Lenovo ThinkSystem DE4000 HIC: 10/25GbE iSCSI, 4 Ports

Experience enterprise-grade storage networking with the Lenovo ThinkSystem DE4000 HIC, a high-performance plug-in card designed to accelerate iSCSI connectivity in data centers and server environments. This 10/25 GbE iSCSI HIC delivers four dedicated ports, each capable of 25 Gbit/s throughput, to maximize data transfer rates while preserving CPU resources for application workloads. Engineered for reliability and seamless integration with Lenovo ThinkSystem servers, the DE4000 HIC provides scalable bandwidth, low latency, and simple management for demanding storage deployments. Whether you’re building a consolidated shared storage fabric, expanding existing storage networks, or optimizing backup and disaster recovery workflows, this HIC is engineered to meet the needs of modern IT infrastructures with efficiency and ease.

• Blazing-fast 25 Gbit/s iSCSI performance across four ports — Each port on the DE4000 HIC is designed to push data swiftly over 25 GbE links, enabling high-throughput block I/O for demanding enterprise applications, large virtualized environments, and intensive backup pipelines. With multiple 25 GbE channels, you can aggregate bandwidth to reduce bottlenecks, accelerate data-intensive tasks, and improve task completion times across storage workflows.
• Four iSCSI ports and robust expansion support — The card provides a total of four iSCSI ports, empowering scalable storage networks and flexible architectural layouts. Coupled with four total expansion slots, this module is built to fit a range of Lenovo ThinkSystem servers, offering expansive connectivity while maintaining compact form factor and straightforward installation in compatible systems.
• SFP28 interface for flexible, cost-effective networking — Leveraging SFP28 optics, the DE4000 HIC enables efficient, fiber-based connectivity with industry-standard cabling choices. This interface supports low-latency, high-bandwidth links suitable for data centers, remote sites, and campus networks, while facilitating straightforward cable management and future-proof expansion as traffic grows.
• Plug-in Card design that preserves CPU resources — By offloading storage networking tasks to the HIC, CPU cycles are conserved for primary workloads. This translates to improved application performance, reduced latency for I/O operations, and better overall system efficiency in virtualized and database-driven environments where CPU headroom is at a premium.
• Seamless Lenovo ThinkSystem compatibility and enterprise reliability — Built to integrate smoothly with the Lenovo ThinkSystem ecosystem, the DE4000 HIC benefits from validated interoperability, streamlined management, and enterprise-grade reliability. This compatibility helps administrators deploy storage networking with confidence, simplify firmware and driver maintenance, and align with Lenovo’s overall infrastructure strategy for scalability and resilience.

Technical Details of Lenovo ThinkSystem DE4000 HIC

• Data speed: 25 Gbit/s per port
• iSCSI ports: 4 total iSCSI port(s)
• Expansion slots: 4 total expansion slot(s)
• Interface: SFP28
• Form factor: Plug-in Card iSCSI host bus adapter
• Networking type: 10/25 GbE iSCSI
• Target environment: Enterprise data centers and Lenovo ThinkSystem server deployments

How to install Lenovo ThinkSystem DE4000 HIC

• Prepare and power down — Before installation, power down the Lenovo ThinkSystem server and unplug power cords. Discharge static at the rack or workstation level to protect sensitive components.
• Access the PCIe slot — Remove the server’s access panel and locate an appropriate PCIe expansion slot that accommodates a plug-in card of this type. Verify the slot supports the DE4000 HIC’s physical form factor and electrical requirements.
• Install the HIC — Align the card with the PCIe slot and gently insert it until it seats firmly. Secure the bracket with the supplied screw, ensuring the card remains stable and flush with the chassis. Reinstall the server cover and reconnect power.
• Connect network cables — Attach SFP28 fiber optic cables to the HIC’s SFP28 ports and route them to your storage network, switches, or storage arrays. Use appropriate transceivers and fiber types as recommended for your environment.
• Power up and configure — Power on the server and boot into the operating system or hypervisor. Install any required drivers or management software provided by Lenovo, then configure iSCSI targets, multipathing, and network settings according to your storage design. Validate connectivity by testing iSCSI sessions and throughput to confirm the card operates at expected performance levels.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Lenovo ThinkSystem DE4000 HIC used for? — It is a high-performance iSCSI host bus adapter designed to provide fast, scalable 10/25 GbE iSCSI connectivity for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers, enabling efficient shared storage access and streamlined storage networking.
• How many ports does the DE4000 HIC offer? — The card provides four iSCSI ports, enabling parallel, high-bandwidth storage traffic and flexible fabric design for larger or more demanding deployments.
• What speeds are supported? — Each iSCSI port supports up to 25 Gbit/s, delivering rapid data transfer for read-heavy and write-heavy workloads alike, with room for bandwidth aggregation as needed.
• What interface does it use? — The DE4000 HIC uses an SFP28 interface, allowing for flexible fiber optic networking and compatibility with standard optical transceivers and cables used in data centers.
• Is this card compatible with all Lenovo ThinkSystem servers? — It is designed to integrate with Lenovo ThinkSystem servers, and compatibility should be verified within Lenovo’s official product matrix for specific server models and firmware requirements.
• How does it help CPU efficiency? — By offloading iSCSI networking tasks to the HIC, CPU resources are conserved for applications and databases, reducing I/O wait and improving overall system performance under heavy workloads.