Cisco C220 M4 1U Rack Server - 2 x Intel Xeon E5-2620 v4 2.10 GHz - 32 GB RAM - 12Gb/s SAS Controller

The Cisco UCS C220 M4 SFF rack server is the maintenance-free, high-performance backbone for storage-intensive workloads in today’s data centers. Engineered as a two-socket, 1U rack platform, it delivers robust compute power, flexible storage, and intelligent management that IT teams rely on to run demanding applications with greater efficiency. Whether you’re hosting web services, deploying distributed databases, or supporting virtualized workloads, this server is designed to blend performance and expandability with the built-in security and remote management capabilities that Cisco UCS is known for. The C220 M4 is optimized for dense, scalable deployments, enabling you to accelerate deployment cycles, simplify day-to-day operations, and reduce total cost of ownership through centralized lifecycle management.

• Two-socket performance for demanding workloads: Powered by 2 x Intel Xeon E5-2620 v4 processors at 2.10 GHz, this 1U platform provides substantial multi-threaded performance and strong per-core capabilities. The dual-processor configuration enables robust parallel processing, improved virtualization density, and better handling of concurrent workloads. With enterprise-grade reliability and scalable compute, you can consolidate more services on fewer servers while maintaining ample headroom for peak demand.
• Storage-optimized design with rapid I/O: The C220 M4 is built for storage-intensive workloads and includes a 12 Gb/s SAS controller to move data quickly between hosts, storage shelves, and the network. The SFF (2.5-inch) drive footprint supports up to 12 SAS/SATA drives, enabling high I/O throughput, lower latency, and flexible tiering. This makes it ideal for databases, data warehousing, and large-scale file services where fast access to data is critical.
• Memory capacity with virtualization in mind: Standard 32 GB of RAM provides ample headroom for virtualization, caching, and data processing, while the platform is designed to scale with additional DIMMs to accommodate growing workloads. This means you can deploy multiple virtual machines or containers on a compact chassis without immediate performance bottlenecks, while maintaining room for future memory-intensive applications and in-memory analytics.
• Security and centralized management at the core: Cisco UCS integrates security features and centralized management across your compute, storage, and network resources. Built-in security policies, firmware governance, and remote management tools help reduce attack surfaces and simplify compliance. Administrators can automate routine operations, enforce configuration standards, and monitor health and performance from a single pane of glass, ensuring consistency across server platforms in the data center.
• Reliability, serviceability, and enterprise resilience: Designed for 24/7 operation, the C220 M4 emphasizes enterprise-grade reliability with modular, hot-swappable components and robust firmware support. This server is built to withstand heavy workloads, offer straightforward maintenance, and deliver predictable uptime. Its compact 1U footprint makes it a practical choice for dense data centers, edge deployments, and colocation environments where dependable performance matters most.

Technical Details of Cisco C220 M4 1U Rack Server

• Model: Cisco UCS C220 M4 SFF Rack Server
• CPU: 2 x Intel Xeon E5-2620 v4 @ 2.10 GHz
• Memory: 32 GB DDR4 RAM (configurable with additional DIMMs to suit workload needs)
• Storage Controller: 12 Gb/s SAS Controller, supporting SAS/SATA drives
• Drive Bays: Up to 12 x 2.5" SAS/SATA drives (SFF) for flexible storage configurations
• Form Factor: 1U rack server for dense data center deployments
• Expansion: PCIe expansion slots to accommodate add-in cards, network adapters, and accelerators
• Networking and management: Compatible with Cisco UCS networking and management ecosystem; support varies by configuration and integrated options

How to install Cisco C220 M4 1U Rack Server

• Plan and prepare: Confirm rack space, power provisioning, cooling capacity, and appropriate rails or mounting hardware. Review your data center’s network topology and identify where the Cisco UCS Manager or other management tools will access the server.
• Rack mounting: Install the server into the 1U rack using the provided rails and fasteners. Ensure proper alignment with cable management and airflow directions to maximize cooling efficiency.
• Power and connectivity: Connect the power supplies and attach network connections to the appropriate switches or fabric interconnects. If you’re using Cisco UCS Manager, connect the management interfaces according to your policy and security guidelines.
• Initial boot and firmware: Power on the system and enter BIOS/UEFI to set boot order, memory configuration, and any necessary hardware settings. Update firmware for the SAS controller, NICs, and other components to the latest supported versions for stability and security.
• Storage and operating system: Configure storage with your chosen RAID level or pass-through mode as required. Install and configure the operating system, drivers, and any virtualization or management software. Validate server health, performance, and network connectivity, then implement monitoring and alerting to sustain ongoing reliability.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What workloads is the Cisco C220 M4 best suited for? A: It is well-suited for storage-intensive workloads, virtualization, web hosting, distributed databases, and other enterprise applications that benefit from dense compute and flexible storage in a 1U form factor.
• Q: How many drive bays does it support? A: It supports up to 12 x 2.5" SAS/SATA drives in the SFF configuration, enabling scalable storage pools and high I/O performance.
• Q: What is the base memory and can it be expanded? A: The base configuration includes 32 GB of RAM, with options to expand through additional DIMMs to meet larger memory requirements for virtualization and data processing.
• Q: Does it include remote management? A: Yes, the Cisco UCS ecosystem provides centralized management capabilities, enabling policy-driven automation, health monitoring, and remote administration across compatible servers and storage resources.
• Q: Is this server suitable for virtualization? A: Absolutely. With two Xeon processors and ample memory, the C220 M4 is a strong candidate for virtualization workloads, multi-VM deployments, and containerized environments, while maintaining reliable performance and manageability.