Cisco C240 M5 2U Rack-mountable Server

The Cisco C240 M5 2U Rack-mountable Server is engineered for enterprise environments that demand dependable compute power, scalable memory, and robust storage connectivity. Designed to handle diverse workloads—from virtualization and database operations to line-of-business apps—the C240 M5 combines a compact 2U footprint with Cisco’s proven reliability and serviceability. With a single Intel Xeon Silver 4110 processor clocked at 2.10 GHz, 16 GB of RAM, and a 12 Gb/s SAS controller, this server delivers a solid foundation for mid-sized data centers and growing IT ecosystems. Whether you’re deploying a virtualization cluster, a mid-range database, or an application server tier, the Cisco C240 M5 provides a versatile platform that can scale with your business needs and keep pace with evolving workloads.

• Powerful single-processor performance: Equipped with 1 x Intel Xeon Silver 4110 at 2.10 GHz, this server delivers capable multi-threaded performance for virtualization, middleware, and data-intensive tasks. The Xeon Silver 4110 brings core density and efficiency suitable for mid-range data center workloads, enabling responsive application delivery and smooth multitasking in a shared environment.
• Solid memory foundation with room to grow: Comes standard with 16 GB of RAM, providing a stable platform for operating systems, hypervisors, and business applications. The design anticipates expansion, allowing additional DIMMs to scale memory capacity as your workloads demand higher in-memory performance or larger virtualization footprints.
• High-speed storage connectivity: A 12 Gb/s SAS controller ensures fast, reliable linkages to high-performance storage devices. Whether you’re deploying SAS or SATA drives, the controller supports efficient data transfer and streamlined I/O operations essential for server virtualization, databases, and I/O-intensive workloads.
• Enterprise-ready rack-mountable design: The 2U rack-mountable form factor is ideal for dense data-center deployments, providing easy integration into existing racks and power architectures. Its modular design supports efficient maintenance, streamlined cabling, and scalable deployment across multi-node environments with consistent management.
• Versatile platform for business-critical workloads: Built to handle a wide range of enterprise tasks—from virtualization clusters and database serving to application hosting and development environments. The Cisco C240 M5 is designed to deliver reliable compute with the flexibility to adapt to changing workloads and growing data requirements.

Technical Details of Cisco C240 M5 2U Rack-mountable Server

• Processor: 1 x Intel Xeon Silver 4110 @ 2.10 GHz
• Memory: 16 GB RAM (expandable with additional DIMMs, depending on configuration)
• Storage Controller: 12 Gb/s SAS Controller
• Form Factor: 2U rack-mountable server
• Intended Use: Enterprise data-center and IT workloads requiring reliable compute, memory, and storage connectivity

How to install Cisco C240 M5 2U Rack-mountable Server

Installing the Cisco C240 M5 in a data center environment is a straightforward process when following best practices for rack mounting, cabling, and initial configuration. Use the steps below as a practical guide to get the system online quickly and securely.

1. Prepare the rack and workspace: Verify that the rack location has adequate ventilation, stable power supply, and proper grounding. Confirm that rack rails or mounting kits are compatible with the server’s 2U form factor. Have the necessary tools ready for mounting and cable management to minimize downtime during deployment.
2. Mount the server in the rack: Attach the provided rails to the chassis and slide the C240 M5 into the rack. Secure the unit with the appropriate screws at the front and rear to prevent movement. Ensure clearance for airflow and easy access to rear-facing connectors and power supplies.
3. Connect power and basic cabling: Attach the power cables to a suitable power source and connect to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) if available. Route network and storage cables neatly to avoid interference and to maintain proper airflow. Verify that critical connections are secure and labeled for future maintenance.
4. Initial BIOS/firmware setup: Power on the server and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup. Confirm CPU and memory are detected, enable essential virtualization features if needed (for example, Intel VT-d and VT-x), and verify boot order. Apply any baseline firmware updates if they are available from Cisco’s support resources.
5. Install operating system and drivers: Prepare your preferred OS installation media (USB/DVD or network boot). Follow the OS installer prompts to complete the installation. After the OS is installed, install chipset, storage controller, and driver updates, then apply the latest firmware updates for the server hardware components to ensure stability and performance.
6. Configure storage and networking: Set up the SAS storage devices and attach any additional drives or storage arrays as required. Configure network interfaces, VLANs, and any management interfaces. If you’re using virtualization, create virtual switches and ensure proper resource allocation for virtual machines or containers.
7. Security and monitoring: Implement security basics—disable unused services, configure access controls, and enable logging and monitoring. Set up centralized monitoring for hardware health, temperatures, fan speeds, and power consumption to preempt potential hardware issues.
8. Backup and disaster recovery planning: Establish a backup strategy for critical data and consider failover configurations if you’re deploying in a clustered environment. Test restore procedures to validate data integrity and recovery times.
9. Documentation and ongoing maintenance: Document the configuration details, firmware versions, and network settings. Schedule regular maintenance windows for updates and sensor checks to maintain peak performance and reliability.

Frequently asked questions

• What processor does this server use? It is equipped with a single Intel Xeon Silver 4110 processor running at 2.10 GHz, delivering solid multi-core performance for mid-range enterprise workloads.
• How much memory is included and can it be expanded? The model ships with 16 GB of RAM and is designed to accommodate memory expansion through additional DIMMs to scale memory capacity for larger workloads or virtualization tasks.
• What storage controller is included? The server comes with a 12 Gb/s SAS Controller to enable fast, reliable connections to SAS/SATA storage devices, supporting efficient data transfer for demanding I/O operations.
• What is the form factor? The Cisco C240 M5 is a 2U rack-mountable server, making it suitable for dense data-center deployments and scalable rack configurations.
• What workloads is this server best suited for? It is well-suited for virtualization, mid-range databases, application hosting, and other enterprise workloads that require dependable compute, memory, and storage I/O, with room for expansion as needs grow.