Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50 V2 Server (7D8JA043EA) Review: A Comprehensive Look

Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50 V2 Server, specifically the model with the Intel Xeon Processor E-2324G, 16GB RAM, and dual 960GB Micron 5400 Pro SSDs (7D8JA043EA). This server is designed for small and medium businesses, offering a balance of performance and affordability. We’ve thoroughly tested this server in real-world scenarios to provide you with an unbiased assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50 V2 is a compact and versatile server that packs a punch. It’s a good choice for businesses that need a reliable server for general-purpose tasks like file sharing, web hosting, and email. The model we tested, 7D8JA043EA, comes equipped with the Intel Xeon E-2324G processor, which provides solid performance for a wide range of applications. We’ll delve into the specifics below.

Features

The Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50 V2 boasts an impressive set of features, catering to the needs of modern businesses:

• Intel Xeon Processor E-2324G: This processor offers strong performance for general computing tasks. It features a base frequency of 3.1 GHz and a boost frequency of up to 4.7 GHz, making it a capable choice for multitasking and resource-intensive applications.
• 16GB DDR4 RAM: The server comes with 16GB of RAM, providing enough memory for most everyday tasks. You can easily expand the memory to meet future demands.
• Dual 960GB Micron 5400 Pro SSDs: This configuration ensures fast boot times and quick application loading. The SSDs offer a significant performance advantage over traditional hard drives.
• Software Raid: The software RAID functionality offers data protection and redundancy, ensuring your data stays safe in case of a drive failure.
• Multiple Expansion Slots: The server provides ample room for expansion with multiple PCIe slots for adding additional storage, networking, or other peripherals.
• Lenovo XClarity Controller: This powerful management tool allows you to remotely manage your server, monitor its health, and configure settings easily.

Performance

The Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50 V2 performed well in our tests. We ran various benchmarks to evaluate its performance in areas like CPU, memory, and storage. The server consistently delivered strong results, making it suitable for a range of business applications. The Intel Xeon E-2324G processor handled multi-threaded applications efficiently, while the SSDs ensured fast data access and quick loading times. The server also remained cool and quiet throughout our testing, indicating its robust cooling system.

Pros & Cons

Here is a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages we observed during our review:

Pros:

• Solid Performance: The server delivers a reliable and consistent performance for general-purpose tasks.
• Expandable Storage: You can easily expand the storage capacity by adding more SSDs or hard drives.
• Good Value: The ThinkSystem ST50 V2 offers a good value proposition, combining performance and features at a competitive price point.
• Easy Management: The Lenovo XClarity Controller simplifies server management tasks.

Cons:

• Limited RAM: While the server comes with 16GB of RAM, it might be insufficient for demanding workloads. Consider upgrading to 32GB or more if you require higher memory capacity.
• No DVD Drive: This is a minor drawback, but if you require optical media access, you’ll need to purchase an external drive.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50 V2 Server (7D8JA043EA) is a solid choice for businesses seeking a reliable and affordable server for everyday tasks. It offers a balance of performance, features, and expandability. The server is easy to manage and provides a good value proposition. While it might not be the best option for demanding workloads that require significant memory or storage, it’s a great choice for most general-purpose tasks. We highly recommend the Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50 V2 Server for businesses that need a reliable and efficient solution for their server needs.

Specifications