The Lenovo ThinkSystem ST550 2-socket 4U rack-mountable tower server provides outstanding performance and industry-leading reliability. It is ideal for small-to-medium businesses, distributed enterprises, retail, educational institutions, and remote/branch offices.

The ST550 server now supports second-gernation Intel Xeon Processor Scalable Family processors with up to 768 GB of TruDDR4 system memory.

Suggested uses: business workloads such as e-mail, workgroup applications, file & print, system management, web serving, and point-of-sale applications

Figure 1 shows the Lenovo ThinkSystem ST550.

Figure 1. Lenovo ThinkSystem ST550

The ThinkSystem ST550 is an enterprise-grade server with support for hot-swap power supplies, fans, and drives. It also offers full support of Lenovo XClarity Administrator for comprehensive systems management and includes the next generation UEFI-based Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager for system setup and diagnosis, and the Lenovo XClarity Controller management processor for ongoing systems management and alerting. These tools make the ST550 easy to deploy, integrate, service, and manage.

The ThinkSystem ST550 is a high-performance dual-socket tower server based on the second-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors, supporting a wide range of processors to suit a wide range of budgets and application requirements.

Scalability and performance

The ST550 offers the following features to boost performance, improve scalability, and reduce costs:

• Improves productivity by offering superior system performance with up to two processors, each with up to 22 cores, and core speeds up to 3.8 GHz.
• Hyper-Threading Technology to maximize the concurrent execution of multithreaded applications, available with most processors.
• Intelligent and adaptive system performance with energy-efficient Intel Turbo Boost Technology, available with most processors, allows CPU cores to run at maximum speeds during peak workloads by temporarily going beyond processor thermal design power (TDP).
• Intel Virtualization Technology integrates hardware-level virtualization hooks that allow operating system vendors to better use the hardware for virtualization workloads.
• Intel Speed Select Technology provides improvements in server utilization and guaranteed per-core performance service levels with more granular control over processor performance.
• Intel Deep Learning Boost (Vector Neural Network Instruction set or VNNI) is designed to deliver significant, more efficient Deep Learning (Inference) acceleration for high-performance Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads.
• Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 512 (AVX-512) enable acceleration of enterprise-class workloads, including databases and enterprise resource planning (ERP).
• Each processor has six memory channels with memory speeds of up to 2933 MHz to help maximize system performance
• Up to 768 GB of memory capacity using 12x 64GB DIMMs
• The 12 Gbps SAS internal storage connectivity doubles the data transfer rate compared to 6 Gb SAS solutions to maximize performance of storage I/O-intensive applications.
• Flexible storage configurations support either 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch hot-swap drive bays or a combination of the two (hybrid configuration). Configurations with 3-5-inch simple-swap drive bays are also available. 
  • Up to 16x 2.5-inch drive bays with two 5.25-inch media drive bays available
  • Up to 20x 2.5-inch drive bays with the media bays converted to 4x 2.5-inch drive bays
  • Up to 8x 3.5-inch drive bays with two 5.25-inch media drive bays available
  • Up to 8x 3.5-inch + 4x 2.5-inch drive bays with the media bay conversion
  • Up to 8x 3.5-inch simple-swap drive bays
• 3.5-inch drive bays support SAS and SATA HDDs and SSDs. 2.5-inch drive bays support SAS and SATA HDDs and SSDs, as well as NVMe drives.
• Support for up to four NVMe PCIe SSDs in a 2.5-inch form factor maximizes drive I/O performance, in terms of throughput, bandwidth, and latency.
• The use of solid-state drives (SSDs) instead of, or along with, traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) can significantly improve I/O performance. An SSD can support up to 100 times more I/O operations per second (IOPS) than a typical HDD.
• New high-speed RAID controllers from Broadcom provide 12 Gb SAS connectivity to the drive backplanes. A variety of RAID adapters are available, with cache up to 4 GB and support for 20 drives on a single controller.
• Supports a new Lenovo patented-design M.2 adapter for convenient operating system boot functions. Available M.2 adapters support either one M.2 drive or two M.2 drives in a RAID 1 configuration for greater boot drive performance and reliability.
• The server has two integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports.
• The server offers PCI Express 3.0 I/O expansion capabilities that improve the theoretical maximum bandwidth by almost 100% (8 GT/ps per link using 128b/130b encoding) compared to the previous generation of PCI Express 2.0 (5 GT/s per link using 8b/10b encoding).
• The server offers up to six PCIe 3.0 I/O expansion slots plus one slot reserved for the M.2 adapter
• Support for up to two NVIDIA graphics processing units (GPUs) to maximize computing power.

Availability and serviceability

The ST550 provides the following features to simplify serviceability and increase system uptime:

• The server offers Single Device Data Correction (SDDC, also known as Chipkill), Adaptive Double- Device Data Correction (ADDDC, also known as Redundant Bit Steering or RBS), memory mirroring, and memory rank sparing for redundancy in the event of a non-correctable memory failure.
• The server offers hot-swap (HS) SSDs and HDDs, and supports RAID redundancy for data protection and greater system uptime.
• Much like HS drives, simple-swap drives are mounted on an easy-to-remove tray and work with the same RAID options. Simple-swap require a system power-down before adding or replacing, however simple-swap drives are less expensive than hot-swap drives.
• The Dual M.2 Boot Adapter supports RAID-1 which enables two installed M.2 drives to be configured as a redundant pair.
• The server supports hot-swap power supplies; with two installed, they form a redundant pair to provide availability for business-critical applications. The server also offers an optional 4th fan which offers redundancy in most server configurations.
• Toolless cover removal provides easy access to upgrades and serviceable parts, such as CPU, memory, and adapter cards.
• Proactive Platform Alerts (including PFA and SMART alerts) for: processors, voltage regulators, memory, internal storage (SAS/SATA HDDs and SSDs), fans, power supplies, RAID controllers, and server ambient and sub-component temperatures. Alerts can be surfaced through the XClarity Controller management processor to managers such as Lenovo XClarity Administrator, VMware vCenter, and Microsoft System Center. These proactive alerts let you take appropriate actions in advance of possible failure, thereby increasing server uptime and application availability.
• SSDs, with no moving parts, offer significantly better reliability than mechanical HDDs, for greater uptime.
• The built-in XClarity Controller continuously monitors system parameters, triggers alerts, and performs recovery actions in case of failures to minimize downtime.
• Built-in diagnostics in UEFI, using Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager, speed up troubleshooting tasks to reduce service time.
• Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager supports diagnostics and can save service data to a USB key drive or remote CIFS share folder for troubleshooting and reduce service time.
• Auto restart in the event of a momentary loss of AC power (based on power policy setting in the XClarity Controller service processor)
• Support for the XClarity Administrator Mobile app running on a supported smartphone and connected to the server through the service-enabled USB port, enables additional local systems management functions.
• Three-year or one-year customer-replaceable unit and onsite limited warranty, 9 x 5 next business day. Optional service upgrades are available.

