IBM AGSH 38.4TB NVMe FlashCore Module 4 (FCM4) is supported in IBM FlashSystem storage systems and has 03JN350 03LG019 03LG015 03LG003 and 03LG016 part numbers. The IBM AGSH 38.4TB FlashCore Module 4 combines high-capacity enterprise NVMe flash storage with IBM hardware-accelerated compression, self-encryption, T10-DIF data-integrity protection and FCM4 computational-storage capabilities designed to assist with real-time ransomware threat detection. The IBM AGSH 38.4TB FlashCore Module 4 is supported in IBM FlashSystem models FS5300 4662-7H2 and FS5200 4662-7H2 and 4662-6H2. The IBM 38.4TB FlashCore Module 4 FCM4 may have IBM ADSH AGSH AHSH feature code depending on the IBM FlashSystem model the FCM was originally purchased.
IBM AGSH 38.4TB FlashCore Module 4 Specifications
- IBM Feature Code: AGSH
- Ordering Identifier: 4662-AGSH
- IBM Service FRU and Part Numbers: 03JN350 03LG019 03LG015 03LG003 03LG016
- FlashCore Generation: FlashCore Module 4 / FCM4
- Usable Capacity: 38.4TB
- IBM Published Maximum Effective Capacity: Up to 115.2TB
- Interface: NVMe / PCIe Gen4
- Form Factor: 2.5-inch, 15 mm
- Flash Technology: IBM FlashCore high-density NAND architecture
- Hardware Compression: Supported
- Self-Encryption: Supported
- T10-DIF Data Protection: Supported
- Computational Storage: Supported
- FCM-Assisted Ransomware Threat Detection: Supported with qualifying all-FCM4 arrays and applicable IBM Storage Virtualize software
IBM AGSH Performance
The AGSH is the X-Large capacity point in IBM's fourth-generation FlashCore Module family. IBM's FlashCore Module technical specifications publish the following maximum performance characteristics for the 38.4TB FCM4:
- Maximum Read Bandwidth: Approximately 3,500 MB/s per module
- Maximum Write Bandwidth: Approximately 1,500 MB/s per module
- 16K Read IOPS: Approximately 200,000 IOPS per module
- Endurance: Approximately 1 drive write per day (DWPD)
- PCIe Interface: PCIe Gen4
- Power Envelope: Up to approximately 30 watts
These figures describe the FlashCore Module itself and should not be confused with the maximum performance of the FlashSystem control enclosure. Actual application performance depends on the number of installed modules, RAID configuration, host connectivity, workload characteristics, block size, read/write ratio, Storage Virtualize configuration and other system resources.
38.4TB Usable and Up to 115.2TB Effective Capacity
The The IBM AGSH 38.4TB FlashCore Module 4 provides as much as 115.2TB of effective capacity when the workload achieves the applicable data-reduction ratio. The relationship can be represented as:
38.4TB usable × 3:1 data reduction = up to 115.2TB effective capacity
The 115.2TB value is an effective-capacity figure rather than additional physical NAND capacity. Actual compression and data reduction depend on the characteristics of the stored data. Data that is already compressed, encrypted or otherwise resistant to compression can achieve substantially lower data-reduction ratios.
Maximum AGSH Capacity in a FlashSystem 5200
The IBM FlashSystem 5200 4662-6H2 provides 12 internal NVMe drive positions. A configuration using twelve 38.4TB AGSH FlashCore Modules therefore contains:
12 × 38.4TB = 460.8TB nominal installed FlashCore capacity
At the FCM4 maximum effective-capacity ratio:
12 × 115.2TB = 1,382.4TB, or approximately 1.38PB effective capacity
These figures represent the aggregate module capacities before accounting for Distributed RAID parity, rebuild areas, metadata and other system overhead. Effective capacity also depends on the actual compressibility and data-reduction characteristics of the workload.
IBM FlashCore Module 4 Architecture
IBM FlashCore Modules are more than conventional enterprise NVMe SSDs. Each module incorporates IBM-developed flash-management and hardware-acceleration technologies designed to improve performance, storage efficiency, endurance and data protection.
FCM4 provides:
- NVMe connectivity
- PCIe Gen4 across all FCM4 capacity points
- Hardware-accelerated inline compression
- Self-encrypting storage
- T10-DIF data-integrity protection
- Intelligent flash management
- Enterprise endurance management
- Computational-storage capabilities
- Real-time ransomware threat-detection assistance
The 38.4TB AGSH is the largest capacity point in the fourth-generation FlashCore Module family used by these FlashSystem platforms.
FCM4 Computational Storage and Ransomware Threat Detection
One of the most important differences between FCM4 and earlier FlashCore generations is the addition of computational-storage assistance for real-time ransomware threat detection.
FCM4 can collect and process statistics associated with I/O activity directly within the FlashCore architecture. This provides IBM Storage Virtualize with additional information that can be used to identify abnormal data behavior associated with ransomware and other potentially destructive activity.
IBM specifies that, to use the FCM4 computational-storage-assisted ransomware detection capability, the RAID array must consist entirely of FlashCore Module 4 drives and must be created using a supported IBM Storage Virtualize code level of at least 8.6.2.
This requirement is important when upgrading an existing FlashSystem containing FCM2 or FCM3 modules. FCM4 hardware can be supported in configurations containing earlier-generation media where IBM configuration rules permit it, but FCM4-specific computational-storage functionality requires a qualifying all-FCM4 array.
IBM FlashSystem Models Supporting the 38.4TB FCM4 Hardware Family
The physical 38.4TB FCM4 technology is used across multiple IBM FlashSystem families. IBM assigns different feature codes according to the target machine family.
