Lenovo ServeRAID M5100 Series 512MB Flash/RAID 5 Upgrade for IBM System x

LenovoSKU: 4040213

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Sale price$368.60

Description

Lenovo ServeRAID M5100 Series 512MB Flash/RAID 5 Upgrade for IBM System x

Boost reliability, speed, and data protection for IBM System x servers with the Lenovo ServeRAID M5100 Series 512MB Flash/RAID 5 Upgrade. This upgrade kit pairs a robust 512 MB of DDR3 SDRAM cache with 512 MB of flash memory, delivering faster rebuilds, improved write performance, and enhanced parity-based protection through RAID 5. Engineered for enterprise workloads, this upgrade is designed to extend the life of your System x deployment by leveraging the proven Lenovo ServeRAID architecture, delivering a simple path to higher uptime and better I/O efficiency in demanding environments.

  • Enhanced data protection with RAID 5: Achieve fault tolerance and parity-based protection for critical data, helping business applications stay online even in the event of a drive failure. RAID 5 combines striping with distributed parity to deliver a balanced mix of performance and resilience for databases, virtualization, and file services.
  • Cache and speed through 512 MB DDR3 SDRAM plus 512 MB flash: The combination of server-grade memory and flash for firmware and caching accelerates read/write operations, reduces latency, and improves overall I/O throughput during peak workloads, backups, and large-scale data migrations.
  • Seamless compatibility with Lenovo ServeRAID M5100 Series and IBM System x: This upgrade is purpose-built to integrate with existing M5100 controllers and IBM System x servers, preserving your investment while enabling a smoother upgrade path for capacity, performance, and reliability enhancements.
  • Enterprise-grade reliability and easy maintenance: Backed by documented firmware support and vendor-tested driver stacks, the upgrade supports ongoing maintenance and serviceability, helping IT teams meet stringent service-level agreements (SLAs) without sacrificing stability.
  • Improved rebuild times and operational resilience: With increased cache and optimized RAID 5 parity handling, rebuild operations are faster, reducing exposure to data loss during drive replacement and minimizing business disruption in outage scenarios.

Technical Details of Lenovo ServeRAID M5100 Series 512MB Flash/RAID 5 Upgrade for IBM System x

  • - Get this information from the "specifications" section of the product from https://ec.synnex.com/ using product "UPC" or "SKU" as reference

how to install Lenovo ServeRAID M5100 Series 512MB Flash/RAID 5 Upgrade for IBM System x

Installing the Lenovo ServeRAID M5100 Series upgrade is a practical upgrade process that can yield meaningful performance and protection improvements for IBM System x servers. Follow these best-practice steps to install the upgrade correctly and minimize downtime. Always consult your system documentation and maintain a verified backup before performing hardware changes.

  • Power down the server, unplug from the power source, and ground yourself to prevent static discharge. Remove all cables and accessories from the chassis as needed to access the RAID controller area.
  • Identify the existing RAID controller and verify compatibility with the M5100 Series upgrade kit. Confirm the server model, current firmware, and any required maintenance release to ensure a smooth upgrade path.
  • Carefully remove the existing RAID controller card from its PCIe slot(s). Note any associated connectors or cables so they can be reattached precisely after the upgrade.
  • Install the Lenovo Upgrade module into the appropriate PCIe slot, ensuring it seats securely and remains properly aligned with the slot guide rails. Secure the card with the retention mechanism or screws specified by your chassis design.
  • Reconnect any cables, reassemble the server chassis, and reconnect power. Power on the system and enter the RAID adapter’s management interface or BIOS during POST to verify recognition of the new upgrade card.
  • If prompted, update the firmware and driver software to the latest versions released by Lenovo/IBM for optimal compatibility and performance. This step can improve stability, detection, and management features in the RAID controller.
  • Configure the RAID settings. If a logical drive exists, you may be able to retain the existing RAID configuration or perform a rebuild/recalculation as needed. Review parity, stripe size, and caching options in line with your workload, whether it’s virtual machine hosting, database access, or file services.
  • Run a health check using the RAID management utility. Validate drive health, rebuild status, and overall controller performance. Monitor for any abnormal temperatures, fan speeds, or cache errors during the initial hours of operation.
  • Document the upgrade, including firmware versions and configuration changes, so IT teams can reproduce settings or rollback if required. Schedule periodic monitoring and maintenance as part of your standard server management routine.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the Lenovo ServeRAID M5100 Series 512MB Flash/RAID 5 Upgrade for IBM System x?
  • The Lenovo ServeRAID M5100 Series 512MB Flash/RAID 5 Upgrade for IBM System x is an upgrade kit designed to enhance the M5100 RAID controller with 512 MB of flash memory and 512 MB of DDR3 SDRAM, focusing on RAID 5 protection and performance improvements for IBM System x servers. It is intended to provide faster cache-assisted I/O, quicker rebuilds, and improved data protection for enterprise workloads.

  • Which servers are compatible with this upgrade?
  • The upgrade is tailored for Lenovo/IBM ServeRAID M5100 Series controllers installed in IBM System x servers. Compatibility depends on the specific System x model, firmware levels, and the M5100 hardware revision. Always verify with the product documentation or the vendor's compatibility matrix before purchasing.

  • Will upgrading require downtime?
  • Yes. Upgrading the RAID controller typically requires planned server downtime because you need to power down the system, physically install the new module, and validate the RAID configuration. Schedule the upgrade during a maintenance window and ensure a tested backup is available prior to the procedure.

  • How can I maximize performance after the upgrade?
  • Maximize performance by installing the latest firmware and drivers, configuring the RAID array with an appropriate stripe size for your workload, and choosing the caching policy that aligns with data protection needs (for example, enabling appropriate write-back or write-through caching). Regular monitoring of drive health and controller temperatures helps maintain peak performance over time.

  • What warranty and support are included?
  • Warranty and support terms vary by region and vendor. The upgrade kit generally comes with standard warranty options from Lenovo/IBM or authorized distributors. Check the product listing for specific warranty terms, duration, and available extended service contracts to meet your enterprise SLAs.

  • Do I need to back up data before installing the upgrade?
  • Yes. Before performing any hardware upgrade, back up all critical data to avoid data loss in case of unexpected issues during installation or RAID reconfiguration. Even with redundancy, a tested backup ensures business continuity in the event of an unforeseen problem.

  • Can I reuse existing drives after upgrading the RAID controller?
  • In most cases, existing drives remain usable as part of the RAID array, provided the RAID configuration is preserved or properly migrated. If you re-create or rebuild the logical drives, consult the RAID management software to ensure data integrity and to plan for any necessary rebuilding procedures.


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