Lenovo ThinkStation P8 User Manual
Lenovo ThinkStation P8 User Manual

Lenovo ThinkStation P8 User Manual

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  • Page 1 ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 2 • Setup Guide First Edition (February 2024) © Copyright Lenovo 2024. LIMITED AND RESTRICTED RIGHTS NOTICE: If data or software is delivered pursuant to a General Services Administration “GSA” contract, use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth in Contract No. GS-...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Prerequisites for hardware replacement . . . Call Lenovo ....ThinkStation logo badge ... Before you contact Lenovo ..
  • Page 4 Appendix A. Notices and Compliance information ... trademarks ....73 ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 5: Discover Your Lenovo Computer

    Discover your Lenovo computer ® Thank you for choosing a Lenovo computer! We are dedicated to delivering the best solution to you. Before starting your tour, please read the following information: • Illustrations in this documentation might look different from your product.
  • Page 6 ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 7: Chapter 1. Overview

    USB connectors on this device will vary and will be slower than the data rate listed below for each corresponding device. © Copyright Lenovo 2024...
  • Page 8 Diagnostic panel Display the diagnostic information when an issue or error is detected. You can decode the error code at https://www.thinkworkstationsoftware.com/codes Related topics • “USB specifications” on page 4 • “Use ThinkStation diagnostic tool” on page 69 ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 9: Rear

    Rear Description Description Item Item PCIe card areas Power button Power indicator Audio line-out connector USB-C® (3.2 Gen 2×2) connector Audio line-in connector USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 connectors USB-A 2.0 connectors Ethernet connector (10G) Key-nest for side cover Key-nest for M.2 SSD storage box Serial connector* Ethernet connector (1G) Security-lock slot...
  • Page 10: Usb Specifications

    • Connect to USB-C accessories to help expand your computer functionality. To purchase USB-C • USB-C connector (USB 10Gbps) accessories, go to https://www.lenovo.com/accessories • USB-C connector (USB 20Gbps) • USB-C connector (Thunderbolt 3) • USB-C connector (Thunderbolt 4) ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 11: Platform Specifications

    Platform specifications Specification Description • Width: 175 mm (7 inches) Dimensions • Height (with feet): 441 mm (18 inches) • Depth: 508 mm (20 inches) Weight (without packaging) Maximum configuration as shipped: 23 kg (51 lb) Type Device Manager in the Windows search box and then press Enter. Type the Hardware configuration administrator password or provide confirmation, if prompted.
  • Page 12 – Storage: 10%-90% (non-condensing) System memory speed ThinkStation P8 comes with DDR5-4800 memory modules and will run up to 4800 MT/s. To avoid unexpected frequency reduction, ensure that you install memory modules in a right way: • Installed memory module quantity: 1 pc, 2 pcs, 4 pcs, 6 pcs, or 8 pcs •...
  • Page 13: Chapter 2. Features

    • The storage drives installed in 1a and 1b should be the same. You computer has three on-board M.2 SSD slots. 2. On-board M.2 Note: On-board M.2 SSD installation priority: 2a is the first, 2b is the second, and 2c is the SSD slots third. © Copyright Lenovo 2024...
  • Page 14 • Supported memory module quantity: 1 pc, 2 pcs, 4 pcs, 6 pcs, or 8 pcs • Install memory modules of the same type and the same capacity. • Install memory modules in the order shown in the following illustration:: 4. Memory slots ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 15: Cooling System

    Location Rules The optional internal storage drive cage can support a 3.5-inch HDD when 1a and 1b are both occupied with 3.5-inch HDDs. 5. Optional internal storage drive cage* Note: When the computer is installed with NVIDIA Quadro SYNC II card or GeForce 40X0 graphics card, do not install 3.5-inch HDD in the optional internal storage drive cage.
  • Page 16: Rack-Mounted Chassis

    Your computer offers flexibility for both desktop and data center environments. With an easy-to-attach sliding rail kit, you can install the computer into a rack. You can buy the rail kit from Lenovo. It will come with a guide to help you install your computer into a rack.
  • Page 17: Security Solutions

    3. Config DASH account and password with DASHConfigRT. Security solutions Lenovo values your information security. Your computer can be secured by physical locks, software solutions, and BIOS solutions. They can protect your computer from harm, theft, or unauthorized use. Use physical locks You can secure your computer and information by the following physical locks.
  • Page 18 A common key carved with 00 that can open common M.2 SSD storage box A common lock locks on the same computer or on different computers. Security lock Lock your computer to a desk, table, or other fixtures through a security lock. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 19: Use Software Security Solutions

    Note: You can purchase such a security lock from Lenovo if needed. But Lenovo makes no comments, judgments, or warranties about the function, quality, or performance of locking device produced by a third party. Use software security solutions The following software solutions help secure your computer and information.
  • Page 20 If the cover presence switch is enabled and the computer cover is not correctly installed or closed, an error message will be displayed when you turn on the computer. To bypass the error message and log in to the operating system: ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 21: Uefi Bios Passwords

