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
Fifth Edition (August 2019)
© Copy ight Lenovo 2017, 2019.
LIMITED AND RESTRICTED RIGHTS NOTICE: If data o softwa e is delive ed pu suant to a Gene al Se vices
Administ ation (GSA) cont act, use, ep oduction, o disclosu e is subject to est ictions set fo th in Cont act No.
GS-35F-05925.

Contents
Chapte 1. Int oduction . . . . . . . . . 1
Server packa e contents . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
PCIe slot-to-processor mappin . . . . . . . . . 8
Confi urations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Four-socket performance . . . . . . . . . . 9
Four-socket performance / stora e rich. . . . 12
Four-socket up radable. . . . . . . . . . 16
Four-socket up radable / stora e rich . . . . 18
Ei ht-socket stora e rich . . . . . . . . . 19
Mana ement options. . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Chapte 2. Se ve components . . . . 27
Front view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Front operator panel . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Rear view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Internal cable routin . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Cable routin for common components . . . 38
Cable routin for drives . . . . . . . . . . 41
Parts list. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Power cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Chapte 3. Se ve ha dwa e setup . . 57
Server setup checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
System reliability uidelines . . . . . . . . 59
Handlin static-sensitive devices . . . . . . 59
Install server hardware options . . . . . . . . . 60
Remove the front cover . . . . . . . . . . 60
Install the system board . . . . . . . . . . 61
Install a processor-heat-sink module. . . . . 63
Install a memory module . . . . . . . . . 66
Install a hard disk drive backplane . . . . . . 103
Install a hard disk drive . . . . . . . . . . 108
Install the front cover . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Install an adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Install a riser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Install a power supply. . . . . . . . . . . 128
Installin the 4S Performance to 8S Up rade
Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Install the server in a rack . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Cable the server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Power on the server (connect input power) . . . . 137
Validate server setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Power off the server (disconnect input power) . . . 138
Chapte 4. System configu ation . . . 141
Set the network connection for the Lenovo XClarity
Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Update the firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Confi ure the firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Memory confi uration . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Independent memory mode . . . . . . . . 146
Memory mirrorin . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Memory sparin . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Confi ure DC Persistent Memory Module
(DCPMM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
RAID confi uration . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Install the operatin system . . . . . . . . . . 152
Back up the server confi uration . . . . . . . . 152
Chapte 5. Resolving installation
issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Appendix A. Getting help and
technical assistance . . . . . . . . . . 161
Before you call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Collectin service data . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Contactin Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Appendix B. Component
efe ence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Internal connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
System-board connectors . . . . . . . . . 165
System-board LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Stora e-board-assembly connectors . . . . 166
I/O tray connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Stora e interposer connectors . . . . . . . 171
RAID card connectors . . . . . . . . . . 172
Drive backplane connectors . . . . . . . . 173
Component access . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Adapter replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Upper/lower compute tray replacement . . . 188
System board replacement . . . . . . . . 191
System board filler replacement. . . . . . . 195
Fan ca e replacement . . . . . . . . . . 197
Front cover replacement . . . . . . . . . 205
Hard disk drive replacement . . . . . . . . 206
Hard disk drive backplane replacement. . . . 210
I/O tray replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 217
M.2 backplane replacement . . . . . . . . 221
M.2 drive replacement . . . . . . . . . . 224
Memory air baffle replacement . . . . . . . 228
© Copyri ht Lenovo 2017, 2019 i

Memory module replacement . . . . . . . 232
Riser replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Stora e interposer replacement. . . . . . . 248
Stora e tray replacement . . . . . . . . . 254
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
ii ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide

Chapte 1. Int oduction
The Lenovo 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://datacentersupport.lenovo.com/documents/ht100742
For details about your specific warranty, see:
http://datacentersupport.lenovo.com/warrantylookup
Se ve 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:
• Lenovo 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.
Featu es
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:
• Lenovo XCla ity Cont olle (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, 2019 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, see:
http://sysm t.lenovofiles.com/help/topic/com.lenovo.systems.mana ement.xcc.doc/product_pa e.html
• UEFI-compliant se ve fi mwa e
Lenovo ThinkSystem firmware is Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) 2.5 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 Memo y
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.
• La ge system-memo y 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.
• Integ ated netwo k suppo t
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.
• Integ ated T usted Platfo m 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 the People's Republic of China, TPM is not supported. However, customers in the
People's Republic of China can install a Trusted Crypto raphic Module (TCM) adapter or a Lenovo-
qualified TPM adapter (sometimes called a dau hter card).
• La ge data-sto age 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.
• Light path diagnostics
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 Li ht path dia nostics panel and Li ht path dia nostics LEDs.
• Mobile access to Lenovo Se vice Info mation website
2ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide

