Lenovo ThinkSystem 48-Port 12Gb Internal Expander

The Lenovo ThinkSystem 48-Port 12Gb Internal SAS Expander is designed to empower data centers with scalable, high‑density storage connectivity inside ThinkSystem servers. Built around 12Gb/s SAS technology, this internal expander consolidates 48 SAS ports into a compact, reliable module that enables you to connect more drives, accelerate data transfers, and simplify cabling across your storage backbone. Engineered for enterprise workloads—from virtualization and databases to media workflows and large-scale backups—this expander delivers dependable performance, robust data integrity features, and straightforward management that helps keep critical applications running smoothly. Whether you’re expanding an existing SAS infrastructure or designing a dense storage fabric for a demanding environment, the 48-Port Internal Expander is a trusted component that aligns with Lenovo’s focus on reliability, scalability, and ease of use.

• Maximum storage efficiency and density. The 48 internal SAS ports enable you to attach a large number of SAS/SATA devices behind a single SAS controller, boosting storage capacity without expanding the server footprint. With 12Gb/s transfer speeds per port, you can sustain high-throughput workloads and reduce bottlenecks across your storage arrays, improving overall system responsiveness for I/O‑intensive applications.
• Enterprise-grade reliability and compatibility. Designed to work seamlessly with Lenovo ThinkSystem servers and compatible SAS controllers, this expander supports enterprise reliability standards and rigorous validation. Built for continuous operation in data centers, it contributes to a stable storage backbone for mission-critical workloads while maintaining compatibility with Lenovo management ecosystems and firmware tools.
• Simplified topology and cabling. By consolidating 48 SAS connections into a single internal module, the expander reduces cable clutter and simplifies architectural design. This streamlined topology helps improve airflow, lowers maintenance overhead, and makes it easier to manage back-end storage connections as you scale your environment.
• Efficient management and firmware update capability. The expander is optimized for enterprise management, with support for Lenovo firmware and management workflows. You can keep firmware up to date to maximize performance, fix issues, and ensure compatibility with evolving ThinkSystem server configurations. This simplifies lifecycle management across large deployments and helps maintain peak storage performance.
• Cost-effective scalability for growing workloads. By adding 48 ports behind a single expander, you gain rapid capacity planning flexibility without needing to deploy additional controllers or complex reconfigurations. This makes it easier to future‑proof your storage environment as data volumes grow, while delivering strong value through consolidated expansion and reduced cable complexity.

Technical Details of Lenovo ThinkSystem 48-Port 12Gb Internal Expander

• Product type: Internal SAS expander for ThinkSystem servers
• SAS interface: 12Gb/s SAS
• Port count: 48 internal SAS ports
• Controller type: SAS controller expander
• Form factor: Internal expansion module designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers
• Compatibility: Works with Lenovo ThinkSystem servers and supported SAS controllers
• Firmware: Firmware upgradeable through standard Lenovo management tools
• Environmental: Designed for enterprise data-center operating environments
• Other: Built to deliver dependable data transfer rates and robust port‑level connectivity

How to install Lenovo ThinkSystem 48-Port 12Gb Internal Expander

• Prepare your environment by verifying compatibility with your Lenovo ThinkSystem server model and the installed SAS controller. Ensure you have the correct backplane, chassis slot, and any required cables or brackets for the internal expander.
• Power down the server and disconnect all power and data cables. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge and follow your data-center safety procedures before opening the chassis.
• Remove the server cover or access panel as specified by Lenovo’s service documentation. Identify the appropriate expansion slot or mounting location for the internal expander module and confirm clear airflow in the chassis.
• Install the expander into the designated internal slot or bracket. Secure it firmly to the chassis to prevent movement during operation. Connect any required internal SAS cables between the expander and the server’s SAS controller or backplane according to the installation guide.
• Power on the server and enter the system management interface. Update the expander firmware to the latest version if prompted, and verify that the component is recognized by the SAS controller and the operating system or hypervisor.
• Configure the storage topology and verify port status. Use Lenovo ThinkSystem Manager, XClarity Controller, or the server’s BIOS/UEFI options to confirm that all 48 ports are active and correctly mapped to the target drives or backplane.
• Test a storage workload to ensure data integrity and performance targets are met. Monitor temperatures, fan profiles, and power consumption to confirm the deployment operates within the expected envelope. Schedule routine firmware checks and maintenance to sustain optimum performance over time.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Lenovo ThinkSystem 48-Port 12Gb Internal SAS Expander? It is an internal expansion module that adds 48 SAS ports behind a single SAS controller within Lenovo ThinkSystem servers, enabling scalable connectivity to a larger number of drives while maintaining high data transfer speeds and simplified cabling.
• Which systems is it compatible with? The expander is designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers and works with supported SAS controllers and backplanes in Lenovo environments. Always verify compatibility with your specific server model and firmware levels before purchase or installation.
• Do I need to update firmware after installation? Firmware updates are recommended to maximize performance, fix known issues, and ensure compatibility with newer drives and management tools. Use Lenovo’s management utilities to perform updates as part of routine maintenance.
• Can this expander be hot-swapped? Hot-swap support depends on your server chassis, backplane, and overall hardware configuration. Refer to Lenovo’s maintenance guides and your service agreement to determine whether downtime is required for installation or replacement in your environment.
• What kind of workloads benefit most from this expander? Environments with dense storage requirements, virtualization hosts, large databases, content repositories, and backup/storage gateways typically gain significant value from increased port density and high-speed SAS connectivity provided by a 48-port internal expander.
• How does the 12Gb/s transfer speed impact performance? The 12Gb/s SAS interface supports high-throughput data transfers, reducing bottlenecks between the SAS controller and connected drives. This helps sustain better sequential read/write performance, lower latency for I/O-heavy tasks, and improved overall storage responsiveness in multi-drive configurations.