Manageability and security

The following powerful systems management features simplify local and remote management of the ST550:

• The server includes an XClarity Controller (XCC) to monitor server availability. Optional upgrade to XCC Advanced to provide remote control (keyboard video mouse) functions. Optional upgrade to XCC Enterprise enables the additional support for the mounting of remote media files (ISO and IMG image files), boot capture, and power capping.
• Lenovo XClarity Administrator offers comprehensive hardware management tools that help to increase uptime, reduce costs and improve productivity through advanced server management capabilities.
• New UEFI-based Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager, accessible from F1 during boot, provides system inventory information, graphical UEFI Setup, platform update function, RAID Setup wizard, operating system installation function, and diagnostic functions.
• Support for Lenovo XClarity Energy Manager which captures real-time power and temperature data from the server and provides automated controls to lower energy costs.
• Integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 support enables advanced cryptographic functionality, such as digital signatures and remote attestation.
• Supports Secure Boot to ensure that only a digitally signed operating system can be used. Supported with HDDs and SSDs as well as M.2 drives in the M.2 Adapter.
• Industry-standard Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) NI support for faster, stronger encryption.
• Intel Execute Disable Bit functionality can prevent certain classes of malicious buffer overflow attacks when combined with a supported operating system.
• Intel Trusted Execution Technology provides enhanced security through hardware-based resistance to malicious software attacks, allowing an application to run in its own isolated space, protected from all other software running on a system.
• Physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access: Lockable side cover to prevent access to internal components, a slot at the rear of the server for a Kensington Cable. Optional additional physical security features are a lockable front security door and a chassis intrusion switch (included in some models).

Energy efficiency

The ST550 offers the following energy-efficiency features to save energy, reduce operational costs, increase energy availability, and contribute to the green environment:

• Energy-efficient planar components help lower operational costs.
• High-efficiency power supplies with 80 PLUS Platinum and Titanium certifications. Energy Star 2.1 certified.
• Intel Intelligent Power Capability powers individual processor elements on and off as needed to reduce power draw.
• Low-voltage 1.2 V DDR4 memory DIMMs use up to 20% less energy compared to 1.35 V DDR3 DIMMs.
• SSDs use as much as 80% less power than traditional spinning 2.5-inch HDDs.
• The server uses hexagonal ventilation holes, which can be grouped more densely than round holes, providing more efficient airflow through the system.
• Optional Lenovo XClarity Energy Manager provides advanced data center power notification, analysis, and policy-based management to help achieve lower heat output and reduced cooling needs.

The following figure shows the front of the server.

Figure 2. Front view of the ThinkSystem ST550 server

The following figure shows the rear of the server.

Figure 3. Rear view of the ThinkSystem ST550 server

The following figure shows the locations of key components inside the server.

Figure 4. Internal view of the ThinkSystem ST550 server

The following figure shows the architectural block diagram of the ST550, showing the major components and their connections.

Figure 5. ST550 system architectural block diagram

The following table lists the standard specifications.

The following tables list the available models, grouped by region.

• Models for Australia and New Zealand
• Models for South East Asian countries (ASEAN)
• Models for Brazil
• Models for EMEA countries
• Models for Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea (HTK)
• Models for India
• Models for Japan
• Models for Latin American countries (except Brazil)
• Models for USA and Canada

Refer to the Specifications section for information about standard features of the server.

The ST550 supports the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum level processors in the family of second-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors. The server supports the processor options that are listed in the following table. The server supports up to two processors.

All processors listed above have the following characteristics:

• Second-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors (formerly codenamed "Cascade Lake")
• 14 nm process technology
• Six DDR4 memory channels
• 48 PCIe 3.0 I/O lanes
• 1 MB L2 cache
• 1.375 MB or more L3 cache per core
• Intel Hyper-Threading Technology (except Bronze processors)
• Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 (except Bronze processors)
• Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 512 (AVX-512)
• Two Intel Ultra Path Interconnect (UPI) links at up to 10.4 GT/s

Some processors include a suffix letter in the processor model number:

• L: Large memory tier (supports total memory up to 4.5TB)
• M: Medium memory tier (supports total memory up to 2TB)
• N: NFV optimized
• S: Search optimized
• T: High Tcase
• U: Single socket
• V: VM Density optimized
• Y: Speed Select

* Option part numbers include the processor heatsink and an additional system fan.
** The 6209U processor is only supported one processor per server; as a result, there is no option part number for a second processor.

Memory capacity of processors

Second-generation Xeon Scalable processors are limited to the amount of memory they can address, as follows:

• Processors with an L suffix (eg 8280L): Up to 4.5 TB per processor
• Processors with an M suffix (eg 8280M): Up to 2 TB per processor
• All other processors: Up to 1 TB per processor

The calculation is based on each processor individually, not the total memory installed in the server. For example, a configuration using 12x 64GB DIMMs per server is 6x 64 GB per processor, which is 384 GB per processor. This means that neither an M nor an L processor is required

Processor features

The following table compares the features of the supported second-generation Intel Xeon processors.

* L3 cache is 1.375 MB per core or larger. Processors with a larger L3 cache per core are marked with an *
** The Intel Xeon Gold 5218 and 5218B processors have similar specifications; however, they use different silicon designs and cannot be mixed in the same system.

