Lenovo ThinkSystem SR950 Server Overview
In August of this year, Lenovo presented its new product line for data centers under the brand name ThinkSystem , which includes servers, storage systems and switches. If we talk about the server line, in total, within the framework of the new brand, 14 models of various form factors (floor, rack, high density, and blade servers) were presented, including the top-notch ThinkSystem SR950 system designed for solving critical and resource-intensive tasks. such as databases, analytics, ERP, CRM and, of course, virtualization. To get such a system for review for at least a couple of days is a great success and today I will try to tell you about this interesting server as much as possible.
The first thing that catches the eye at the stage of reading technical specifications is the enormous possibilities for scaling and expanding the system. From 2 to 8 processors of the new generation Intel Xeon Scalable and the presence of 19 (!) Slots for installing various expansion cards. And all this can be placed in a small package in 4U.
When the server came directly into my hands, I was able to make sure that the statements about the modularity of the structure are well-founded. The front part of the server is divided into 2 computing compartments, each of which can have up to 4 processors, 48 ​​DIMM modules and 12 2.5-inch drives.
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Compartments move forward out of the chassis, providing easy upgrades and maintenance.
The design of the cooling system is designed in such a way that the replacement of a failed cooler takes several seconds and all that is required is to remove the front decorative cap of the server, and then just pull out the cooler.
The computing module, it is "two-tiered", and the coolers are removed by a simple "pulling out" of the chassis
Two "tiers" of one of the computational compartments. each with 2 processors and 48 RAM slots
It is also worth mentioning here that this is not a hyperconvergent system consisting of several nodes, all processors work within a single server.
Interconnect
Perhaps from the point of view of convenience, I did not like just how the connection of computing modules was implemented. In order to remove the upper tier, you have to disconnect a pair of wires. From this point of view, I once liked the solution implemented in the Dell PowerEdge R820 , which I reviewed a few years ago. By the way, this is how it is implemented in the younger Lenovo model - ThinkSystem SR850. Perhaps due to the higher density of the components, it was difficult to implement such a mechanism here.
Basket for PCIe expansion cards removed from the back
Increasing computing resources or storage resources can of course be gradual - this flexibility will be convenient for those who know that their resource requirements will increase, but they do not plan to buy a powerful system right away (for example, considering linear, we expect load growth). This will allow a more flexible approach to budgeting.
The well-coordinated operation of all hardware components and the use of new Intel Xeon processors allowed the new generation of Lenovo ThinkSystem systems to set 42 world records in various computing benchmarks and configurations, ranging from single-processor to 8-processor systems. This suggests a high applicability of new servers to heavy and critical workloads. The key ones in the “most productive” category - I would call:
If we talk directly about the new multiprocessor systems Lenovo, the company positions them to solve the most demanding tasks.
Now let's look at the functionality of managing new systems. The updated built-in controller - xClarity Controller (XCC), the replacement for IMMv2 - allows you to manage your server settings, presents real-time system monitoring, KVM console and information about installed equipment.
The interface is simple, easy and works without any complaints. It is also quite fast when compared with competitor systems.
Detailed logging of what is happening in the system
Inventory tab tells all about the installed equipment
Real-time component monitoring and utilization
KVM console that does not require Java! HTML5 finally comes to the server systems
The ability to change the configuration of the RAID-array directly from the graphical console
The state of ports for additional HBA adapters
In total, the xClarity software product family includes several components for managing new systems:
In addition, Lenovo provides open access for customers and partners to the xClarity Developer Forum, where you can offer your own ideas for developing software products or vote for those already available for their speedy implementation.
In general, the new line of Lenovo ThinkSystem server products left a pleasant impression. In my opinion, the new servers must meet two main characteristics - high performance and ease of use. And Lenovo was able to show excellent results in this. I really hope that in the near future I will be able to get acquainted with the younger models of this line, and they will also leave a pleasant impression.
I would like to thank Lenovo and Anton Boldin personally for the equipment provided for the review.
The first thing that catches the eye at the stage of reading technical specifications is the enormous possibilities for scaling and expanding the system. From 2 to 8 processors of the new generation Intel Xeon Scalable and the presence of 19 (!) Slots for installing various expansion cards. And all this can be placed in a small package in 4U.
