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

Elevate your data center storage performance with the Lenovo ThinkSystem 2U 8x2.5" NVMe Backplane Option Kit. This official backplane kit is engineered to fit Lenovo ThinkSystem servers, delivering dense NVMe storage capacity in a compact 2U footprint. Built for demanding workloads—from database analytics to real-time data processing—this backplane enables high-speed access to eight 2.5-inch NVMe drives, helping you unlock low latency, exceptional throughput, and scalable growth for enterprise environments.

• High-density NVMe storage in a 2U chassis: Seamlessly add eight 2.5-inch NVMe drive bays, delivering tremendous capacity and performance within a standard 2U form factor designed for data centers with space and power constraints.
• Official Lenovo ThinkSystem backplane option kit: Designed and tested to integrate with Lenovo ThinkSystem servers, ensuring compatibility, reliability, and streamlined maintenance within Lenovo’s enterprise ecosystem.
• Hot-swappable drive bays for minimal downtime: Each NVMe drive bay is designed for quick replacement, enabling maintenance and upgrades without extended service windows, keeping your workloads online whenever possible.
• Optimized NVMe performance and bandwidth: The backplane is engineered to preserve NVMe performance, providing a direct, high-bandwidth path from drives to the server PCIe subsystem to support latency-sensitive applications and data-intensive tasks.
• Easy installation and seamless integration: The kit includes the backplane assembly and the necessary interconnects, enabling straightforward installation into supported ThinkSystem servers and simplifying cabling and racking for faster deployments.

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

• Form factor: 2U backplane kit designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers.
• Drive support: Supports eight 2.5-inch NVMe solid-state drives (NVMe SSDs) for high-density storage expansion.
• Backplane type: NVMe backplane option kit, providing a direct, high-bandwidth connection from each drive to the system controller.
• Connectivity: PCIe-based backplane interfacing with the server’s PCIe and NVMe pathways to maximize throughput and reduce latency for demanding workloads.
• Compatibility: Official Lenovo ThinkSystem backplane option designed to integrate with eligible ThinkSystem servers; verify compatibility with your model and firmware level to ensure optimal operation.
• Kit contents and installation: Includes the backplane assembly and required interconnect cables and mounting hardware necessary for installation in compatible ThinkSystem systems.
• Performance and reliability: Built for enterprise use with robust design, hot-swap capability (where supported by chassis) and Lenovo-grade reliability suited for data-center deployment.
• Firmware and support: Designed to align with Lenovo ThinkSystem firmware ecosystems; Lenovo support resources are recommended for installation guidance, firmware updates, and compatibility checks.

How to Install Lenovo ThinkSystem 2U 8x2.5" NVMe Backplane Option Kit

• Power down the server and disconnect all power sources. Follow your organization’s safety procedures and ESD guidelines before handling components.
• Open the chassis access panel and identify the 2U drive backplane bay location where the kit will be installed. Remove any existing drive cage or backplane components if necessary and compatible with the system.
• Install the backplane assembly into the designated 2U slot, aligning mounting holes and securely fastening the kit to the chassis to ensure a stable, vibration-free platform.
• Connect the required interconnect cables from the backplane to the server’s storage controller or appropriate motherboard/NVMe interconnect headers as specified by Lenovo documentation for your exact ThinkSystem model. Confirm that all cables are routed neatly to avoid interference with cooling paths or fans.
• Install the eight NVMe drives into the 2.5-inch drive trays (as applicable) and insert trays into the backplane bays. Ensure each drive is fully seated and the trays are locked in place if the chassis supports tray locks.
• Reattach the chassis cover, reconnect power, and boot the server. Enter the system BIOS/UEFI to verify the backplane and all NVMe drives are detected. Update firmware and storage controller drivers if prompted, following Lenovo’s recommended procedures.
• Configure the drives in the operating system or hypervisor as you would with any NVMe storage array—set up RAID policies if required by your workload, allocate volumes, and tune performance settings to suit your applications.

Frequently asked questions

• What is included in this kit? The Lenovo ThinkSystem 2U 8x2.5" NVMe Backplane Option Kit includes the backplane assembly and the required interconnect cables and mounting hardware needed for installation within supported ThinkSystem servers. Some configurations may require additional drive trays or adapters compatible with your chassis; always refer to Lenovo documentation for exact contents and compatibility.
• Is this backplane compatible with all ThinkSystem servers? This is an official ThinkSystem backplane option kit designed to integrate with specific Lenovo ThinkSystem server families. Compatibility depends on the server model, chassis design, and firmware level. Always verify compatibility with Lenovo’s product matrix or your Lenovo account representative before purchase.
• Do I need a special controller to use these NVMe drives? In many cases, the NVMe backplane will work with the server’s existing NVMe-capable storage controller or PCIe-to-NVMe controller as part of the ThinkSystem platform. Some configurations may require firmware updates or compatible storage controllers as specified by Lenovo.
• Can drives be hot-swapped? Yes, the backplane supports hot-swap operation where the chassis and drive trays provide hot-swappable capability. Ensure hot-swap functionality is enabled and supported by your server model and firmware.
• What workloads benefit most from this 2U NVMe backplane? High-demand, latency-sensitive workloads such as large-scale databases, real-time analytics, virtualization, AI/ML data pipelines, and high-throughput transactional systems benefit from the increased IOPS, lower latency, and higher bandwidth provided by eight NVMe drives in a compact 2U footprint.
• How do I ensure optimal performance? Keep firmware and drivers up to date, verify cabling integrity, and tune storage controller settings to balance throughput and latency. For mission-critical deployments, consult Lenovo support to align the backplane with the correct controller, PCIe lane allocation, and system-wide performance profiling.