The ST550 server supports Lenovo TruDDR4 memory. TruDDR4 memory uses the highest-quality components sourced from Tier 1 DRAM suppliers and only memory that meets strict requirements is selected. It is compatibility-tested and tuned to maximize performance and reliability.

TruDDR4 memory has a unique signature programmed into the DIMM, which enables ThinkSystem servers to verify whether the memory installed is qualified and supported. From a service and support standpoint, TruDDR4 memory automatically assumes the system's warranty, and service and support provided worldwide.

The ST550 supports up to 6 DIMMs per processor, for a total of 12 DIMMs when two processors are installed. Each processor has six memory channels, and supports one DIMM per channel.

With second-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors, the ST550 supports 2666 MHz or 2933 MHz memory. It is supported to have a mix of 2933 MHz and 2666 MHz memory, however all memory will operate at the lower speed. In addition, if the processor selected has a lower memory bus speed (eg 2400 MHz or 2133 MHz - see the Processor options section), then all DIMMs will operate at that lower speed.

The following table lists the memory options that are available for the ST550 server with second-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors.

The following rules apply when selecting the memory configuration:

• The server supports RDIMMs and LRDIMMs.
• Mixing RDIMMs and LRDIMMs is not supported. Use either RDIMMs or LDRIMMs but not both.
• Mixing 2666 MHz and 2933 MHz DIMMs is supported. All memory will operate at the lower speed.
• Mixing x4 and x8 DIMMs is supported.
• For best performance, populate memory DIMMs in quantities of 6 per processor, so that all memory channels are used.

The following memory protection technologies are supported:

• ECC
• SDDC (for x4-based memory DIMMs; look for "x4" in the DIMM description)
• ADDDC (for x4-based memory DIMMs; Gold and Platinum processors only)
• Memory channel mirroring
• Memory rank sparing

If memory channel mirroring is used, then DIMMs must be installed in pairs (minimum of one pair per processor), and both DIMMs in a pair must be identical in type and size. 50% of the installed capacity is available to the operating system.

If memory rank sparing is used, then a minimum of one quad-rank DIMM or two single-rank or dual-rank DIMMs must be installed per populated channel (the DIMMs do not need to be identical). In rank sparing mode, one rank of a DIMM in each populated channel is reserved as spare memory. The largest rank in the channel will be automatically selected as the spare rank. The amount of memory available to the operating system depends on the number, capacity and rank counts of the DIMMs installed.

The ST550 supports 2.5-inch hot-swap, 3.5-inch hot-swap, and 3.5-inch simple-swap drives in a variety of drive bay configurations.

In this section:

• Backplanes and drive bays
• Adapters and cabling
• Field upgrades
• M.2 drives
• SED encryption key management with ISKLM

Drive bays and backplanes

The server supports up to 20 drive bays: It can support up to 16x 2.5-inch drives or 8x 3.5-inch drives, plus an additional 4x 2.5-inch drive bays installed in the space occupied by the two 5.25-inch media bays. Hot-swap (HS) drive configurations support SAS & SATA drives, and with an AnyBay backplane, can support up to four NVMe drives. Simple-swap (SS) drive configurations support SATA drives only. The server also supports one or two M.2 drives, installed in an M.2 adapter. The dual-M.2 adapter provides RAID 0 and 1 support.

The different drive bay configurations supported are shown in the following figure.

Figure 6. Internal drive bay configurations

The following table lists all available drive configurations.

The drive backplanes used with these configurations are listed in the following table.

* Backplanes are configure-to-order only, however upgrade kits are available that include backplanes, as described in the Field upgrades section below.

The drive bay configurations are shown in the the subsections below. Where there are different adapter and cabling options, they are shown by the letters A, B, C, D. These configuration numbers are also referenced later in the Field upgrades section.

1. 8x 2.5-inch hot-swap drive bays, all SAS/SATA
2. 8x 2.5-inch hot-swap drive bays, where 4 of the bays are AnyBay
3. 16x 2.5-inch hot-swap drive bays, all SAS/SATA
4. 16x 2.5-inch hot-swap drive bays, where 4 of the bays are AnyBay
5. 20x 2.5-inch hot-swap drive bays, all SAS/SATA
6. 20x 2.5-inch hot-swap drive bays, where 4 of the bays are AnyBay
7. 4x 3.5-inch drive bays, all SAS/SATA
8. 8x 3.5-inch hot-swap hot-swap drive bays, all SAS/SATA
9. 8x 3.5-inch + 4x 2.5-in hot-swap drive bays, all SAS/SATA
10. 4x 3.5-inch simple-swap drive bays, SATA only
11. 8x 3.5-inch simple-swap drive bays, SATA only

Field upgrades

The following table shows the backplane kits you can use after the initial purchase to upgrade the server to add additional drive bays.

* The media bay conversion kit also requires an additional system fan if the server has only one processor. See the Fans and cooling section for details.

Each kit contains the backplane and the necessary cables (including PCIe cables for the AnyBay backplane). The 2.5" SATA/SAS 4-Bay Backplane Kit also includes the necessary 4x 2.5-inch drive-bay cage.

In addition to the backplane kits, you will need a RAID adapter or HBA, and if you are adding an AnyBay backplane, you'll also need an NVMe Switch adapter. The adapters are described in the Controllers for internal storage section.

The M.2 drives install into an M.2 adapter which in turn is installed in a dedicated slot on the system board. See the internal view of the server in the Components and connectors section for the location of the M.2 slot.

Supported drives are listed in the Internal drive options section.

For details about M.2 components, see the ThinkSystem M.2 Drives and M.2 Adapters product guide:
https://lenovopress.com/lp0769-thinksystem-m2-drives-adapters

The ST550 with hot-swap drives supports internal SAS and SATA drives with the addition of a RAID adapter or HBA. For NVMe support, the server supports the use of an NVMe Switch Adapter installed in a PCIe slot.

For simple-swap drive support, the ST550 uses two onboard 6Gb SATA ports to connect the four or eight simple-swap drives. These ports enable Intel RSTe for RAID functionality.

