Lenovo System x3650 M5 Rack Server

Description

This server is one of Lenovo’s workhorse platforms and is ideal for applications in database, cloud computing and virtualization, enterprise applications, big data, business analytics and virtual desktops. In other words, this is a great general purpose system that can handle just about anything. It also incorporates several energy-smart features to minimize operational costs.

Performance

The x3650 M5 supports the Intel C612 chipset and a maximum of two next generation processors. Administrators can install either the Intel Xeon E5-2600 v4 or the Xeon E5-2600 v3 processor. Top of the line E5-2600 v4 processors offer up to 22 cores and 44 threads each to maximize performance with multithreaded applications and supports transfer speeds up to 2400MHz. With E5-2600 v3 processors you get a maximum of 18 cores and a 36 thread count with a maximum transfer speed of 2133MHz.

Storage

Administrators have several options when outfitting the x3850 M5 with storage devices. Configurations include 24x 2.5-inch and 16x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA hot-swap drive bays, or configurations with 8x 3.5-inch or 12x 3.5-inch SAS/SATA drive bays. Certain configurations will also support additional rear drive bays, either 4x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA or 2×3.5-inch drive bays. There are also several configurations that incorporate front-mounted SAS/SATA drives with up to eight PCIe hot-swap SSDs for tiered data storage. Administrators have options for internal storage controllers in low-profile x8 cards that install via two optional risers. VMware ESXi can be installed either on a USB memory key or on one or two SD cards in the SD media adapter for integrated virtualization of resources.

Memory

There are four memory channels per processor, with three DIMMs per channel. Each processor supports up to 12 memory slots for a total of 24 slots in a two-processor configuration. The system supports RDIMM or LRDIMM memory modules but memory types cannot be mixed. Using Lenovo TruDDR4 memory modules provides a 12.5% increase in performance over Intel specs and is rated for 2400MHz when paired with an appropriate processor.

Expansion

The x3650 supports up to nine PCIe slots total, including one on the motherboard that is dedicated to an internal storage/RAID controller. Two regular PCI slots, and up to six PCIe slots are activated with the installation of different riser cards in the two riser sockets located on the system board. Depending on the configuration, some models will support a slimline DVD. There are also four integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports and a variety of optional network adapters for increased I/O. Administrators can also install optional SAS RAID controllers and HBAs in the PCIe slots to support additional external storage. Flash storage adapters will provide up to 6.4TB of additional storage. The system supports optional graphics processing units like the Nvidia Quadro K6000 and Tesla F40 co-processor for enhanced graphical performance. One, two or four GPUs can be installed depending on how many processors and riser cards are mounted. Powering all of these additional items is either a 550W, 750W, 900W, 1300W or 1500W platinum or Titanium power supply.

Management

The System x3650 M5 supports the following systems management tools:

• Integrated Management Module 2.1
• Light path diagnostics
• Lenovo Tools Center
• Lenovo XClarity Administrator
• Lenovo XClarity Energy Manager

The Integrated Management Module 2.1 gives administrators advanced service-processor control, monitoring and also features an alerting function. The IMM can be updated to Advanced licensing for additional functionality and enables remote presence and blue-screen capture. All System x3650 M5 servers support basic light path diagnostics in LEDs and on the front of the system and near the monitored components on the system board. A LCD display panel is also available on certain configurations. Lenovo ToolsCenter helps with provisioning, monitoring, and updating the system. XClarity Administrator centralizes systems management and provides agent-free discovery, updates, configuration management, and bare-metal OS deployment. XClarity Administrator is an optional software component that can be downloaded at no additional charge. For more robust features, XClarity Pro is available for purchase.

Summary

The Lenovo System x3650 M5 is very compact and well-designed. It’s an excellent addition to any data center and features powerful performance combined with substantial storage and memory. The x3650 M5 is a great choice for any business-critical task and is highly adaptable to your changing business needs.