IBM ADSG 19.2 TB NVMe FlashCore Module 4 FCM4

IBM ADSG 19.2 TB NVMe FlashCore Module 4 (FCM4) has 03LG011 part number and is the fourth-generation FlashCore capacity feature for supported IBM FlashSystem 7300 4657-924 FS7300 control enclosures. The IBM ADSG 19.2 TB NVMe FlashCore Module 4 FCM4 combines NVMe flash storage with hardware compression, encryption and computational-storage capabilities. The same IBM NVMe FlashCore Module 4 FCM4 is offered under feature AGSG with 03LG010 part numbe for an IBM FlashSystem 5200 FS5200 and FlashSystem 5300 FS5300 models, and AHSG for applicable FlashSystem 9500 4666-AH8 4983-AH8 FS9500 configurations.

Request a quote or compatibility review from Midland Information Systems at (888) 682-5335. Provide the machine type/model, installed module label, software level and whether this is a failed-drive replacement, array expansion or new-array installation.

Supported IBM FlashSystem models and equivalent 19.2 TB feature codes

ADSG specifically identifies the option ordered for the FlashSystem 7300. Support for the underlying FCM4 hardware family on another system does not make the ordering codes interchangeable.

IBM's FCM3 replacement announcement AD24-0141 documents the replacement features and machine types for the existing platforms. The FlashSystem 5300 announcement AD26-0045 lists its FCM4 feature family. Confirm exact hardware, firmware and IBM Storage Virtualize support before installation.

Other IBM FlashCore Module 4 FCM4 Capacity Options

The FCM4 family provides four capacity points. The table separates the machine-specific ordering feature from the hardware part number and the service FRU reference.

Replacing IBM FlashCore Module 3 FCM3 or expanding an existing array

A IBM FlashCore Module 4 FCM4 can be used as replacement and expansion options for supported FCM3 arrays. For the 19.2 TB option on the FlashSystem 7300, the replacement ordering path is from ADSC to ADSG, however FCM3 Distributed RAID array expanded with a FCM4 retains FCM3 characteristics. An FCM4 in a mixed FCM3/FCM4 array therefore does not deliver the full FCM4-specific computational-storage functions. IBM's sales manual requires an all-FCM4 array for FCM4-specific functionality. The Redbooks guide also states that FCM2 cannot share the same RAID array with FCM3 or FCM4.

Hardware compression, effective capacity and encryption

The FCM4 module performs compression in its own hardware. For compressible workloads, this can reduce the physical flash required to store a given data set. IBM publishes 57.6 TB effective capacity for the 19.2 TB FCM4 capacity point, reflecting a 3:1 assumption. 19.2 TB × 3 = 57.6 TB effective capacity. This calculation does not promise 57.6 TB of usable application space. Actual compression depends on the data, while RAID parity, rebuild capacity and metadata reduce system-level usable capacity. Already compressed or encrypted data may provide little additional compression.

FCM4 also includes hardware encryption. Confirm system encryption enablement, key management and licensing for the target installation. A module's encryption capability alone does not establish that the storage system has been configured to meet a particular security requirement.

FCM4 ransomware threat-detection requirements

FCM4 collects I/O statistics that support IBM's threat-detection workflow. Installing a single replacement module does not independently enable ransomware detection or provide a recovery copy.

• Use a qualifying RAID array composed entirely of FCM4 modules.
• IBM's documented introduction requirements distinguish an array created at Storage Virtualize 8.6.2 or later from the system-level threat-detection requirement of 8.6.3 or later.
• Verify the applicable IBM Storage Insights Pro service and current software requirements.
• Maintain an appropriate backup and recovery plan alongside detection.

Request IBM ADSG pricing and a compatibility review

Contact Midland Information Systems at (888) 682-5335 for an ADSG quote, replacement identification or FCM4 capacity plan. Include the full machine type/model, current FRU label, Storage Virtualize release, FCM firmware and array capacity. A Specialist can review the requested feature and service-part references against the intended installation.