The following table lists the adapters used for the internal disk storage of the ST550 server.

* Country availability: The RAID 730-8i 1GB Cache adapter is not available in USA and Canada.

The following two tables compare the functions of the storage adapters and the onboard SATA.

The following tables list the hard disk drive and solid-state drive options for the internal disk storage of the server.

• Table 22: 2.5-inch hot-swap 12 Gb SAS HDDs
• Table 23: 2.5-inch hot-swap 6 Gb SAS/SATA HDDs
• Table 24: 2.5-inch hot-swap 12 Gb SAS SSDs
• Table 25: 2.5-inch hot-swap 6 Gb SAS/SATA SSDs
• Table 26: 2.5-inch U.2 NVMe SSDs
• Table 27: 3.5-inch hot-swap 12 Gb SAS HDDs
• Table 28: 3.5-inch hot-swap 6 Gb SAS/SATA HDDs
• Table 29: 3.5-inch hot-swap 12 Gb SAS SSDs
• Table 30: 3.5-inch hot-swap 6 Gb SAS/SATA SSDs
• Table 31: 3.5-inch simple-swap 6 Gb SAS/SATA HDDs
• Table 32: M.2 drives

The server supports the internal backup unit options that are listed in the following table.

The RDX drive is attached via the USB 3.0 port on the system board.

The use of an LTO tape drive requires a SAS HBA, either the 430-8i or 430-16i SAS/SATA 12Gb HBA.

For more information about RDX drive and LTO tape drives, see the Backup Units page on the Lenovo Press site: https://lenovopress.com/servers/options/backup

The ST550 supports the optical drive options listed in the following table.

* Lenovo offers two different versions of the DVD-ROM drive, however the differences are only cosmetic. The functions and performance are identical.

The internal optical drives in the table can be installed in any open 5.25-inch drive bay.

The Half High SATA DVD-ROM drive supports the following media and speeds for reading:

• CD-ROM 48X
• CD-DA (DAE) 48X
• CD-R 48X
• CD-RW 40X
• DVD-ROM (single layer) 16X
• DVD-ROM (dual layer) 12X
• DVD-R (4.7 GB) 16X
• DVD-R DL 8X
• DVD+R 16X
• DVD+R DL 8X
• DVD-RW (4.7 GB) 8X
• DVD+RW 8X

The Half High SATA DVD-RW drive supports the same media and speeds for reading as HH DVD-ROM. In addition, this drive supports the following media and speeds for writing:

• CD-R 24X
• CD-RW 4X
• High Speed CD-RW 10X
• Ultra Speed CD-RW 16X
• DVD-R 8X
• DVD-R DL 8X
• DVD+R 8X
• DVD+R DL 8X
• DVD-RW 6X
• DVD+RW 8X

The ThinkSystem External USB DVD RW Optical Disk Drive is based on the Lenovo Slim DVD Burner DB65 drive and has the following specifications:

• Read:
  • CD-ROM 24X
  • CD-DA (DAE) 24X
  • CD-R 24X
  • CD-RW 24X
  • DVD-ROM (single layer) 8X
  • DVD-ROM (dual layer) 8X
  • DVD-R (4.7 GB) 8X
  • DVD-R DL 8X
  • DVD+R 8X
  • DVD+R DL 8X
  • DVD-RW (4.7 GB) 8X
  • DVD+RW 8X
• Write:
  • CD-R 10X (CLV), 24X (PCAV)
  • CD-RW 4X
  • High Speed CD-RW 10X
  • Ultra Speed CD-RW 24X
  • DVD-R 8X
  • DVD-R DL 6X
  • DVD+R 8X
  • DVD+R DL 6X
  • DVD-RW 6X
  • DVD+RW 8X

Slots 3 and 5 support double-wide GPUs. When double-wide adapters are used slots 4 and 6 cannot be used.

Above the PCIe slots is a space for a serial port bracket which is used for making an external serial port available at the rear of the server. The following table lists the ordering information.

The ST550 has two onboard Gigabit Ethernet ports, connected to the integrated Intel Ethernet Connection X722 controller. 

Note: The onboard Gigabit ports do not support 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps Ethernet connections.

The following table lists other supported network adapters. The maximum supported column indicates which slots each adapter is supported in. For slot locations see the I/O expansion options section.

* Requires SFP+ transceivers or DAC cables that must be purchased separately.

For more information, including the transceivers and cables that each adapter supports, see the list of Lenovo Press Product Guides in the Ethernet adapters category:
https://lenovopress.com/servers/options/ethernet

The following table lists the SAS HBAs and RAID adapters suitable for connectivity to external storage.

* Limited by the number of supercap mounts in the server

The following table summarizes the features of supported adapters.

* SED (self-encrypting drive) support of the SAS HBA is by using software on the server (SED commands are passed through the HBA to the drives).

The following table lists the Fibre Channel HBAs supported by the server.

For more information, see the list of Lenovo Press Product Guides in the Host bus adapters category:
https://lenovopress.com/servers/options/hba

The server currently does not support Flash Storage adapters.

The ST550 server supports the graphics processing units (GPUs) listed in the following table. Up to two GPUs are supported when two processors are installed in a server (or one GPU with only one processor).

† The use of the P4000 or RTX 4000 requires that ST550 chassis AVS5 (3.5-inch bays) or AVS6 (2.5-inch bays) be selected. See the P4000 topic below.
* The P6000 is a double-width adapter: When installed in slot 3, slot 4 is no longer available. When installed in slot 5, slot 6 is no longer available.

The following other rules apply:

• If two GPUs are installed, they must be identical
• The first GPU is installed in slot 3; the second GPU is installed in slot 5 and requires the second processor to be installed.
• The number of GPUs that can be installed depends on the type of power supply that is installed and the drive bay configuration selected. For more information, see the Power Supplies section.
• Cooling requirements and limitations in fan redundancy exist for some configurations as described in the Fans and cooling section
• The use of a GPU requires that Fan 4 (rear fan) be installed.
• The P4000 GPU can only be installed as a field-upgrade in ST550 servers with chassis B32J (3.5-inch) or B32J (2.5-inch). Older ST550 chassis do not support the P4000 GPU. See the ST550 Setup Guide for information on how to determine which chassis you have.

