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Features

Performance, ease of use, reliability, and expansion capabilities were key considerations in the design of the compute node. These design 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 compute node implements the following features and technologies:

  • UEFI-compliant server firmware

    LenovoLenovo ThinkSystem firmware is Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) compliant. UEFI replaces BIOS and defines a standard interface between the operating system, platform firmware, and external devices.

    LenovoLenovo ThinkSystem are capable of booting UEFI-compliant operating systems, BIOS-based operating systems, and BIOS-based adapters as well as UEFI-compliant adapters.

    Note
    The compute node does not support DOS (Disk Operating System).

  • Large system-memory compatibility

    The compute node supports 48 connectors of industry-standard double-data-rate 4 DIMM (DDR4), registered DIMM (RDIMM) or load-reduced DIMM (LRDIMM), 3DS RDIMM, and DC Persistent Memory Module.

  • Flexible network support

    The compute node has connectors on the system board for optional expansion adapters for adding network communication capabilities to the compute node. You can install up to four I/O expansion adapters for network support. This provides the flexibility to install expansion adapters that support a variety of network communication technologies.

  • Light path diagnostics

    Light path diagnostics provides LEDs to help you diagnose problems. For more information about the light path diagnostics, see Light path diagnostics panel and Light path diagnostics LEDs.

  • Mobile access to Lenovo Service Information website

    The server provides a QR code on the system service label, which is on the cover of the server, that you can scan using a QR code reader and scanner with a mobile device to get quick access to the Lenovo Service Information website. The Lenovo Service Information website provides additional information for parts installation and replacement videos, and error codes for server support.

  • RAID support

    The RAID adapter provides hardware redundant array of independent disks (RAID) support to create configurations. There are two types of optional RAID adapter. Basic RAID adapter (without flash power module) supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10, advanced RAID adapter (with flash power module) supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. Software RAID supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10.

  • Power throttling

    By enforcing a power policy known as power-domain oversubscription, the Flex System chassis can share the power load between two or more power supply modules to ensure sufficient power for each device in the Flex System chassis. This policy is enforced when the initial power is applied to the Flex System chassis or when a compute node is inserted into the Flex System chassis.

    The following settings for this policy are available:
    • Basic power management
    • Power module redundancy
    • Power module redundancy with compute node throttling allowed

    You can configure and monitor the power environment by using the Chassis Management Module. For more information, see the Flex System Chassis Management Module: Command-Line Interface Reference Guide.

  • Active Memory

    The Active Memory feature improves the reliability of memory through memory mirroring. Memory mirroring 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.

  • Lenovo XClarity Controller (XCC)

    The Lenovo XClarity Controller is the common management controller for Lenovo ThinkSystem server hardware. The Lenovo XClarity Controller consolidates multiple management functions in a single chip on the server system board.

    Some of the features that are unique to the Lenovo XClarity Controller are enhanced performance, higher-resolution remote video, and expanded security options. For additional information about the Lenovo XClarity Controller, refer to the XCC documentation compatible with your server at:

    Lenovo XClarity Controller portal page

    Important

    Lenovo XClarity Controller (XCC) supported version varies by product. All versions of Lenovo XClarity Controller are referred to as Lenovo XClarity Controller and XCC in this document, unless specified otherwise. To see the XCC version supported by your server, go to Lenovo XClarity Controller portal page.

  • Systems-management support

    The compute node XClarity Controller provides a web interface for remote systems-management support. You can use the interface to view system status and to control systems-management functions and baseboard management settings.

    The XClarity Controller communicates with the Lenovo Flex System Chassis Management Module (CMM) and the Lenovo XClarity Administrator application (if installed).
    • The CMM is a hot-swap module that provides systems-management functions for all components in an Flex System chassis. It controls a serial port for remote connection and a 1 Gbps Ethernet remote-management connection. For more information, see the Flex System Chassis Management Module: Command-Line Interface Reference Guide.
    • The Lenovo XClarity Administrator is a virtual appliance that you can use to manage Flex System chassis in a secure environment. The Lenovo XClarity Administrator provides a central interface to perform the following functions for all managed endpoints:
      • User management
      • Hardware monitoring and management
      • Configuration management
      • Operating system deployment
      • Firmware management

      For more information, see the Lenovo XClarity Administrator information page.

  • Integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

    This integrated security chip performs cryptographic functions and stores private and public secure keys. It provides the hardware support for the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) specification. You can download the software to support the TCG specification, when the software is available.
    Note
    For customers in Chinese Mainland, integrated TPM is not supported. However, customers in Chinese Mainland can install a Trusted Cryptographic Module (TCM) adapter or a Lenovo-qualified TPM adapter (sometimes called a daughter card).