    1. Properly install or close the computer cover. 2. Enter the BIOS menu, save and then exit. Smart USB Protection The Smart USB Protection function is a security function that helps prevent data from being copied from the computer to USB storage devices connected to the computer. You can set the Smart USB Protection function to one of the following modes: •...
  • Page 22 You should record your passwords and store them in a safe place. If you forget the passwords, contact a Lenovo-authorized service provider. Note: If the hard disk password is forgotten, Lenovo cannot remove the password or recover data from the storage drive.
  • Page 23: Chapter 3. Get Started

    Provide required information if needed. Note: The wireless LAN module on your computer may support different standards. For some countries or regions, use of 802.11ax may be disabled according to local regulations. © Copyright Lenovo 2024...
  • Page 24: Connect To Multiple External Displays

    To awaken the computer from Sleep mode, press any key on your keyboard. To reset the power plan: 1. Type Power Options in the Windows search box and then press Enter. 2. Choose or customize a power plan of your preference. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 25: The Vantage App

    • Access User Guide and helpful articles. Accessibility features Lenovo is committed to making information technology accessible to everyone, including those with hearing, vision, or mobility limitations. Lenovo supports accessibility features in the following ways to help all users better engage with Lenovo products. Accessible documentation Lenovo documentation is designed to meet users' accessibility needs.
  • Page 26: Uefi Bios

    – Keys and controls that can be reached and operated using one hand and require minimal dexterity for ease of use • Industry-standard connectors The industry-standard connectors on Lenovo products enable better compatibility with peripheral devices. • Operating systems The accessibility features of the operating systems can be configured to assist users in the following ways: –...
  • Page 27: Update The Uefi Bios

    Note: The Lenovo BIOS Simulator Center makes periodic updates of the settings. The UEFI BIOS simulator interface and description of settings might be different from that on your actual user interface.
  • Page 28 ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 29: Chapter 4. Raid

    Your computer supports the following RAID levels: • RAID 0: striped disk array – Provide the highest performance but no data redundancy. Data in the array is striped (distributed) across several disks. © Copyright Lenovo 2024...
  • Page 30 Use the arrow keys to select a disk and press the Space Bar or Enter. Multiple disks can be selected using this method. b. Use the arrow keys to select OK and press Enter. c. Review the warning message. If you want to proceed, use the arrow keys to select YES and press Enter. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 31 Note: The Initialization process takes about 10 to 15 seconds. During initialization, a complete re- scan of all channels is done automatically. Create arrays Arrays can be created after the disks are initialized: 1. Enter the RAIDXpert2 Configuration Utility menu. Then, use the arrow keys to select Array Management and press Enter.
  • Page 32: Configure Raid With Megaraid Configuration Utility

    – Consists of four NVMe storage drives – Data being striped across storage drive groups – Provides both high data transfer rates and complete data redundancy • RAID 5: block-level striped disk array with distributed parity ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 33 – Consists of at least three NVMe storage drives – Supported strip size: 64 KB, 128 KB, 256 KB, 512 KB, or 1 MB – Better performance and fault tolerance – Available only on selected models of MegaRAID adapters • RAID 6: block-level striped disk array with dual distributed parity –...
  • Page 34 6. Under Operation, select Delete Virtual Drive and press Enter. 7. Select Go and press Enter. When prompted, select Confirm and press Enter. Then, select Yes and press Enter to delete the RAID volume. 8. Press F10 or Fn+F10 to save the changes and exit. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 35: Chapter 5. Cru Replacement

    If you intend on installing the CRU, Lenovo will ship the CRU to you. CRU information and replacement instructions are shipped with your product and are available from Lenovo at any time upon request. You might be required to return the defective part that is replaced by the CRU.
  • Page 36 Number Description Self-service CRU Optional-service CRU Side cover NVLINK retainer* Top cover ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 37 Number Description Self-service CRU Optional-service CRU Optional internal storage drive cage* M.2 SSD heat sink kit* M.2 SSD* M.2 SSD holder* Internal speaker ThinkStation LED ThinkStation LED holder ThinkStation Logo badge Computer ID badge Upper PCIe fan Blank bezel* Front-access storage fan* PCBA of 15-in-1 media card reader* 15-in-1 media card reader* NVMe storage tray*...
  • Page 38: System Board Illustration

    System board illustration Note: The system board might look slightly different from the illustration. Item Item Internal speaker connector Coin-cell battery Wi-Fi socket M.2 SSD slot 2 M.2 SSD slot 1 Cover presence switch (intrusion switch) connector ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 39: Prerequisites For Hardware Replacement