Chassis selection for NVIDIA Quadro P4000 and RTX 4000

The NVIDIA Quadro P4000 and RTX 4000 use the NVIDIA Form Factor 3.0. in the ST550, to use either of these GPUs, specific chassis feature codes must be selected when building a configure-to-order configuration.

The server can operate in environments up to ASHRAE A4 (45°C and 90% humidity). Details and restrictions are described in the Physical and electrical specifications section.

The server supports up to four simple-swap fans, three in the front of the server, just behind the drive bays and one installed at the rear of the server. See the Inside view in the Components and connectors section for locations.

Use of these fans is as follows:

• Single processor systems require 2 fans, installed in the area behind drive bays
• The third fan installed behind the drive bays is required in the following situations:
  • The server has two processors. If the second processor is a field upgrade, then the fan is included with the second processor and does not need to be ordered separately.
  • The server has four 2.5-inch hot-swap drives bays installed in place of the two 5.25-inch media bays converted. If the media bay conversion is a field upgrade (part number 7XH7A05908) and the server only has one processor installed, then order the fan using part number 7XH7A06781.
• Fan 4 (the fan at the rear of the server) can be installed as an N+1 redundant fan if desired. The part number is 7XH7A05900.
• If a GPU is installed, Fan 4 is required and is non-redundant in most configurations. The following table indicates the cooling restrictions that apply when supported GPUs are installed:
  • Whether or not Fan 4 is redundant
  • Limits to ambient temperatures

The table below lists the fan upgrades.

The server supports either a single fixed power supply or one or two hot-swap power supplies. When two hot-swap power supplies are installed, they form a redundant pair. The following table lists the supported power supplies.

* Configure-to-order only

550W, 750W and 1100W Platinum power supplies are auto-sensing and support both 110V AC (100-127V 50/60 Hz) and 220V AC (200-240V 50/60 Hz) power. The 750W Titanium power supply only supports 220V AC power. In China only, all four hot-swap power supplies also support 240V DC.

Power supply options do not include a line cord.

For server configurations, the inclusion of a power supply is model dependent. Configure-to-order models can be configured without a power cord if desired.

For further power configuration of the server, use the Lenovo Capacity Planner, available at:
https://datacentersupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/solutions-and-software/software/lenovo-capacity-planner/solutions/ht504651

* Only with processors that have a TDP of 85W or lower
** See the Fans and cooling section for cooling restrictions with GPUs

The ST550 also supports the following two-up cables.

The server supports booting from an operating system or hypervisor installed on an M.2 solid-state drive. See the M.2 drives section for details and the list of available options.

You can download supported VMware vSphere hypervisor images from the following web page and load it on the M.2 drive using the instructions provided:
https://vmware.lenovo.com/content/custom_iso/

The server contains an integrated service processor, XClarity Controller (XCC), which provides advanced service-processor control, monitoring, and alerting functions. The XCC is based on the Pilot4 XE401 baseboard management controller (BMC) using a dual-core ARM Cortex A9 service processor.

Local management

The ST550 offers a front operator panel showing key LED status indicators, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 19. Front operator panel

When you press the ID button on the front panel, the blue system ID LEDs on both the front and rear of the server are lit to help you locate the server among other servers. You also can turn on the system ID LEDs using a remote management program for server presence detection.

The steps to connect the mobile device are as follows:

1. Enable USB Management on the server, by holding down the ID button for 3 seconds (or pressing the dedicated USB management button if one is present)
2. Connect the mobile device via a USB cable to the server's USB port with the management symbol 
3. In iOS or Android settings, enable Personal Hotspot or USB Tethering
4. Launch the Lenovo XClarity Mobile app

Remote management

The server offers a dedicated RJ45 port at the rear of the server for remote management via the XClarity Controller management processor. The port supports 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds.

Remote server management is provided through industry-standard interfaces:

• Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) Version 2.0
• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Version 3 (no SET commands; no SNMP v1)
• Common Information Model (CIM-XML)
• Representational State Transfer (REST) support
• Redfish support (DMTF compliant)
• Web browser - HTML 5-based browser interface (Java and ActiveX not required) using a responsive design (content optimized for device being used - laptop, tablet, phone) with NLS support

IPMI via the Ethernet port (IPMI over LAN) is supported, however it is disabled by default. For CTO orders you can specify whether you want to the feature enabled or disabled in the factory, using the feature codes listed in the following table.

There are two XClarity Controller upgrades available for the server, Advanced and Enterprise.

Lenovo XClarity Controller Advanced adds the following remote control functions:

• Remotely viewing video with graphics resolutions up to 1600x1200 at 75 Hz with up to 23 bits per pixel, regardless of the system state
• Remotely accessing the server using the keyboard and mouse from a remote client
• Capturing blue-screen errors
• International keyboard mapping support
• LDAP-based authentication

Lenovo XClarity Controller Enterprise enables the following additional features:

• Boot Capture
• Remote mounting of CD-ROM (ISO) and diskette (IMG) files as virtual drives
• Virtual console collaboration - Ability for up to 6 remote users to be log into the remote session simultaneously
• Power capping
• License for XClarity Energy Manager

Because Lenovo XClarity Administrator does not require any agent software to be installed on the managed endpoints, there are no CPU cycles spent on agent execution, and no memory is used, which means that up to 1GB of RAM and 1 - 2% CPU usage is saved, compared to a typical managed system where an agent is required.

For more information about Lenovo XClarity Administrator, including ordering part numbers, see the Lenovo XClarity Administrator Product Guide: https://lenovopress.com/tips1200-lenovo-xclarity-administrator

For more information about all the available Lenovo XClarity Integrators, see the Lenovo XClarity Administrator Product Guide: https://lenovopress.com/tips1200-lenovo-xclarity-administrator

The server offers the following security features:

• Electronic security measures:
  • Administrator and power-on passwords
  • Trusted Platform Module (TPM) supporting both TPM 1.2 and TPM 2.0
  • Optional Trusted Cryptographic Module (TCM), available only in China
  • Self-encrypting drives with support for IBM Security Key Lifecycle Manager
• Mechanical security measures
  • Lockable side cover to help prevent access to internal components
  • Slot at the rear of the server for a Kensington Cable Lock
  • Optional chassis intrusion switch
  • Optional lockable front security door

The TCM module and Nationz TPM module are available only for China customers and are installed in a dedicated socket on the system board, as shown in Figure 4.

