IBM AGSG 19.2TB FlashCore Module 4 for IBM FlashSystem

IBM AGSG 19.2 TB NVMe FlashCore Module 4 FCM4 feature has 03LG010 part number and is supported in the IBM FlashSystem 5200 FS5200. The IBM AGSG 19.2TB FlashCore Module 4 FCM4 provides hardware compression, encryption capabilities and FCM4 computational storage functions in a 2.5-inch module. The IBM AGSG 19.2TB FlashCore Module 4 FCM4 can be used for capacity expansion or a supported FCM replacement for supported IBM FlashSystems. The same IBM NVMe FlashCore Module 4 FCM4 is offered under feature ADSG feature code and 03LG011 part numbe for IBM FlashSystem 7300 4657-924 FS7300 control enclosures, 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

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.