Lenovo ThinkStation P520 Home Server Overview

Jul 16, 2024

Lenovo ThinkStation P520 Home Server Overview

Introduction

  • The Lenovo ThinkStation P520 is a versatile home server option.
  • Not the most powerful, efficient, or affordable, but offers extensive features.
  • Great value at current eBay prices.
  • Modern server platform at a budget.

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Lenovo ThinkStation P520 Overview

  • Originally released in 2017, initially sold for over $11,000.
  • Currently available on eBay for about $200.
  • Compact design, easy to open and access components.

System Specifications

  • CPU: Intel Xeon W-2135 (6 cores, 12 threads, base 3.7 GHz, turbo 4.5 GHz).
  • Memory: 64GB DDR4 registered ECC memory, upgradeable to 512GB, supports quad channel.
  • Power Supply: 900W 80 Plus Platinum, proprietary design.
  • Storage: Supports up to six hard drives, seven SATA ports, two Gen 3 NVMe sockets.
  • PCIe Slots: Extensive PCIe lanes (48 lanes), bifurcation support.
  • Networking: Single gigabit NIC, supports Intel AMT for remote management.

Features and Expandability

  • Server-class CPU with additional features not found in lower-end systems.
  • Extensive PCIe lanes for expansion (two by6 slots, one by8 slot, two by4 slots, one standard PCI slot).
  • Dual NVMe sockets with RAID capabilities using Intel VROC module.
  • Proprietary components can be both a limitation and a benefit (tool-less design for easy assembly/disassembly).

Performance Testing

  1. Initial Setup: Added Nvidia T1000 graphics card for testing.
  2. Cinebench R23 Benchmark:
    • Multi-threaded: 8413 points
    • Single-threaded: 1161 points
    • System power draw: 170 watts (under load), 43 watts (idle)
  3. Editing Performance: Paired with Davinci Resolve Studio for video editing.
    • 4K rendering took ~1 hour and 20 minutes.
    • Performance limited by the Nvidia T1000, better GPU recommended.
  4. File Transfer Speeds: With 10 GB SFP+ card, achieved solid 10 GB speeds.
  5. GPU and Power Testing: Removed GPU to test idle power; 32 watts without the graphics card.

Proxmox Installation and Use Cases

  • Proxmox Use Cases:
    • Running multiple virtual machines and containers.
    • PCIe pass-through for better GPU utilization in virtual machines.
  • Installing Proxmox:
    • Enabled PCIe bifurcation for additional NVMe drives.
    • Created a RAID 10 ZFS pool with four NVMe drives.
    • BENCHMARKS (Sequential/Random Reads/Writes, Mixed performance).

Setting Up Additional Drives

  • Printed a custom 2-bay cage for additional drives using a 3D printer.
  • Passed SATA controller to TrueNAS Scale for additional storage solutions.

Remote Management

  • Intel AMT: Remote access feature enabled but limited KVM support.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros:
    • Excellent expandability with extensive PCIe lanes and bifurcation.
    • Support for large amounts of RAM (up to 512GB).
    • Remote management capabilities.
    • Affordable entry into a modern server platform.
  • Cons:
    • Proprietary design limiting standard repairs and upgrades.
    • Limited external I/O.
    • Potential quirks like non-standard USB headers.

Conclusion

  • The Lenovo ThinkStation P520 is a versatile and cost-effective option for a home server.
  • Despite proprietary elements, offers significant features not available in consumer systems.
  • Potential for upgrades in CPU (up to Xeon W-2195, or W-2200 series).
  • Recommended for setting up a home lab or as an addition to an existing setup.

End of Lecture/Presentation Summary