The optional lockable front door includes a key that enables you to secure access to the drive bays and system controls, thereby reducing the possibility of unauthorized or accidental access to the server.

The following table lists the security options for the server.

* Available via configure-to-order or in preconfigured models only

For SED drives and IBM Security Key Lifecycle Manager support see the SED encryption key management with ISKLM section.

The following table lists the supported full-sized USB keyboards and mice available for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers.

The keyboards have the following features:

• Full-sized 104-key keyboard with 3 special Windows keys
• 3 LEDs for caps lock, scroll lock and num lock
• Wired USB connection with 1.8m cable
• Adjustable feet at the rear of the keyboard

The server can be installed in the rack with the Tower to Rack Conversion Kit. The resulting server is a 4U rack-mountable server, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 20. ThinkSystem ST550 with Rack Conversion Kit installed

The part numbers are summarized in the following table.

The rail kit has the specifications listed in the following table.

The ST550 with second-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors supports the following operating systems:

• Microsoft Windows Server 2016
• Microsoft Windows Server 2019
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.6
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.7
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.8
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.0
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.1
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP4
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 Xen SP4
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 Xen SP5
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP1
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 Xen
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 Xen SP1
• VMware ESXi 6.5 U2
• VMware ESXi 6.5 U3
• VMware ESXi 6.7 U1
• VMware ESXi 6.7 U2
• VMware ESXi 6.7 U3
• VMware ESXi 7.0

For a complete list of supported, certified and tested operating systems, plus additional details and links to relevant web sites, see the Operating System Interoperability Guide: https://lenovopress.com/osig#servers=st550-7x09-7x10-sp-gen-2

Virtualization support: The onboard SATA ports of the server can be used with virtualization hypervisors, including VMware ESXi, Linux KVM, Xen, and Microsoft Hyper-V, however support is limited to AHCI (non-RAID) mode. RSTe mode is not supported with virtualization hypervisors.

For configure-to-order configurations, the server can be preloaded with VMware ESXi installed on M.2 cards. Ordering information is listed in the following table.

The server features the following dimensions and weight:

• Tower:
  • Width with stabilizer feet extended: 272 mm (10.7 in)
  • Width with stabilizer feet retracted: 176 mm (6.9 in)
  • Depth: 670 mm (26.4 in)
  • Height: 438 mm (17.2 in)
• With rack conversion kit:
  • Width: 482 mm (18.97 inches)
  • Depth: 670 mm (26.4 in)
  • Height: 176 mm (6.9 in)

Weight:

• Fully configured: 36 kg (79.36 lb)

A note about the stabilizer feet: The ST550 includes stabilizer foot stands that are used when the server is in the tower configuration. The stabilizer feet can be installed in a retracted position or in an open position. For safety reasons, it is recommended the feet be used in the open position to help prevent the server from tipping over, however if needed, the feet can be positioned so that they do not extend beyond the width of the server enclosure. When the ST550 is converted to a rack configuration, the feet are removed.

Electrical requirements are as follows:

• Models with 550 W AC power supplies:
  • 100-127 (nominal) V ac; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 6.2 A
  • 200 - 240 (nominal) V ac; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 3.0 A
  • Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA) (approximately):
    • Minimum configuration: 0.16 kVA
    • Maximum configuration: 0.722 kVA
• Models with 750 W Platinum AC power supplies:
  • 100 - 127 (nominal) V ac; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 8.4 A
  • 200 - 240 (nominal) V ac; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 4.1 A
  • Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA) (approximately):
    • Minimum configuration: 0.15 kVA
    • Maximum configuration: 0.954 kVA
• Models with 750 W Titanium AC power supplies:
  • 200 - 240 (nominal) V ac; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 4.1 A
  • Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA) (approximately):
    • Minimum configuration: 0.15 kVA
    • Maximum configuration: 0.906 kVA
• Models with 1100 W Platinum AC power supplies:
  • 100 - 127 (nominal) V ac; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 12.0 A
  • 200 - 240 (nominal) V ac; 50 Hz or 60 Hz; 6.0 A
  • Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA) (approximately):
    • Minimum configuration:  0.12 kVA
    • Maximum configuration: 1.406 kVA

For China customers using 240V DC input power:

• Models with 550 W 240V DC power supplies:
  • 200 - 240 (nominal) V dc; 2.5 A
  • Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA) (approximately):
    • Minimum configuration: 0.16 kVA
    • Maximum configuration: 0.70 kVA
• Models with 750 W Platinum 240V DC power supplies:
  • 200 - 240 (nominal) V dc; 3.5 A
  • Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA) (approximately):
    • Minimum configuration: 0.15 kVA
    • Maximum configuration: 0.958 kVA
• Models with 750 W Titanium 240V DC power supplies:
  • 200 - 240 (nominal) V dc; 3.5 A
  • Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA) (approximately):
    • Minimum configuration: 0.15 kVA
    • Maximum configuration: 0.948 kVA
• Models with 1100 W Platinum 240V DC power supplies:
  • 200 - 240 (nominal) V dc; 5.1 A
  • Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA) (approximately):
    • Minimum configuration:  0.12 kVA
    • Maximum configuration: 1.408 kVA

The ThinkSystem ST550 server complies with ASHRAE Class A2 specifications, and depending on the hardware configuration, also complies with ASHRAE Class A3 and Class A4 specifications. System performance may be impacted when operating temperature is outside ASHRAE A2 specification.

