The Lenovo System x3550 M5 server

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

The Lenovo System x3550 M5 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 Safety, Support, and Warranty Information document that comes with the server.

The server contains next generation 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 Lenovo server products at the Lenovo System x website. At the Support login website, you can create a personalized support page by identifying Lenovo 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 Lenovo 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 Lenovo client reference program, see the IBM Client Reference Materials website.

The hot-swap server configurations include eight 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive models, ten 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive models, twelve 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive models (two located at the rear), or four 3.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive models. The simple-swap server configurations include eight 2.5-inch simple-swap hard disk drive models or four 3.5-inch simple-swap hard disk drive models. The Lenovo System x3550 M5 Type 8869 server supports 2.5-inch hot-swap Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or SATA hard disk drives, 2.5-inch simple-swap 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.

The following illustration shows a server with eight 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive bays.

Figure 1. Front view of the eight 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive model with advanced media cage

The following illustration shows a server with ten 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive bays.

Figure 2. Front view of the ten 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive model

The following illustrations show a server with twelve 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive bays (two located at the rear).

Figure 3. Front view of the twelve 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive model

Figure 4. Rear view of the twelve 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive model

The following illustration shows a server with four 3.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive bays.

Figure 5. Front view of the four 3.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive model

The following illustration shows a server with eight 2.5-inch simple-swap hard disk drive bays.

Figure 6. Front view of the eight 2.5-inch simple-swap hard disk drive model with advanced media cage

The following illustration shows a server with four 3.5-inch simple-swap hard disk drive bays.

Figure 7. Front view of the four 3.5-inch simple-swap hard disk drive model

If firmware and documentation updates are available, you can download them from the Lenovo Web site. 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 the Lenovo Support Portal.

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

Figure 8. ID label

The MAC address label is on the top side of the user information tag.

Figure 9. MAC address 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 Lenovo Service Information Web site. The Lenovo Service Information Web site provides additional information for parts installation and replacement videos, and error codes for server support.

The following illustration shows the QR code:

Figure 10. QR code

You can download a 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 the Lenovo ServerProven website.