What are the Lenovo DG5200 and DG7200?
The ThinkSystem DG5200 and DG7200 are unified storage arrays. Each one is a 2U enclosure with two controllers, filled with QLC NVMe flash drives. They run ONTAP, so one system can serve block storage (Fibre Channel, iSCSI, NVMe), file shares (NFS and SMB) and S3 object storage.
Lenovo describes them as capacity all-flash systems. The DG5200 is aimed at capacity and performance, and the DG7200 at the best QLC performance in the range.
They replace the earlier DG series. Lenovo withdrew the DG5000 on 5 March 2026 and names the DG5200 as its replacement.
- QLC flash. QLC stores four bits in each cell, so each drive holds more data. That is how the DG7200 can use 61.44 TB drives.
- Unified. Block, file and object on the same array.
- Scales out. Up to 4 HA pairs in a cluster, for NAS and SAN.
- Self-encrypting drives. The supported drives are SED (self-encrypting) NVMe SSDs.
DG5200 vs DG7200: the differences
Both models share the same 2U chassis, the same controllers and the same host ports. The differences are in how far they scale and which drives they take.
| DG5200 | DG7200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Positioned for | Capacity and performance | Best QLC performance |
| Max NVMe SSDs per HA pair | 72 | 120 |
| Drive sizes | 15.36 TB, 30.72 TB | 15.36 TB, 30.72 TB, 61.44 TB |
| Minimum capacity per HA pair | 122 TB | 245 TB |
| Switch-connected expansion shelves per HA pair | 2 | 4 |
| Form factor | 2U, 24 drive bays, two controllers | 2U, 24 drive bays, two controllers |
| Memory per HA pair | 128 GB, plus 16 GB NVMEM | 128 GB, plus 16 GB NVMEM |
| Cluster size | Up to 4 HA pairs | Up to 4 HA pairs |
Specifications from Lenovo Press LP2074. Expansion uses DG242N 2U 24-drive NVMe shelves: two can be connected directly, and more than two need a switch.
Not sure which model you need?
Tell us how much data you hold, how fast it is growing and what runs on it. We will size the right model and drive mix for you.
Protocols and connectivity
Protocols
- Block: Fibre Channel, iSCSI, NVMe/FC, NVMe/TCP
- File: NFS (including NFSv4 over RDMA), SMB
- Object: S3
Host port options (per controller)
- 10/25GbE SFP28 (2 or 4 ports)
- 40/100GbE QSFP28 (2 ports)
- 64Gb Fibre Channel (4 ports, also runs at 16 or 32Gb)
- 10GBase-T RJ45 (4 ports)
Each controller takes up to three host or storage interface cards, plus one 100GbE card for the cluster interconnect.
Software and data protection
The DG5200 and DG7200 run ONTAP. Lenovo’s product guide lists ONTAP 9.16.1 or later.
- Data reduction. Compression, compaction and deduplication are included.
- Ransomware protection. ONTAP Autonomous Ransomware Protection is included in the Unified Complete software bundle, not in Essential. Ask us which bundle fits.
- Encryption. Self-encrypting drives, with a 100GbE crypto host card also available.
Want a copy of your data off the array as well? See how to build a disaster recovery plan.
Replacing a DG5000 or DG7000?
The DG5000 has been withdrawn from marketing, and Lenovo names the DG5200 as its replacement. If you run a DG5000 or DG7000 today, it is worth planning your next system before support or capacity becomes a problem.
We can look at your current system, how full it is and how fast it is growing, then recommend a DG5200 or DG7200 setup.
Older models: Lenovo ThinkSystem DG5000 · Lenovo ThinkSystem DG7000
Lenovo DG5200 and DG7200 FAQs
What is the difference between the DG5200 and DG7200?
The DG7200 scales further: up to 120 NVMe SSDs per HA pair against 72 on the DG5200, and it is the only one that takes 61.44 TB drives. The DG5200 has a lower starting point, at 122 TB per HA pair against 245 TB.
What replaced the Lenovo DG5000?
The DG5200. Lenovo withdrew the DG5000 on 5 March 2026.
Are the DG5200 and DG7200 all-flash?
Yes. Both use QLC NVMe SSDs only.
Do they support file and block storage?
Yes. They support Fibre Channel, iSCSI, NVMe/FC and NVMe/TCP for block, NFS and SMB for file, and S3 for object.
Do they include ransomware protection?
ONTAP Autonomous Ransomware Protection is included in the Unified Complete bundle. It is not part of the Essential bundle.
How do I get a price?
Ask us for a quote. Prices depend on the model, drives, ports and software bundle, so we size each system to your data.
Get a DG5200 or DG7200 quote
Tell us how much data you hold, what runs on it and how you connect to it today. We will come back with the right model, drives and software bundle.
Prefer email? Write to solutions@data-storage.uk.
