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The Lenovo System x3550 M4 server

This publication contains information and instructions for setting up your Lenovo System x3550 M4 server, instructions for installing some optional devices, cabling and configuring the server, removing and replacing devices, and diagnostics and troubleshooting information.

In addition to the instructions in Installing optional devices for installing optional hardware devices, updating firmware and device drivers, and completing the installation, Business Partners must also complete the steps in Instructions for Business Partners.

The Lenovo System x3550 M4 server is a 1-U-high1 rack model server for high-volume network transaction processing. This high-performance, multicore server is ideally suited for networking environments that require superior microprocessor performance, input/output (I/O) flexibility, and high manageability.

Performance, ease of use, reliability, and expansion capabilities were key considerations in the design of the server. 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.

The server comes with a limited warranty. For information about the terms of the warranty, see the Warranty Information document that comes with the server.

The server contains Lenovo X-Architecture technologies, which help increase performance and reliability. For more information, see What your server offers and Reliability, availability, and serviceability.

You can obtain up-to-date information about the server and other server products at the Lenovo System x website. At the Support login website, you can create a personalized support page by identifying products that are of interest to you. From this personalized page, you can subscribe to weekly email notifications about new technical documents, search for information and downloads, and access various administrative services.

If you participate in the client reference program, you can share information about your use of technology, best practices, and innovative solutions; build a professional network; and gain visibility for your business. For more information about the client reference program, see the IBM Client Reference Materials website.

The hot-swap server models support up to eight 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drives or three 3.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drives. The simple-swap server models support up to three 3.5-inch simple-swap hard disk drives. It supports 2.5-inch hot-swap Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or SATA hard disk drives, 3.5-inch hot-swap Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or SATA hard disk drives, or 3.5-inch simple-swap SATA hard disk drives.

Note
The illustrations in this document might differ slightly from your model.
The following illustration shows the 2.5-inch hot-swap server models with an optional optical drive bay.
Figure 1. Front view: 2.5-inch model
2.5-inch model front view
The following illustration shows the 3.5-inch hot-swap or simple-swap server models. The servers support up to three 3.5-inch hot-swap SAS/SATA or simple-swap SATA hard disk drives.
Figure 2. Front view: 3.5-inch model
3.5-inch model front view

If firmware and documentation updates are available, you can download them from the website. The server might have features that are not described in the documentation that comes with the server, and the documentation might be updated occasionally to include information about those features, or technical updates might be available to provide additional information that is not included in the server documentation. To check for updates, go to Lenovo Data Center Support.

Record information about the server in the following table.
  
Product nameLenovo System x3550 M4 server
Machine type7914
Model number_____________________________________________
Serial number_____________________________________________

The model number and serial number are on the ID label on the front of the server, as shown in the following illustration.

Note
The illustrations in this document might differ slightly from your hardware.
Figure 3. ID label
ID label

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

The following illustration shows the QR code (http://ibm.co/114FFrw):
Figure 4. QR code
QR code

You can download an ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD to help you configure the hardware, install device drivers, and install the operating system.

For a list of supported optional devices for the server, see Lenovo ServerProven website.

  • Server features and specifications
    The following information is a summary of the features and specifications of the server.
  • What your server offers
    This section introduces features and technologies the server uses and provides.
  • Reliability, availability, and serviceability
    Three important computer design features are reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS). The RAS features help to ensure the integrity of the data that is stored in the server, the availability of the server when you need it, and the ease with which you can diagnose and correct problems.
  • Systems Director
    Systems Director is a platform-management foundation that streamlines the way you manage physical and virtual systems supports multiple operating systems and virtualization technologies in Lenovo and non-Lenovo x86 platforms.
  • Server controls, LEDs, and power
    This section describes the controls and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and how to turn the server on and off.
  • Server components
    The following illustration shows the major components in the server.
  • Safety
    Before installing this product, read the Safety Information.
  • Notices
    Lenovo may not offer the products, services, or features discussed in this document in all countries. Consult your local Lenovo representative for information on the products and services currently available in your area.
1 Racks are marked in vertical increments of 1.75 inches each. Each increment is referred to as a unit, or a U. A 1-U-high device is approximately 1.75 inches tall.