Lenovo ThinkSystem SR650 V2 2U 8x2.5" NVMe Middle Backplane Option Kit

Elevate your data center storage capabilities with the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR650 V2 2U 8x2.5" NVMe Middle Backplane Option Kit. Engineered for performance, reliability, and ease of service, this backplane kit unlocks the full potential of fast NVMe solid-state drives in Lenovo’s flagship SR650 V2 servers. Designed for enterprise workloads that demand low latency, high IOPS, and scalable capacity, the middle backplane maximizes airflow, simplifies cabling, and supports rapid drive replacement without sacrificing system availability. Whether you are deploying databases, virtualization, AI inferencing, or high-frequency trading platforms, this kit helps you align your hardware with modern storage demands while preserving the robust reliability Lenovo is known for.

• High-density NVMe storage in a compact 2U chassis: This backplane supports 8x2.5" NVMe drives, delivering exceptional throughput in a dense footprint suitable for data centers with space constraints but growing performance needs.
• Middle backplane design for airflow and cooling efficiency: Strategically positioned between the servers’ front and rear, the middle backplane channels airflow to keep NVMe drives cooler under heavy I/O, helping sustain peak performance and drive longevity.
• Hot-swappable NVMe drives for maximum uptime: The kit enables drive removal and replacement without powering down the system, reducing maintenance windows and keeping critical workloads online.
• Seamless compatibility with the ThinkSystem SR650 V2: Engineered to work with Lenovo’s SR650 V2 servers, ensuring reliable integration with existing Lenovo firmware, drivers, and management ecosystems for streamlined deployment.
• Enterprise-grade reliability and serviceability: Built for data-center environments, the kit includes sturdy mounting hardware and is designed for long service life, backed by Lenovo support and warranty options to protect your investment.

Technical Details of Lenovo ThinkSystem SR650 V2 2U 8x2.5" NVMe Middle Backplane option Kit

• Form Factor: 2U rack-mount backplane module designed to fit Lenovo ThinkSystem SR650 V2 chassis.
• Drive Bays: 8 x 2.5" NVMe drive slots, providing high-bandwidth, low-latency storage suitable for demanding workloads.
• Backplane Type: Middle backplane configuration optimized for improved airflow and streamlined cabling within the chassis.
• Compatibility: Specifically engineered for Lenovo ThinkSystem SR650 V2 servers to ensure proper electrical, thermal, and firmware integration.
• Interface/Connectivity: NVMe-compatible backplane interfacing with the server’s PCIe lanes to deliver fast, direct access to attached NVMe drives.
• Warranty and Support: Manufacturer-backed warranty with Lenovo support options, subject to regional terms and configurations.
• Included Components: Backplane module with mounting hardware and the necessary cabling as defined by the SKU; packaging may vary by region.

how to install Lenovo ThinkSystem SR650 V2 2U 8x2.5" NVMe Middle Backplane option Kit

• Power down the server, unplug all power cords, and discharge any static electricity before beginning installation.
• Open the server chassis to access the 2U rear or front area where the backplane mounts, following the Lenovo SR650 V2 service guide for your exact chassis revision.
• Remove any existing backplane or components that must be replaced, taking care to document or photograph cable routing to simplify reassembly.
• Align the ThinkSystem SR650 V2 2U 8x2.5" NVMe middle backplane with the chassis mounting points, ensuring the connector edge lines up with the corresponding PCIe/NVMe connectors on the system board or controller module.
• Secure the backplane using the supplied screws or mounting hardware, making sure it sits firmly without bending connectors.
• Attach the NVMe drives to the backplane’s 8 drive slots in the intended order, ensuring each drive clicks into place and is seated securely in its slot.
• Connect any required data and power cables as specified by the SKU’s installation instructions, then route cables to minimize airflow obstruction and to avoid interference with fans or other components.
• Close the chassis, reattach side panels, reconnect all power and network cables, and boot the server. Enter the BIOS/UEFI setup to verify the backplane and NVMe drives are detected.
• Initialize and format the drives in your operating system or storage controller software, and update firmware on the backplane, drives, and connected controllers to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Perform a burn-in and performance test to confirm sustained NVMe throughput and verify that hot-swap capabilities function correctly under simulated load conditions.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Is this backplane compatible with the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR650 V2?
  A: Yes. This backplane is specifically designed to work with the ThinkSystem SR650 V2 servers to deliver optimized NVMe performance and reliable operation within that platform.
• Q: How many NVMe drives does the kit support?
  A: The kit supports 8 x 2.5" NVMe drives, enabling high-capacity, high-speed storage in a compact 2U footprint.
• Q: Can the drives be hot-swapped?
  A: Yes. The middle backplane is designed for hot-swappable NVMe drives, helping to minimize downtime during maintenance or upgrades.
• Q: What kind of performance benefits can I expect?
  A: You can expect significantly lower latency and higher IOPS for NVMe-based workloads, with improved data-path efficiency thanks to the direct backplane-to-controller connectivity and optimized airflow in the SR650 V2 chassis.
• Q: Do I need a specific RAID controller to use this backplane?
  A: The backplane provides direct NVMe connectivity; the necessity of a RAID controller depends on your storage strategy. Many deployments use software-defined storage or NVMe-aware controllers; consult Lenovo documentation for your exact configuration and firmware requirements.
• Q: Is installation guidance included?
  A: Installation steps are provided in the product documentation, and Lenovo support resources offer chassis-specific guidance to ensure proper fitment and firmware compatibility.