Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series HIC, 10/25Gb iSCSI, 4-ports

The Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series HIC (Host Interface Card) delivers high-performance iSCSI connectivity for dense data center deployments. With 4 ports supporting 10/25 Gb iSCSI, this HIC is engineered to accelerate storage networks, reduce latency, and streamline administration in Lenovo ThinkSystem environments. Built to integrate seamlessly into the DM Series architecture, it provides scalable, reliable interconnects for demanding workloads such as virtualization, databases, and backup/recovery operations. This card is ideal for enterprises looking to maximize throughput while preserving investment in SFP28 optics and existing cabling, all within Lenovo’s proven reliability and management ecosystem.

• Maximize throughput with 4 dedicated iSCSI ports offering parallel paths, enabling load balancing and multipathing to optimize storage performance across servers and storage arrays.
• Flexible 10/25 Gb speeds on each port to adapt to evolving workloads, supporting high bandwidth while minimizing bottlenecks in virtualized and database-heavy environments.
• Designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series servers, ensuring seamless compatibility, streamlined deployment, and consistent management through Lenovo’s orchestration and monitoring tools.
• Enterprise-grade reliability with built-in error handling, hot-plug capability (where supported), and compatibility with SFP28 optics to deliver consistent performance in core data centers.
• Seamless integration with Lenovo management ecosystems, including XClarity-compatible workflows, enabling centralized provisioning, firmware updates, and health monitoring for simplified operations.

Technical Details of Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series HIC, 10/25Gb iSCSI, 4-ports

• Product type: HIC (Host Interface Card) for Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series
• Ports: 4 x iSCSI ports
• Supported speeds: 10 Gb and 25 Gb iSCSI per port
• Expansion: 4 total expansion slot compatibility
• Connector type: SFP28 for high-speed optical or copper media where applicable
• Form factor: PCIe-based HIC designed for Lenovo DM Series servers
• Management: Compatible with Lenovo management tools and firmware provisioning workflows
• Operating environment: Enterprise data center deployments with robust reliability and availability requirements

How to install Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series HIC, 10/25Gb iSCSI, 4-ports

• Power down the server and disconnect all power sources. Remove the chassis cover and identify an available PCIe slot that matches the HIC’s interface requirements according to Lenovo’s server documentation.
• Insert the ThinkSystem DM Series HIC firmly into the PCIe slot, securing it with the locking mechanism or screw as required by the chassis design. Ensure the card is seated evenly and the system recognizes the device during POST.
• Reconnect power and boot the server. Access the BIOS/UEFI to verify slot configuration and to enable any required PCIe bifurcation or slot-specific settings recommended by Lenovo for optimal iSCSI performance.
• Install or update the appropriate drivers and firmware for the HIC according to Lenovo’s guidance. Use Lenovo XClarity Administrator or other approved management tools to perform firmware updates and health checks.
• Connect fiber or copper cabling to the SFP28 interfaces, using supported transceivers and cables. Confirm link status, negotiate speeds (10/25 Gb), and verify that the OS recognizes the four iSCSI ports.
• In the operating system, configure iSCSI initiator settings, multipathing, and any storage network policies. Validate performance with representative workloads and adjust queue depth, iSCSI tom, and SP behavior as required by your environment.
• Test redundancy and failover by simulating link or path failures to ensure that multipath configurations fail over smoothly without data loss or interruption to critical workloads.
• Document the configuration, including port mappings, iSCSI targets, and multipath policies, to support ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and future capacity planning.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the primary purpose of the Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series HIC with 4 iSCSI ports? It provides high-speed, scalable iSCSI connectivity across four ports to accelerate storage traffic, support virtualization and database workloads, and enable efficient multipath storage architectures within Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series environments.
• Which speeds are supported on each port? Each port supports 10 Gb or 25 Gb iSCSI, allowing administrators to tailor performance to workload requirements and cabling capabilities.
• Is this HIC compatible with non-Lenovo systems? The card is designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem DM Series servers; compatibility with other systems depends on PCIe protocol support and vendor-specific certifications. Always verify with Lenovo documentation and your server model’s compatibility lists.
• Do I need special software to manage the HIC? Lenovo provides management tools (such as XClarity) and firmware updates that help configure, monitor, and maintain the HIC. These tools simplify driver installation, health monitoring, and policy enforcement in data centers.
• Can I use this card with existing SFP28 optics? Yes, the HIC supports SFP28 optics where your environment requires optical interfaces. Ensure that the chosen transceivers and cables are certified for your network topology and that drivers/firmware are up to date for compatibility.
• What deployment scenarios benefit most from this HIC? Virtualized environments, high-transaction databases, and backup/recovery workflows where low latency, high throughput, and reliable multipath storage connectivity are critical.