Cisco C240 M4 2U Rack Server – Dual Intel Xeon E5-2630 v4, 128GB RAM, SATA/600 Controller

The Cisco UCS C240 M4 2U Rack Server is engineered for performance and expandability in data centers and enterprise environments where storage-intensive workloads rule. This 2-socket, 2U platform blends robust compute with flexible storage options, designed to handle virtualization, analytics, big data, collaboration, and mission-critical applications with reliability and ease of management. Built around Cisco’s proven management and security philosophy, the C240 M4 delivers scalable performance, strong data protection, and remote management capabilities that simplify operations in multi-server environments. Whether you’re consolidating workloads, deploying a virtualization cluster, or building a scalable storage appliance, this server is tuned to deliver steady throughput, predictable latency, and the operational efficiency you expect from Cisco’s UCS family.

• Powerful dual-processor performance: Equipped with 2 x Intel Xeon E5-2630 v4 processors at 2.20 GHz, this 2U rack server is built to handle multi-threaded workloads with ease. The dual-CPU configuration enables strong parallel processing for virtualization, database operations, and data analytics, delivering better throughput and responsiveness under heavy workloads while maintaining energy efficiency.
• Generous memory for demanding workloads: The system ships with 128 GB of ECC DDR4 memory, enabling large in-memory caches, virtualization density, and memory-intensive applications. ECC protection helps safeguard data integrity, making it well-suited for databases, in-memory processing, and high-transaction environments where stability matters.
• Flexible, storage-focused architecture: Featuring a Serial ATA/600 (SATA/600) controller and small-form-factor (SFF) drive support, the C240 M4 is optimized for storage-intensive workloads. It accommodates multiple 2.5-inch drives to deliver scalable capacity and IOPS, making it ideal for storage pools, high-transaction databases, and virtualization storage backends.
• Remote management and security at the core: Built with Cisco’s trusted management philosophy, this server provides built-in security features and remote management capabilities to streamline deployment, monitoring, and maintenance. Integrated management tools enable administrators to monitor health, manage firmware, and configure systems from a centralized console, reducing on-site visits and speeding troubleshooting across many servers.
• Expansion, reliability, and deployment flexibility: The 2U form factor offers PCIe expansion slots and flexible I/O to accommodate NICs, accelerators, or other adapters. With a chassis designed for reliability and hot-swappable components, the C240 M4 supports sustained operation in data centers and enterprise environments while delivering configurable RAID options and enterprise-grade uptime.

Technical Details of Cisco C240 M4 2U Rack Server

• 2 x Intel Xeon E5-2630 v4 processors, 2.20 GHz base speed, dual-socket architecture for enhanced multi-threaded performance.
• 128 GB DDR4 ECC RAM (configurable per SKU) to support virtualization, databases, and memory-intensive workloads with error-correcting protection.
• Serial ATA/600 Controller enabling SATA/SAS storage connectivity with support for versatile drive configurations and RAID capabilities.
• Small-Form-Factor (SFF) 2.5-inch drive support, enabling flexible deployment of SAS/SATA disks for high IOPS and scalable capacity in a 2U chassis.
• Supports multiple drive configurations (RAID capable) to protect data and optimize performance for varied workloads and storage architectures.
• 2U rack-mount chassis designed for dense data center deployments, with serviceability and upgrade options aligned to enterprise operating norms.
• Remote management and security features aligned with Cisco’s UCS ecosystem, enabling centralized monitoring, firmware updates, and policy-driven administration.
• PCIe expansion slots and I/O options to add network adapters, storage controllers, or accelerator cards, enabling future-proofing as workload needs evolve.

How to Install Cisco C240 M4 2U Rack Server

To install the Cisco C240 M4 2U Rack Server, follow these practical steps to ensure a smooth deployment and reliable operation in your data center or server room:

Preparation and rack setup

• Verify rack space, weight capacity, and floor clearance. Confirm that your rack rails and mounting hardware are compatible with a 2U Cisco server and that the electrical supply meets the system’s power requirements.
• Inspect packaging for damage and collect any included installation hardware, cables, and documentation. Ensure you have a management network connection available for CIMC/UCS Manager access.

Rack installation and physical setup

• Mount the C240 M4 into the rack using the provided rails, ensuring the chassis is securely fastened and level. Route power and management cables neatly to maintain airflow and accessibility for future servicing.
• Connect redundant power supplies if your configuration supports them, and attach the management LAN cable to enable remote administration through Cisco CIMC or UCS Manager.

Initial power-on and basic configuration

• Power on the server and access the Cisco Integrated Management Controller (CIMC) interface via the management network. Check hardware health, firmware levels, and temperatures before proceeding with OS installation.
• Perform a BIOS/EFI basic setup to configure boot order, memory protection features, and any required virtualization options. Update firmware if necessary to ensure compatibility with installed components and operating systems.

Storage setup and RAID configuration

• Configure the SATA/600 storage controller for your desired drive topology. If you plan to use RAID, create a suitable array (e.g., RAID 0/1/5/10) according to your data protection and performance requirements, then initialize disks.
• Install your preferred operating system or hypervisor on the selected boot drive, ensuring drivers for storage controllers and NICs are available. Consider enabling UEFI boot for modern OS compatibility and security features.

Operating system installation and validation

• Proceed with your OS installation, applying appropriate network settings, licensing, and security patches. Post-install, install management agents or UCS integration software to enable centralized monitoring and firmware management.
• Run a baseline health check, verify memory and CPU performance, and confirm storage I/O throughput aligns with expected workloads. Validate network connectivity and remotely monitor the system using CIMC/UCS Manager.

Ongoing maintenance and best practices

• Establish a firmware update policy to keep BIOS, IMM/CIMC, storage controllers, and NICs current. Maintain a stable driver set for your virtualization platform or database workloads.
• Implement routine backup and disaster recovery testing. Monitor power consumption and thermal indicators to prevent throttling or downtime in dense data center environments.

Frequently asked questions

• What workloads is the Cisco C240 M4 best suited for? It’s ideal for storage-intensive infrastructure, virtualization clusters, databases, big data analytics, and collaboration environments where you need a balanced mix of compute, memory, and storage capacity in a 2U footprint.
• What memory does it support? This configuration ships with 128 GB of ECC DDR4 RAM, with scalable options depending on SKU and motherboard capacity, designed to protect data integrity in enterprise workloads.
• Does it support hot-swappable drives? Yes, the SFF 2.5-inch drive bays are designed for straightforward drive replacement, enabling quicker maintenance and reduced downtime in production environments.
• How do I manage the server remotely? Cisco CIMC/UCS Manager provides remote management capabilities for monitoring health, deploying firmware, configuring devices, and performing remote server administration across your fleet.
• What are some best practices for deployment? Begin with a clear virtualization or storage architecture, configure RAID and OS images according to workload needs, apply a firmware and driver baseline, and use centralized management for ongoing visibility and control.