When the server came directly into my hands, I was able to make sure that the statements about the modularity of the structure are well-founded. The front part of the server is divided into 2 computing compartments, each of which can have up to 4 processors, 48 ​​DIMM modules and 12 2.5-inch drives.
')
Compartments move forward out of the chassis, providing easy upgrades and maintenance.
The design of the cooling system is designed in such a way that the replacement of a failed cooler takes several seconds and all that is required is to remove the front decorative cap of the server, and then just pull out the cooler.
The computing module, it is "two-tiered", and the coolers are removed by a simple "pulling out" of the chassis
Two "tiers" of one of the computational compartments. each with 2 processors and 48 RAM slots
It is also worth mentioning here that this is not a hyperconvergent system consisting of several nodes, all processors work within a single server.
Interconnect
Perhaps from the point of view of convenience, I did not like just how the connection of computing modules was implemented. In order to remove the upper tier, you have to disconnect a pair of wires. From this point of view, I once liked the solution implemented in the Dell PowerEdge R820 , which I reviewed a few years ago. By the way, this is how it is implemented in the younger Lenovo model - ThinkSystem SR850. Perhaps due to the higher density of the components, it was difficult to implement such a mechanism here.
Basket for PCIe expansion cards removed from the back
Increasing computing resources or storage resources can of course be gradual - this flexibility will be convenient for those who know that their resource requirements will increase, but they do not plan to buy a powerful system right away (for example, considering linear, we expect load growth). This will allow a more flexible approach to budgeting.
The well-coordinated operation of all hardware components and the use of new Intel Xeon processors allowed the new generation of Lenovo ThinkSystem systems to set 42 world records in various computing benchmarks and configurations, ranging from single-processor to 8-processor systems. This suggests a high applicability of new servers to heavy and critical workloads. The key ones in the “most productive” category - I would call:
- 2-processor server for OLTP-applications: ABS, ERP
- 4-way server for processing big data and complex transactions
- 2-way server for virtualized environments
- 1, 2, 4, 8-processor server for Java applications in response time and throughput
- 2, 4-processor server for processing and analyzing financial transactions
If we talk directly about the new multiprocessor systems Lenovo, the company positions them to solve the most demanding tasks.
Now let's look at the functionality of managing new systems. The updated built-in controller - xClarity Controller (XCC), the replacement for IMMv2 - allows you to manage your server settings, presents real-time system monitoring, KVM console and information about installed equipment.
The interface is simple, easy and works without any complaints. It is also quite fast when compared with competitor systems.
Detailed logging of what is happening in the system
Inventory tab tells all about the installed equipment
Real-time component monitoring and utilization
KVM console that does not require Java! HTML5 finally comes to the server systems
The ability to change the configuration of the RAID-array directly from the graphical console
The state of ports for additional HBA adapters
In total, the xClarity software product family includes several components for managing new systems:
- xClarity Controller is a built-in physical controller (aka BMC) for remote server management. I briefly described its functionality above. I add that it supports the standard RedFish API to provide integration with third-party applications and management interfaces.
- xClarity Provisioning Manager is a server configuration and OS deployment tool built into each new ThinkSystem (aka ServerGuide, which needed to be installed separately to configure IBM System x servers).
- The xClarity Administrator is centralized management software for the entire Lenovo infrastructure, which supports management of both the new ThinkSystem systems and the previous generation System x M5 and M4. A free version is also available .
- xClarity Mobile is a mobile application for Android and iOS for connecting a mobile device to the system.
In addition, Lenovo provides open access for customers and partners to the xClarity Developer Forum, where you can offer your own ideas for developing software products or vote for those already available for their speedy implementation.
In general, the new line of Lenovo ThinkSystem server products left a pleasant impression. In my opinion, the new servers must meet two main characteristics - high performance and ease of use. And Lenovo was able to show excellent results in this. I really hope that in the near future I will be able to get acquainted with the younger models of this line, and they will also leave a pleasant impression.
I would like to thank Lenovo and Anton Boldin personally for the equipment provided for the review.
Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/341640/
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