Lenovo ThinkSystem 2U 8x2.5" AnyBay Backplane Option Kit

The Lenovo ThinkSystem 2U 8x2.5" AnyBay Backplane Option Kit is designed to unlock flexible, enterprise-grade storage expansion for ThinkSystem 2U servers. Built for data centers, virtualization, and scalable storage deployments, this backplane kit enables rapid drive replacement, streamlined maintenance, and the ability to tailor disk configurations to changing workloads. With Lenovo's AnyBay technology, you gain a versatile platform that supports a mix of drive types and capacities, helping you optimize performance and cost in a single, compact 2U package. This kit is ideal for organizations seeking to simplify storage management without sacrificing reliability or uptime, delivering hot-swappable drive bays, robust build quality, and seamless integration with ThinkSystem controllers and RAID solutions.

• Flexible drive configuration with AnyBay technology. This backplane supports eight 2.5-inch drive bays within a 2U chassis, enabling customized storage configurations through compatible controllers. Depending on your system and controller, you can mix SAS, SATA, and NVMe drives to match performance, capacity, and budget needs. The backplane is engineered to work within the Lenovo ThinkSystem ecosystem, delivering a unified approach to storage expansion that scales with your workloads while preserving compatibility with existing ThinkSystem components—and it provides a future-proof foundation as your data strategy evolves.
• Hot-swappable, enterprise-grade reliability. The 2U backplane is designed for hot-swappable drive carriers, reducing downtime during maintenance or capacity upgrades. In data-center environments, the ability to swap drives without powering down translates into improved service levels and operational efficiency. The kit’s build quality emphasizes reliability, with high-quality connectors, rugged shielding, and consistent signal integrity to support steady performance under heavy I/O workloads. This translates to lower maintenance windows and higher uptime for virtualization, databases, backups, and other storage-intensive applications.
• Seamless integration with ThinkSystem servers and controllers. The backplane is engineered to integrate with Lenovo ThinkSystem server platforms and the corresponding RAID or HBA controllers designed to manage multiple drive types. With proper controller alignment, administrators can optimize RAID levels, caching, and throughput to meet concrete SLAs. The kit provides clean cable routing, secure mounting, and compatibility with standard drive cages, ensuring a smooth upgrade path without complex rework or invasive changes to the host server.
• Optimized thermal performance and serviceability. In dense 2U configurations, airflow matters. This backplane is designed to fit the ThinkSystem thermal design, promoting efficient cooling around the drive spine and minimizing hot spots. The clean, modular layout reduces obstruction to airflow, supporting consistent drive temperatures even under sustained workloads. Serviceability is a key focus—caddies and latching mechanisms are engineered for straightforward, tool-free maintenance where possible, enabling quick drive replacement and minimized maintenance times during firmware updates or drive refresh cycles.
• Scalability and ecosystem compatibility for growing storage needs. The 8x2.5" AnyBay backplane is a strategic upgrade for expanding storage in a scalable, future-ready manner. It complements Lenovo’s broader ThinkSystem storage and server portfolio, enabling organizations to add capacity and performance without migrating to different chassis or backplane architectures. This kit helps preserve existing investments in controllers and management software while giving IT teams the flexibility to deploy mixed-drive configurations that suit evolving workloads—from high-IOPS databases to large-scale backups and virtualization environments.

Technical Details of Lenovo ThinkSystem 2U 8x2.5" AnyBay Backplane Option Kit

• Product type: Backplane option kit designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem 2U chassis.
• Drive bays: 8 x 2.5-inch drive bays, hot-swappable compatible with standard drive carriers.
• Backplane technology: Lenovo AnyBay-based backplane enabling flexible drive type configurations through compatible controllers.
• Interface and compatibility: Designed to work with ThinkSystem controllers and enterprise RAID/HBA solutions; drive type support (SAS, SATA, NVMe) depends on the installed controller and system configuration.
• Form factor: 2U rack-mount backplane kit intended for Lenovo ThinkSystem server chassis.
• Included components: Backplane module, mounting hardware, and cable harness appropriate for 2U ThinkSystem deployment (specific contents may vary by SKU).
• Notes: Specifications can vary by SKU and system configuration; verify exact compatibility with your ThinkSystem server model and controller before purchase.

