Cisco UCS C220 M4 1U Rack Server – Dual Xeon E5-2660 v4, 64 GB RAM, 12Gb/s SAS Controller

The Cisco UCS C220 M4 SFF 1U rack server is engineered to deliver outstanding performance and expandability for storage-intensive workloads in modern data centers. Built as a two-socket platform with a compact 1U footprint, this server blends enterprise-grade compute with dense storage options, enabling high-availability web serving, distributed databases, virtualization, and data-intensive applications to run smoothly in a single, scalable chassis. From flexible I/O configurations to robust security, the C220 M4 is designed to simplify management while maximizing throughput, uptime, and efficiency. It is ideal for organizations seeking a reliable rack-mount solution that can handle growing workloads without requiring frequent hardware refreshes. Whether deployed in a private cloud, a virtualization cluster, or as a high-performance edge node, the Cisco UCS C220 M4 brings the power of Cisco UCS management and policy-driven automation into a compact, cost-efficient 1U form factor. With storage density, strong multi-core processing, and enterprise-grade reliability, this server is purpose-built for performance-focused workloads that demand consistent throughput, scalable RAM, and secure operation at scale.

• Dual Xeon performance for virtualization and databases: Equipped with 2 x Intel Xeon E5-2660 v4 processors at 2.0 GHz, the C220 M4 delivers robust multicore performance for virtualization hosts, distributed databases, web services, and data-intensive applications. The architecture supports parallel workloads, ample cache, and efficient thread handling, enabling faster replications, larger in-memory caches, and smoother handling of concurrent user requests. This makes it an excellent choice for workloads that require consistent latency and predictable throughput under heavy load.
• 64 GB RAM standard with scalable memory capacity: The system ships with 64 GB of RAM to handle real-time analytics, in-memory databases, and virtualization containers. Its memory topology supports expansion to higher capacities as your workload grows, allowing you to configure larger memory footprints for caching, large datasets, and memory-resident analytics. This memory headroom helps reduce bottlenecks in dense virtualized environments and accelerates database query performance under peak demand.
• 12Gb/s SAS controller and dense storage options: A high-speed 12Gb/s SAS storage controller delivers fast data access for storage-heavy workloads. The C220 M4 SFF configuration supports extensive storage density with up to eight 2.5-inch small form factor drives, enabling you to design storage pools that balance performance, capacity, and redundancy. This combination is ideal for scale-out file services, streaming workloads, backup appliances, and databases requiring high IOPS and low-latency data access.
• 1U form factor with Cisco UCS management integration: The compact 1U chassis enables high-density deployments, making it possible to maximize rack space while maintaining serviceability. Cisco UCS Manager integration provides policy-based automation, centralized provisioning, firmware orchestration, and simplified lifecycle management across multiple servers. This consolidation reduces administrative overhead, speeds deployment, and improves consistency across your infrastructure.
• Security, reliability, and enterprise-ready features: Built for enterprise deployments, the C220 M4 emphasizes security at multiple layers and supports features designed to protect data integrity and uptime. Remote management capabilities, redundant power options, and robust hardware design contribute to a resilient platform capable of supporting production workloads with predictable reliability. This makes it well-suited for environments where compliance, governance, and continuous operation matter as much as raw performance.

Technical Details of Cisco UCS C220 M4

• Processor: 2 x Intel Xeon E5-2660 v4 (2.0 GHz) — two-socket processing power for virtualization, databases, and multi-tenant workloads.
• Memory: 64 GB DDR4 RAM (standard) with scalable capacity through supported DIMMs to meet growing workloads and memory-intensive applications.
• Storage Controller: 12 Gb/s SAS controller delivering high-speed data paths for storage and I/O; designed to support dense 2.5" drives.
• Drive Bays: Small Form Factor (SFF) drive support up to eight 2.5" drives for flexible storage density and cost efficiency.
• Form Factor: 1U rack-mountable chassis optimized for dense data-center deployments and streamlined cabling.
• Expansion & I/O: PCIe 3.0 expansion slots for additional adapters and network interfaces, enabling flexible networking and storage configurations.
• Networking & Management: Cisco UCS-compatible architecture with centralized management through UCS Manager, offering policy-based automation, firmware orchestration, and streamlined remote administration.
• Security & Reliability: Enterprise-grade security features and reliability mechanisms designed to protect data integrity and maximize uptime in production environments.

How to Install Cisco C220 M4

• Prepare the rack and workspace: Ensure you have a clean, well-ventilated space with an appropriate Cisco-compatible rack. Verify power availability and confirm that the floor plan accommodates the weight and cooling requirements of a fully populated 1U server. Prepare rails and cable management accessories to minimize installation time and reduce cable clutter.
• Mount the server in the rack: Install the provided rack rails and slide the C220 M4 into the 19-inch rack. Secure the chassis with screws to prevent movement and connect any required cable trays or management interfaces for neat, organized cabling.
• Install memory and processors (if not pre-populated): If memory or processors are not pre-installed, follow the vendor guidelines to insert the CPUs into the sockets and populate memory DIMMs in supported configurations. Ensure that thermal design power (TDP) considerations and firmware compatibility are observed for stable operation.
• Connect storage and SAS controller: Attach the 12 Gb/s SAS controller connections and install up to eight 2.5" SAS/SATA drives in the SFF bays, if using a dense storage configuration. Route data and power cables cleanly to maximize airflow and accessibility for future maintenance.
• Connect networking and power: Attach network cables to the appropriate NICs or switches and connect redundant power supplies if available. Power on the server and begin initial configuration using Cisco UCS Manager or the chosen management platform, ensuring firmware levels are current and security policies are in place.
• Initial configuration and validation: Boot the system and perform a baseline configuration, including BIOS/firmware updates, RAID setup, and network boot settings if needed. Validate hardware health, storage recognition, and memory stability before deploying virtual machines, databases, or orchestration workloads.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What workloads is the Cisco UCS C220 M4 best suited for?

  A: The C220 M4 is ideal for storage-intensive workloads, virtualization clusters, web serving, distributed databases, backup appliances, and edge computing scenarios where a balance of compute, memory, and storage density is required. Its dual-processor design and 64 GB of RAM provide headroom for demanding applications while the 12Gb/s SAS controller supports responsive storage I/O.

• Q: How scalable is this server configuration?

  A: With two Xeon processors and 64 GB of RAM as standard, the C220 M4 offers scalable performance for growing workloads. Memory, PCIe expansion, and drive density can be extended within the supported hardware limits, making it possible to adapt to increasing virtualization density, larger datasets, and higher I/O demands without replacing the entire platform.

• Q: Does it integrate with Cisco UCS Manager?

  A: Yes. The C220 M4 is designed for seamless integration with Cisco UCS Manager, enabling policy-based provisioning, firmware orchestration, and centralized lifecycle management across multiple servers. This simplifies administration and helps enforce consistent configurations across your rack.

• Q: What are the security and reliability features?

  A: The server includes enterprise-grade security practices and resilience features, including secure boot, firmware integrity checks, and redundant components where available. These measures help protect data and ensure uptime in production environments, especially for mission-critical workloads.

• Q: Can I use this server for high-availability deployments?

  A: Yes. The two-socket architecture, 1U form factor, and storage flexibility make the C220 M4 well-suited for high-availability configurations when paired with redundant storage, networking, and appropriate virtualization or clustering software.