direct Mode and Mixed Me ory Mode, the DCPMMs that are connected to the sa e processor
are by default interleaved (displayed as App Direct), while e ory banks are used in turns. To set
the as not interleaved in the Setup Utility, go to Intel Optane D PMMs ➙ Goals ➙ Persistent
Memory Type [(D PMM mode)], select App Direct Not Interleaved and reboot the syste .
Note: Setting DCPMM App Direct capacity to not interleaved will turn the displayed App Direct regions
fro one region per processor to one region per DCPMM.
• Regions
After the e ory percentage is set and the syste is rebooted, regions for the App Direct capacity will be
generated auto atically. Select this option to view the App Direct regions.
• Namespaces
App Direct capacity of DCPMMs requires the following steps before it is truly available for applications.
1. Na espaces ust be created for region capacity allocation.
2. Filesyste ust be created and for atted for the na espaces in the operating syste .
Each App Direct region can be allocated into one na espace. Create na espaces in the following
operating syste s:
– Windows: Use Pmem co and.
– Linux: Use ndctl co and.
– VMware: Reboot the syste , and VMware will create na espaces auto atically.
After creating na espaces for App Direct capacity allocation, ake sure to create and for at filesyste
in the operating syste so that the App Direct capacity is accessible for applications.
• Security
– Enable Security
Chapter 2.Hardware re oval, installation and anage ent guidelines 15

DCPMMs can be secured with passphrases. Two types of passphrase protection scope are available
for DCPMM:
– Platform: Choose this option to run security operation on all the installed DCPMM units at once. A
platfor passphrase is stored and auto atically applied to unlock DCPMMs before operating
syste starts running, but the passphrase still has to be disabled anually for secure erase.
Alternatively, enable/disable platfor level security with the following co ands in OneCLI:
• Enable security:
1. Enable security.
onecli.exe config set IntelOptaneDCPMM.SecurityOperation "Enable Security"
--imm USERID:PAS[email protected].86
2. Set the security passphrase.
onecli.exe config set IntelOptaneDCPMM.SecurityPassphrase "123456"
--imm USERID:PAS[email protected].86
Where 123456 stands for the passphrase.
3. Reboot the syste .
• Disable security:
1. Disable security.
onecli.exe config set IntelOptaneDCPMM.SecurityOperation "Disable Security"
--imm USERID:PAS[email protected].86
2. Enter passphrase.
onecli.exe config set IntelOptaneDCPMM.SecurityPassphrase "123456"
--imm USERID:PAS[email protected].86
3. Reboot the syste .
– Single D PMM: Choose this option to run security operation on one or ore selected DCPMM
units.
Notes:
• Single DCPMM passphrases are not stored in the syste , and security of the locked units needs
to be disabled before the units are available for access or secure erase.
• Always ake sure to keep records of the slot nu ber of locked DCPMMs and corresponding
passphrases. In the case the passphrases are lost or forgotten, the stored data cannot be backed
up or restored, but you can contact Lenovo service for ad inistrative secure erase.
• After three failed unlocking atte pts, the corresponding DCPMMs enter “exceeded” state with a
syste warning essage, and the DCPMM unit can only be unlocked after the syste is
rebooted.
To enable passphrase, go to Security ➙ Press to Enable Security.
– Secure Erase
Note: If the DCPMMs to be secure erased are protected with a passphrase, ake sure to disable
security and reboot the syste before perfor ing secure erase.
Secure erase cleanses all the data that is stored in the DCPMM unit, including encrypted data. This
data deletion ethod is reco ended before returning or disposing a alfunctioning unit, or changing
DCPMM ode. To perfor secure erase, go to Security ➙ Press to Secure Erase.
Alternatively, perfor platfor level secure erase with the following co and in OneCLI:
onecli.exe config set IntelOptaneDCPMM.SecurityOperation "Secure Erase Without Passphrase"
16 ThinkAgile MX Certified Node 1UThinkAgile MX3321-H, MX3321-FUser Guide