Home Enterprise Lenovo ThinkEdge SE100: Compact AI Inferencing for the Modern Edge

Lenovo ThinkEdge SE100: Compact AI Inferencing for the Modern Edge

by Lyle Smith
Lenovo SE100 Zarkon wall mount kit

Lenovo ThinkEdge SE100: A compact, AI-ready edge server bringing enterprise AI inferencing to diverse environments.

At MWC25, Lenovo unveiled the ThinkEdge SE100, an entry-level AI inferencing server designed to make edge AI more accessible and cost-effective for businesses of all sizes. As organizations increasingly look to process data closer to its source instead of relying on cloud-based solutions, Lenovo’s latest offering bridges the gap between client devices and traditional edge servers, bringing enterprise-grade AI processing to diverse environments.

Lenovo SE100Zarkon

Edge computing is rapidly growing, with the market expected to expand nearly 37% annually by 2030. Lenovo has shipped over a million edge systems worldwide and is reporting 13 consecutive quarters of edge revenue growth. The ThinkEdge SE100 aims to accelerate this trend by providing an AI-ready, GPU-optimized platform that meets businesses where they are—whether in retail, manufacturing, telecommunications, or healthcare.

ThinkEdge SE100 Specifications

Form Factor Base Node: Height: 53mm, Width: 142mm, Depth: 278mm, 2.1L
With Expansion Kit: Height: 53mm, Width: 214mm, Depth: 278mm, 3.1L
Processor Intel Arrow Lake-H
Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 255H: 6P+8E+2LP-E
Intel Core Ultra 5 processor 225H: 4P+8E+2LP-E
Memory Up to 64GB in 2x slots, using 32GB CSODIMMs; Up to 6400MHz DDR5
Storage Options 1x M.2 2280 boot drive (Max: 960GB)
Up to 2x M.2 NVMe data storage drives (Max: 3.84TB)
SED, high-capacity, and high-endurance drive options
Optional encryption key deletion on tamper or theft detection
RAID Support N/A
Mounting Options Desktop, VESA, DIN, 1U 2N or 1U 3N rackmount
Power Dual-redundant external power supplies (140W standalone)
1U2N, 1U3N in 1U enclosure with 300W power adapter
Network Interfaces (Wired) 2x 1GbE, 1GbE RJ45 management port
Network Interfaces (Wireless) N/A
Accelerators and PCIe Expansion 1x PCIe G4 x8 HHHL (75W)
Support for NVIDIA 2000E, NVIDIA A1000
Front I/O 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A)
1x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-C, with XCC display)
2x HDMI 2.0
1x RJ45 for RS232 serial COM
Rear I/O 1x Type-C (Power) with locking screw
1x Type-C (Power, BMC USB 2.0) with locking screw
2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A
2x 1GbE + 1x GbE management
Systems Management Lenovo XClarity Administrator
Environmental Operating temperature: 5 to 45°C
Shock: 15G & Vibration: 0.15 Grms (IEC 60068)
IP50 dust protection; Noise level: 35 dBA (base node)
Security Security 2.0 with ThinkShield Key Vault or XCC management
Optional Key Vault SED encrypted storage for boot and data drives
NIST SP800-193 compliance with hardware Root of Trust and Platform Firmware Resilience
TPM 2.0, Intrusion tamper protection, Kensington keyed lock compatible chassis, Type-C Locking screw
Operating Systems Microsoft Windows 11 Enterprise, Ubuntu 24.04, RHEL.X*
Limited Warranty 3-year customer replaceable unit and onsite service, next business day 9×5; optional service upgrades

A Compact Powerhouse for AI Workloads

Lenovo says the ThinkEdge SE100 is 85% smaller than traditional AI inferencing servers while delivering enterprise-level performance. The ThinkEdge SE100 can be deployed in various environments, including desktops, wall mounts, ceilings, and 1U racks. The device supports up to six or eight high-performance cores, making it adaptable to different processing needs.

Lenovo SE100 Zarkon wall mount kit

Lenovo SE100 Zarkon wallmount kit

Despite its small footprint, the ThinkEdge SE100 is built to handle AI tasks like real-time inferencing, video analytics, and object detection. This makes it particularly valuable for industries requiring immediate data processing, such as:

  • Retail: Enhancing inventory tracking and loss prevention at self-checkout.
  • Manufacturing: Improving quality control through AI-powered monitoring.
  • Healthcare: Supporting remote offices with automated data processing.
  • Energy: Managing smart meters and logistics in gas stations and refineries.

The system’s rugged design includes dust filtering and tamper protection, making it suitable for harsh environments. A built-in USB port disabling and disk encryption provide additional security against potential threats.

Simplified Deployment and Lower Costs

Deploying AI infrastructure at the edge has traditionally been complex and expensive. Lenovo aims to address these challenges with the ThinkEdge SE100 by integrating Open Cloud Automation (LOC-A) and a Baseboard Management Controller (BMC). These features allow businesses to set up and manage the system with minimal effort, reducing deployment costs by up to 47% and cutting time and resource usage by up to 60%.

Once deployed, Lenovo XClarity provides centralized monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting, offering businesses a single-pane-of-glass management experience.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Lenovo also emphasizes energy efficiency and sustainability with the ThinkEdge SE100. Even in its full GPU-equipped configuration, the system stays under 140W, reducing overall power consumption. Lenovo also claims that its energy-efficient design cuts carbon emissions by up to 84%, thanks to:

  • 90% EPE packaging, minimizing transportation footprint.
  • Low-temperature soldering and post-consumer recycled materials to reduce manufacturing impact.
  • Lenovo’s Product End-of-Life (PELM) program with support for circular economy initiatives.

Lenovo Edge IT

Engage with StorageReview

Newsletter | YouTube | Podcast iTunes/Spotify | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | RSS Feed