The following restrictions apply with ASHRAE A4 and A3 support:

• No support for processors with TDP rating of 125 W or higher
• Two power supplies must be installed; fixed (cabled) power supply not supported
• The rear fan must be installed
• No support for NVMe drives
• No support for GPUs
• If the media bay conversion kit is installed (adding 4x 2.5-inch drive bays), those drive bays cannot support SAS drives (HDD or SSD) that are 2TB or larger. SATA drives are fully supported.

In addition, CPU core speed may be reduced depending on the processor selected. 

The server is supported operating in the following environments:

• ASHRAE A2:
  • Temperature: 10°C to 35°C
  • Humidity: 8% to 80%
  • Altitude 0-3000 m (10,000 ft), derated 1°C per 300 m above 950 m
• ASHRAE A3:
  • Temperature: 5°C to 40°C
  • Humidity: 8% to 85%
  • Altitude 0-3000 m (10,000 ft), derated 1°C per 175 m above 950 m
• ASHRAE A4:
  • Temperature: 5°C to 45°C
  • Humidity: 8% to 90%
  • Altitude 0-3000 m (10,000 ft), derated 1°C per 125 m above 950 m

Non-operating environment support:

• Without packaging:
  • Temperature: -10 °C to 60 °C
  • Humidity: 8 to 90%
• Storage with packaging:
  • Temperature: -40 °C to 70 °C
  • Humidity: 8 to 90%

Thermal (heat) output:

• Maximum configuration: 4074 Btu/hr (1194 watts)

Acoustical noise emissions:

• Sound power levels (bels):
  • Base configuration: 4.0 bels (idle), 4.1 bels (operating)
  • Maximum configuration: 5.3 bels (idle), 5.3 bels (operating)
• Sound pressure levels (dBA):
  • Base configuration: 33 dBA (idle), 33 dBA (operating)
  • Maximum configuration: 43 dBA (idle), 43 dBA (operating)

The server has the following vibration and shock limits:

• Vibration:
  • Operating: 0.21 G rms at 5 Hz to 500 Hz for 15 minutes across 3 axes
  • Non-operating: 1.04 G rms at 2 Hz to 200 Hz for 15 minutes across 6 surfaces
• Shock:
  • Operating: 15 G for 3 milliseconds in each direction (positive and negative X, Y, and Z axes)
  • Non-operating:
    • 12 kg - 22 kg: 50 G for 152 in./sec velocity change across 6 surfaces
    • 23 kg  - 31 kg: 35 G for 152 in./sec velocity change across 6 surfaces

The ST550 has a 1-year or 3-year warranty, based on the machine type of the system:

• 7X09: 1 year warranty
• 7X10: 3 year warranty

The standard warranty terms are customer-replaceable unit (CRU) and onsite (for field-replaceable units FRUs only) with standard call center support during normal business hours and 9x5 Next Business Day Parts Delivered.

Lenovo’s additional support services provide a sophisticated, unified support structure for your data center, with an experience consistently ranked number one in customer satisfaction worldwide. Available offerings include:

• Premier Support

  Premier Support provides a Lenovo-owned customer experience and delivers direct access to technicians skilled in hardware, software, and advanced troubleshooting, in addition to the following:

  • Direct technician-to-technician access through a dedicated phone line
  • 24x7x365 remote support
  • Single point of contact service
  • End to end case management
  • Third-party collaborative software support
  • Online case tools and live chat support
  • On-demand remote system analysis
• Warranty Upgrade (Preconfigured Support)

  Services are available to meet the on-site response time targets that match the criticality of your systems.

  • 3, 4, or 5 years of service coverage
  • 1-year or 2-year post-warranty extensions
  • Foundation Service: 9x5 service coverage with next business day onsite response. YourDrive YourData is an optional extra (see below).
  • Essential Service: 24x7 service coverage with 4-hour onsite response or 24-hour committed repair (available only in select countries). Bundled with YourDrive YourData.
  • Advanced Service: 24x7 service coverage with 2-hour onsite response or 6-hour committed repair (available only in select countries). Bundled with YourDrive YourData.
• Managed Services

  Lenovo Managed Services provides continuous 24x7 remote monitoring (plus 24x7 call center availability) and proactive management of a your data center using state of the art tools, systems, and practices by a team of highly skilled and experienced Lenovo services professionals.

  Quarterly reviews check error logs, verify firmware & OS device driver levels, and software as needed. We’ll also maintain records of latest patches, critical updates, and firmware levels, to ensure you systems are providing business value through optimized performance.

• Technical Account Management (TAM)

  A Lenovo Technical Account Manager helps you optimize the operation of your data center based on a deep understanding of your business. You gain direct access to your Lenovo TAM, who serves as your single point of contact to expedite service requests, provide status updates, and furnish reports to track incidents over time. In addition, your TAM will help proactively make service recommendations and manage your service relationship with Lenovo to make certain your needs are met.

• Enterprise Server Software Support

  Enterprise Software Support is an additional support service providing customers with software support on Microsoft, Red Hat, SUSE, and VMware applications and systems. Around the clock availability for critical problems plus unlimited calls and incidents helps customers address challenges fast, without incremental costs. Support staff can answer troubleshooting and diagnostic questions, address product comparability and interoperability issues, isolate causes of problems, report defects to software vendors, and more.

• YourDrive YourData

  Lenovo’s YourDrive YourData is a multi-drive retention offering that ensures your data is always under your control, regardless of the number of drives that are installed in your Lenovo server. In the unlikely event of a drive failure, you retain possession of your drive while Lenovo replaces the failed drive part. Your data stays safely on your premises, in your hands. The YourDrive YourData service can be purchased in convenient bundles, and is optional with Foundation Service. It is bundled with Essential Service and Advanced Service.

• Health Check

  Having a trusted partner who can perform regular and detailed health checks is central to maintaining efficiency and ensuring that your systems and business are always running at their best. Health Check supports Lenovo-branded server, storage, and networking devices, as well as select Lenovo-supported products from other vendors that are sold by Lenovo or a Lenovo-Authorized Reseller.

Examples of region-specific warranty terms are second or longer business day parts delivery or parts-only base warranty.