    Item Item Upper PCIe (slot1–4) fan connector Internal storage drive cage power connector 1 Internal storage drive cage power connector 2 Internal storage drive cage slot 1 Graphics card power connector 1 Graphics card power connector 3 Front-panel I/O connector Front fan connector Front-access storage fan connector Internal storage drive fan connector...
  • Page 40: Thinkstation Logo Badge

    • Lock the M.2 SSD storage box to prevent unexpected removal. The keys are attached to the rear of the computer. For security, store the keys in a secure place. ThinkStation logo badge Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 41: Computer Id Badge

    Removal steps Computer ID badge Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. Removal steps Top cover Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. Chapter 5 CRU replacement...
  • Page 42 Removal steps Installation steps ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 43: Wi-Fi Antenna Cover

    Wi-Fi antenna cover Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. Removal steps 1. Remove the “Top cover” on page 35. 2. Remove the Wi-Fi antenna cover. Side cover Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. Removal steps 1.
  • Page 44 Installation steps ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 45: Nvlink Retainer

    NVLINK retainer Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. Removal steps 1. Remove the “Side cover” on page 37. 2. Remove the NVLINK retainer. Torque Screw (quantity) Color M3 x 5 mm, Ni coated (1) Black 5.0 ±...
  • Page 46: Storage Drives

    1. Remove the “Side cover” on page 37. 2. Remove the optional internal storage drive cage. HDD in optional internal storage drive cage Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 47: Hdd In The Internal Storage Drive Cage

    Removal steps 1. Remove the following parts, if any: a. “Side cover” on page 37 b. “Optional internal storage drive cage” on page 40 2. Remove the HDD with its bracket from the optional internal storage drive cage. 3. Remove the HDD from its bracket. Note: When the computer is installed with NVIDIA Quadro SYNC II card or GeForce 40X0 graphics card, do not install 3.5-inch HDD in the optional internal storage drive cage.
  • Page 48: U.2 Or U.3 Ssd In The Internal Storage Drive Cage

    Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. Removal steps 1. Remove the “Side cover” on page 37. 2. Remove the U.2 or U.3 SSD with its bracket from the internal storage drive cage. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 49 3. Remove the U.2 or U.3 SSD from its bracket. Screw (quantity) Torque Color M3 x 3.75 mm, Zn coated (4) Black 5.0 ± 0.5 lb/in Chapter 5 CRU replacement...
  • Page 50: M.2 Ssd Bracket In Internal Storage Drive Cage

    M.2 SSD bracket in internal storage drive cage Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. Removal steps 1. Remove the “Side cover” on page 37. 2. Remove the M.2 SSD bracket from the chassis. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 51: Devices In The Front-Access Storage Bay

    Devices in the front-access storage bay Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. Removal steps 1. Remove the following parts if any: a. “Side cover” on page 37 b. “Optional internal storage drive cage” on page 40 c.
  • Page 52 PCBA of 15-in-1 media card reader: Screw (quantity) Torque Color M3 x 4 mm, Zn coated (1) Blue 3.0 ± 0.5 lb/in ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 53: M.2 Ssd Storage Box In Nvme Storage Tray

    Screw (quantity) Torque Color M3 x 5 mm, Ni coated (4) Black 5.0 ± 0.5 lb/in • Blank bezel: M.2 SSD storage box in NVMe storage tray Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. Removal steps Notes: •...
  • Page 54: M.2 Ssd In M.2 Ssd Storage Box

    Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. Removal steps 1. Remove the “M.2 SSD storage box in NVMe storage tray” on page 47 2. Remove the M.2 SSD heatsink kit. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 55: On-Board M.2 Ssd

    Screw (quantity) Torque Color M2 x 3.6 mm, Zn coated (2) Blue 1.5± 0.2 lb/in 3. Remove the M.2 SSD. Screw (quantity) Torque Color M2 x 4.5 mm, Zn coated (1) Black 1.5± 0.2 lb/in On-board M.2 SSD Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. Removal steps 1.
  • Page 56 3. Remove the M.2 SSD from its heatsink kit. Installation steps 1. Install the M.2 SSD to its heatsink kit. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 57: Pcie Cards

    2. Install the M.2 SSD with its heatsink kit. PCIe cards By reading this section, you will learn to replace PCIe cards, including graphics cards, in your computer. NVLINK bridge • Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. •...
  • Page 58: Pcie Card Bracket

    PCIe card bracket Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. Removal steps 1. Remove the “Side cover” on page 37. 2. Open the handle and remove the PCIe card bracket. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 59: Half-Length Pcie Card

    Half-length PCIe card Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. Removal steps 1. Remove the “Side cover” on page 37. 2. Remove the PCIe card. a. Remove the PCIe card retainer. The PCIe card retainer is only available on some PCIe cards. b.
  • Page 60: Full-Length Pcie Card