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 27 for information about accessin the QR code
label.
• Active Ene gy Manage
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 netwo king 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 powe 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 suppo t
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 Desc iption
Size 4U server
• Hei ht: 175.8 mm (6.9 in.)
• Depth:
– EIA flan e to rear: 800.0 mm (31.5 in.)
– Overall: 853.0 mm (33.6 in.)
• Width:
– Top cover: 447.0 mm (17.6 in.)
– EIA flan e: 483.0 mm (19.0 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 http://www.lenovo.com/us/en/serverproven/
and the “Processor Options” section of the Lenovo 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 • 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)
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 9 for more details.
4ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide

Table 1. Server Specifications (continue )
Specification Desc iption
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 card 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
– 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)
Chapter 1.Introduction 5

Table 1. Server Specifications (continue )
Specification Desc iption
• 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 9 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 People’s Republic of China
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 People’s Republic of China
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 Desc iption
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.
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)
Acoustical noise emissions
(base confi uration) • Sound power, idlin : 6.1 bels
• Sound power, operatin : 6.1 bels
Note: 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.
Chapter 1.Introduction 7

Table 1. Server Specifications (continue )
Specification Desc iption
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 .
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:
• 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.
• ASHRAE compliance information (see the “Operatin Environment” section of the
Lenovo 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.
PCIe slot-to-p ocesso 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.
8ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide

Table 2. PCIe slot-to-processor mapping
PCIe Slot P ocesso (Rise if the mapping changes fo diffe ent ise s)
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
Configu ations
The Lenovo ThinkSystem SR950 is available in several confi urations.
Fou -socket pe fo mance
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 bay.
• 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 10
• “Four-socket performance, three processors” on pa e 10
• “Four-socket performance, four processors” on pa e 12
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 performance to 8S Up rade Kit and other additional components. Consider “Four-socket
Chapter 1.Introduction 9

up radable” on pa e 16 or “Four-socket up radable / stora e rich” on pa e 18 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
Fou -socket pe fo mance, two p ocesso s
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 3. 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 4. 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
Fou -socket pe fo mance, th ee p ocesso s
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 5. 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
10 ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide

Table 6. Location of ten supporte PCIe slots (viewe from the rear)
PCIe 11(P4)
PCIe 21(P4)
PCIe 3 (P4)
PCIe 4 (P4)
PCIe 5 PCIe 6 PCIe 7 PCIe 8
(ML2)
PCIe 9
(LOM)
PCIe
17
Chapter 1.Introduction 11
1. This slot is blank if a 2 x16 riser is installed.

Fou -socket pe fo mance, fou p ocesso s
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 7. 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 8. 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
Fou -socket pe fo mance / sto age ich
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:
• “Four-socket performance / stora e rich, two processors” on pa e 14
• “Four-socket performance / stora e rich, three processors” on pa e 15
• “Four-socket performance / stora e rich, four processors” on pa e 16
Notes:
• 5100 series processors are only supported in four-processor confi uration in this cate ory.
12 ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide
2. This slot is blank if a 2 x16 riser is installed.

• 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 16 or “Four-socket up radable / stora e rich” on pa e 18 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
Chapter 1.Introduction 13

Fou -socket pe fo mance / sto age ich, two p ocesso s
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 9. 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 10. Location of the five supporte PCIe slots (viewe from the rear)
PCIe 5 PCIe 6 PCIe 7 PCIe 8
(ML2)
PCIe 9
(LOM)
14 ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide

Fou -socket pe fo mance / sto age ich, th ee p ocesso s
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.
Table 11. 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 12. 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)
Chapter 1.Introduction 15
3. This slot is blank if a 2 x16 riser is installed.

Fou -socket pe fo mance / sto age ich, fou p ocesso s
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 13. 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 14. Location of the 13 supporte PCIe slots (viewe from the rear)
PCIe 14PCIe 10
PCIe 24PCIe 11
PCIe 3 PCIe 12
PCIe 4 PCIe 13
PCIe 5 PCIe 6 PCIe 7 PCIe 8
(ML2)
PCIe 9
(LOM)
Fou -socket upg adable
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.
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 bay.
• 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 17
• “Four-socket up radable, four processors” on pa e 17
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
19 for details about 8-socket confi urations.
16 ThinkSystem SR950 Setup Guide
4. This slot is blank if a 2 x16 riser is installed.