If warranty terms and conditions include onsite labor for repair or replacement of parts, Lenovo will dispatch a service technician to the customer site to perform the replacement. Onsite labor under base warranty is limited to labor for replacement of parts that have been determined to be field-replaceable units (FRUs). Parts that are determined to be customer-replaceable units (CRUs) do not include onsite labor under base warranty.

If warranty terms include parts-only base warranty, Lenovo is responsible for delivering only replacement parts that are under base warranty (including FRUs) that will be sent to a requested location for self-service. Parts-only service does not include a service technician being dispatched onsite. Parts must be changed at customer’s own cost and labor and defective parts must be returned following the instructions supplied with the spares parts.

Lenovo Services is a dedicated partner to your success. Our goal is to reduce your capital outlays, mitigate your IT risks, and accelerate your time to productivity.

Here’s a more in-depth look at what we can do for you:

• Asset Recovery Services

  Asset Recovery Services (ARS) helps customers recover the maximum value from their end-of-life equipment in a cost-effective and secure way. On top of simplifying the transition from old to new equipment, ARS mitigates environmental and data security risks associated with data center equipment disposal. Lenovo ARS is a cash-back solution for equipment based on its remaining market value, yielding maximum value from aging assets and lowering total cost of ownership for your customers. For more information, see the ARS page, https://lenovopress.com/lp1266-reduce-e-waste-and-grow-your-bottom-line-with-lenovo-ars.

• Assessment Services

  An Assessment helps solve your IT challenges through an onsite, multi-day session with a Lenovo technology expert. We perform a tools based assessment which provides a comprehensive and thorough review of a company's environment and technology systems. In addition to the technology based functional requirements, the consultant also discusses and records the non-functional business requirements, challenges, and constraints. Assessments help organizations like yours, no matter how large or small, get a better return on your IT investment and overcome challenges in the ever-changing technology landscape.

• Design Services

  Professional Services consultants perform infrastructure design and implementation planning to support your strategy. The high-level architectures provided by the assessment service are turned into low level designs and wiring diagrams, which are reviewed and approved prior to implementation The implementation plan will demonstrate an outcome-based proposal to provide business capabilities through infrastructure with a risk-mitigated project plan.

• Basic Hardware Installation

  Lenovo experts can seamlessly manage the physical installation of your server, storage, or networking hardware. Working at a time convenient for you (business hours or off shift), the technician will unpack and inspect the systems on your site, install options, mount in a rack cabinet, connect to power and network, check and update firmware to the latest levels, verify operation, and dispose of the packaging, allowing your team to focus on other priorities.

• Deployment Services

  When investing in new IT infrastructures, you need to ensure your business will see quick time to value with little to no disruption. Lenovo deployments are designed by development and engineering teams who know our Products & Solutions better than anyone else, and our technicians own the process from delivery to completion. Lenovo will conduct remote preparation and planning, configure & integrate systems, validate systems, verify and update appliance firmware, train on administrative tasks, and provide post-deployment documentation. Customer’s IT teams leverage our skills to enable IT staff to transform with higher level roles and tasks.

• Integration, Migration, and Expansion Services

  Move existing physical & virtual workloads easily, or determine technical requirements to support increased workloads while maximizing performance. Includes tuning, validation, and documenting ongoing run processes. Leverage migration assessment planning documents to perform necessary migrations.

Some service options may not be available in all countries. For more information, go to https://www.lenovo.com/systems/services. For information about Lenovo service upgrade offerings that are available in your region, contact your local Lenovo sales representative or business partner.

The ST550 server conforms to the following standards:

• Energy Star 2.1
• FCC - Verified to comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules, Class A
• Canada ICES-003, issue 6, Class A
• UL/IEC 60950-1
• CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1
• IEC 62368-1:2014 (CB Certificate and CB Test Report)
• NOM-019
• Argentina IEC60950-1
• Japan VCCI, Class A
• Australia/New Zealand AS/NZS CISPR 32, Class A; AS/NZS 60950.1
• China CCC GB4943.1, GB9254 Class A, GB17625.1
• Taiwan BSMI CNS13438, Class A; CNS14336-1; CNS15663
• Korea KN32, Class A; KN35
• Russia, Belorussia and Kazakhstan, TR CU 020/2011 (for EMC) and TR CU 004/2011 (for safety)
• IEC 60950-1 (CB Certificate and CB Test Report)
• CE Mark (EN55032 Class A, EN60950-1, EN55024, EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3)
• CISPR 32, Class A
• TUV-GS (EN60950-1 /IEC60950-1,EK1-ITB2000)
• RoHS Directive
• ErP lot3
• JESL

The server supports attachment to external drive enclosures using a RAID controller with external ports or a SAS host bus adapter. Adapters supported by the server are listed in the SAS adapters for external storage section.

Note: Information provided in this section is for ordering reference purposes only. For the operating system and adapter support details, refer to the interoperability matrix for a particular storage enclosure that can be found on the Lenovo Data Center Support web site:
http://datacentersupport.lenovo.com

For details about supported drives, adapters, and cables, see the following Lenovo Press Product Guides:

• Lenovo Storage D1212 and D1224
  http://lenovopress.com/lp0512
• Lenovo Storage D3284
  http://lenovopress.com/lp0513

The following table lists the external storage systems that are currently offered by Lenovo.

Note: Information provided in this section is for ordering reference purposes only. End-to-end storage configuration support must be verified through the interoperability matrix for a particular storage system that can be found on the Lenovo Data Center Support web site:
http://datacentersupport.lenovo.com

* Preconfigured models that are available only in North America (part numbers that have NA at the end) or EMEA (part numbers that have EA at the end) and require Preconfigured support to be purchased with the storage system (See the respective product guide for details).

For more information, see the list of Product Guides in the Lenovo Storage category:
http://lenovopress.com/storage/san/lenovo#rt=product-guide

The following table lists the available external SAS tape backup options.

Tip: Verify the end-to-end support of an IBM tape backup solution through the IBM System Storage Interoperation Center (SSIC): http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/storage/ssic

For more information, see the list of Product Guides in the Backup units category:
https://lenovopress.com/servers/options/backup

The following table lists the Fibre Channel SAN switches that are offered by Lenovo and can be used with this system.