    Open the handle. b. Remove the PCIe card. The card might fit tightly into the slot. If necessary, alternately move each side of the card a small amount until the card is removed from the slot. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 61: Pcie Card Installation Order

    c. Remove the PCIe card extender if needed. Notes: • For computer models with GFX RTX 4000 Ada, the graphics card and the PCIe card extender work as a CRU assembly. Do not try to remove the extender. • For computer models with double-width or wider graphics cards (such as NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada and GeForce RTX 40X0), the PCIe card extender is a customized CRU part.
  • Page 62: Cable Connection

    Note: The connectors on the cards or system board might look slightly different from the illustrations. Figure 1. Cable connection for BCM9560 RAID AIC Notes: • C0 connector priority is higher than C1 connector. • Internal storage drive cage priority: 1a, 1b, and 5. See “Expansion modules” on page 7. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 63 Figure 2. GFX GV100/RTX A5000/RTX A4000 Aux power connection Figure 3. GFX RTX A6000 Aux power connection Chapter 5 CRU replacement...
  • Page 64: Fans

    “Side cover” on page 37 b. “Optional internal storage drive cage” on page 40 2. Remove the front fan. Rear fan Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 65: Upper Pcie Fan

    Removal steps 1. Remove the following parts if any: a. “Side cover” on page 37 b. “Optional internal storage drive cage” on page 40 2. Remove the rear fan. Upper PCIe fan Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. Removal steps 1.
  • Page 66: Lower Pcie Fan And Internal Storage Drive Fan

    2. Remove the lower PCIe fan and internal storage drive fan together. 3. Remove the internal storage drive fan. Front-access storage fan Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 67: Memory Fan And Air Duct

    Removal steps 1. Remove the following parts if any: a. “Side cover” on page 37 b. “Optional internal storage drive cage” on page 40 2. Remove the front-access storage fan. Memory fan and air duct Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. Removal steps 1.
  • Page 68 “Side cover” on page 37 b. “Optional internal storage drive cage” on page 40 c. “Memory fan and air duct” on page 61 Installation steps Note: Ensure that you install memory modules in the order shown in the following illustration. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 69: Front Panel I/O Assembly

    Front panel I/O assembly Before you start, ensure that you have read “Prerequisite for CRU replacement” on page 33. Removal steps 1. Remove the following parts if any: a. “Side cover” on page 37 b. “Optional internal storage drive cage” on page 40 c.
  • Page 70: Internal Speaker

    “Optional internal storage drive cage” on page 40 c. “Front fan” on page 58 d. “Rear fan” on page 58 e. “Lower PCIe and internal storage drive fan” on page 60 2. Remove the internal speaker. ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 71 Chapter 5 CRU replacement...
  • Page 72 ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 73: Chapter 6. Help And Support

    • Machine-type and serial-number label of your computer (shown as below illustration) Diagnose and troubleshoot your computer This section provides introduction to a set of diagnostics and troubleshooting tools at Lenovo Support Web site and the Vantage app. They can help you diagnose common software and hardware issues.
  • Page 74: Troubleshoot And Diagnose At Lenovo Support Web Site

    Use ThinkStation diagnostic tool settings that interfere with the correct operation of your computer. Troubleshoot and diagnose at Lenovo Support Web site Lenovo provides two different diagnosing solutions to help you identify and resolve problems on your computer. Step 1. Go to and enter your product name in the search box.
  • Page 75: Use Thinkstation Diagnostic Tool

    3. Navigate to the troubleshooting menu to diagnose the operating system for recovery instructions. Call Lenovo If you have tried to correct the problem yourself and still need help, you can call Lenovo Customer Support Center. Before you contact Lenovo Prepare the needed information before you contact Lenovo.
  • Page 76: Self-Help Resources

    This topic provides instructions on how to purchase accessories or additional services. Accessories Lenovo has a number of hardware accessories and upgrades to help expand the functionalities of your computer. Accessories include memory modules, storage devices, network cards, power adapters, keyboards, mice, and so on.
  • Page 77 Further compliance information related to your product is available at https://www.lenovo.com/compliance Compliance information For more compliance information, refer to Regulatory Notice at https://pcsupport.lenovo.com and Generic Safety and Compliance Notices at https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/docs/generic_notices Chapter 6 Help and support...
  • Page 78 ThinkStation P8 User Guide...
  • Page 79 Lenovo representative for information on the products and services currently available in your area. Any reference to a Lenovo product, program, or service is not intended to state or imply that only that Lenovo product, program, or service may be used. Any functionally equivalent product, program, or service that does not infringe any Lenovo intellectual property right may be used instead.
  • Page 80 Furthermore, some measurements may have been estimated through extrapolation. Actual results may vary. Users of this document should verify the applicable data for their specific environment. This document is copyrighted by Lenovo and is not covered by any open source license, including any ® Linux agreement(s) which may accompany software included with this product.

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