How to install Lenovo ThinkSystem 2U 8x2.5" AnyBay Backplane Option Kit

• Prepare the chassis and tools. Power down the server, unplug all cables, and discharge any static electricity. Open the chassis access panel and ensure you have a clear workspace. Have the appropriate screwdrivers and anti-static strap ready. Confirm that you have the correct ThinkSystem 2U backplane kit for your model and that you have a compatible RAID controller or HBA in place to manage the eight 2.5" drives.
• Remove existing drive cage or backplane (if upgrading). If you’re replacing an existing backplane, carefully disconnect all cables connected to the old unit, noting their routing for re-installation. Remove the existing drive cage or backplane assembly from the chassis using standard server maintenance procedures. Keep the mounting hardware handy for the new kit.
• Install the new backplane kit into the chassis. Align the backplane with the chassis rails and slide the unit into position. Secure the backplane using the provided mounting hardware, ensuring it is firmly seated and plumb with the chassis. Route any cabling along the designated channels to minimize obstruction to airflow and to prevent cable strain during operation.
• Connect controller and drive cabling. Attach the backplane cables to the corresponding connectors on your ThinkSystem controller or HBAs, following the system’s service guide for cable mapping. Double-check all connections to avoid post-installation drive errors. If your configuration includes NVMe drives, verify that the backplane and controller support NVMe pass-through or NVMe-aware RAID functionality as required by your workload.
• Reinsert drive carriers and configure drives. Reinstall the drive sleds into the eight bays. Once physically installed, power on the server and enter the RAID controller or OS storage management utility to confirm drive detection. Create or adjust RAID volumes according to your storage policy, apply relevant firmware updates, and verify temperature and health indicators through the management interface. Perform a baseline benchmark to confirm expected throughput and latency for your applications.
• Validate operation and finalize setup. Confirm that all eight bays are recognized, verify drive health, and ensure that hot-swap functionality is working as intended by performing a simulated drive replacement. Document the configuration for future maintenance and record firmware levels for the backplane and controllers to keep the system aligned with Lenovo’s recommended maintenance schedule.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Lenovo AnyBay Backplane? The AnyBay backplane is Lenovo’s flexible drive backplane technology designed for ThinkSystem servers. It enables adaptable storage configurations by supporting multiple drive interfaces through compatible controllers, allowing IT teams to mix and match drive types and speeds without replacing the entire backplane. This approach helps optimize storage density, cost per GB, and performance within a single chassis.
• Which drives are supported by this backplane kit? The kit supports standard 2.5-inch drives in the eight bays. The exact drive type (SAS, SATA, NVMe) and compatibility depend on your system’s RAID/HBA controller and the backplane’s specific SKU. Always verify compatibility with your ThinkSystem server model and controller before purchasing.
• Is the backplane hot-swappable? Yes. The design is intended for hot-swappable drive caddies, enabling maintenance and drive replacement without powering down the entire server in supported configurations. This capability is critical for minimizing downtime in production environments and maintaining service-level agreements.
• Do I need a specific RAID controller or HBA? To fully utilize the backplane’s capabilities, you should pair it with a compatible Lenovo ThinkSystem RAID controller or HBA that supports the drive types you intend to deploy. The controller determines the interface, RAID levels, caching, and overall I/O performance. Always confirm compatibility between the backplane, controller, and the server model during planning.
• How do I know if this kit fits my ThinkSystem server? Check your server’s model and chassis specifications against the kit’s compatibility guidelines. Look for 2U ThinkSystem chassis support and ensure your controller configuration aligns with the drive interfaces you plan to deploy. If in doubt, consult the Lenovo product documentation or your authorized Lenovo reseller to confirm SKU-level compatibility before purchase.