- AGSH – 38.4TB FCM4 for applicable IBM FlashSystem 5200 4662-6H2 / IBM FlashSystem 5300 4662-7H2
- ADSH – 38.4TB FCM4 for IBM FlashSystem 7300 configurations
- AHSH – 38.4TB FCM4 for IBM FlashSystem 9500 configurations
These feature codes should not be treated as interchangeable ordering identifiers simply because they describe the same capacity and FlashCore generation. IBM feature codes identify configuration options within specific machine families, while the service FRU identifies the physical replacement hardware.
AGSH Support on IBM FlashSystem 5200
The IBM FlashSystem 5200 4662-6H2 is a compact 1U NVMe storage system containing 12 front-accessible NVMe drive positions, two active-active node canisters and redundant power supplies.
IBM's FlashSystem 5200 Product Guide identifies the following FCM4 features for the 4662 platform:
- AGSE – 4.8TB NVMe FlashCore Module 4
- AGSF – 9.6TB NVMe FlashCore Module 4
- AGSG – 19.2TB NVMe FlashCore Module 4
- AGSH – 38.4TB NVMe FlashCore Module 4
The FlashSystem 5200 also supports industry-standard NVMe SSDs and, in applicable configurations, Storage Class Memory devices. External capacity can be added through supported SAS expansion enclosures.
FlashSystem 5200 Performance Maximums
The FlashSystem 5200 platform can provide performance substantially greater than that of an individual AGSH module because multiple NVMe modules operate in parallel across the system architecture.
- Maximum system bandwidth: Up to approximately 21 GB/s
- Maximum IOPS: Up to approximately 1.5 million IOPS
- Maximum internal NVMe positions: 12
- Control enclosure: 1U
- Architecture: Dual-node active-active
These are FlashSystem 5200 platform maximums and should not be attributed to a single AGSH module.
AGSH Support on IBM FlashSystem 5300
The IBM FlashSystem 5300 4662-7H2 also supports the FCM4 family, including:
- AGSE – 4.8TB FCM4
- AGSF – 9.6TB FCM4
- AGSG – 19.2TB FCM4
- AGSH – 38.4TB FCM4
FlashSystem 5300 represents a newer 4662-family platform and supports FCM4 as its principal FlashCore generation. Administrators should always verify the exact machine type/model and IBM Storage Virtualize level before moving modules between systems or purchasing replacement hardware.
AGSH Part Numbers: 03LG019 and 03NK829
IBM storage hardware can be identified by several different identifiers, and these should not be confused when sourcing replacement FlashSystem components.
- AGSH – IBM configuration feature code identifying the 38.4TB FCM4 within the applicable 4662 machine family.
- 4662-AGSH – machine-type plus feature-code ordering identifier used in applicable configurations.
- 03LG019 – IBM-documented service FRU for the 38.4 TBu 2.5-inch FCM4.
- 03NK829 – associated 38.4TB FCM4 hardware part number found within the FCM4 hardware family.
A feature code and FRU are therefore related identifiers but are not the same thing. Before replacing an AGSH, verify the FlashSystem machine type/model, existing feature code, installed FRU, module generation, capacity, firmware and RAID configuration.
Other FCM4 Drive Options
IBM offers four principal FCM4 capacity points. For the 4662-family FlashSystem configurations using AGS feature codes, these are:
AGSE – 4.8TB FCM4
- Feature Code: AGSE
- Capacity: 4.8TB usable
- Maximum Effective Capacity: Approximately 21.99TB
- IBM Service FRU: 03JK992
- Associated Part Number: 03NK832
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 NVMe
AGSF – 9.6TB FCM4
- Feature Code: AGSF
- Capacity: 9.6TB usable
- Maximum Effective Capacity: Approximately 28.8TB
- IBM Service FRU: 03LG001
- Associated Part Numbers: 03NK831, 03LG002 and 03JN354 are associated with this FCM4 capacity family
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 NVMe
See the related IBM AGSF / ADSF 9.6TB FCM4 hardware information.
AGSG – 19.2TB FCM4
- Feature Code: AGSG
- Capacity: 19.2TB usable
- Maximum Effective Capacity: Approximately 57.6TB
- IBM Service FRU: 03LG010
- Associated Part Number: 03NK830
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 NVMe
AGSH – 38.4TB FCM4
- Feature Code: AGSH
- Capacity: 38.4TB usable
- Maximum Effective Capacity: Approximately 115.2TB
- IBM Service FRU: 03LG019
- Associated Part Number: 03NK829
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 NVMe
FCM4 Capacity and Performance Comparison
- AGSE 4.8TB: approximately 2,200 MB/s read, 750 MB/s write and 200K 16K read IOPS
- AGSF 9.6TB: approximately 2,200 MB/s read, 750 MB/s write and 200K 16K read IOPS
- AGSG 19.2TB: approximately 3,500 MB/s read, 1,500 MB/s write and 200K 16K read IOPS
- AGSH 38.4TB: approximately 3,500 MB/s read, 1,500 MB/s write and 200K 16K read IOPS
The AGSG and AGSH therefore provide not only greater capacity but also greater published sequential bandwidth than the smaller FCM4 capacity points.
Other NVMe SSD Options for FlashSystem 5200
FlashSystem 5200 is not limited to FlashCore Modules. IBM also supports industry-standard NVMe SSDs. These drives provide enterprise NVMe performance, hardware-based encryption and T10-DIF protection but do not provide the internal hardware compression or FCM4 computational-storage functionality available with IBM FlashCore Modules.
- AGT1 – 800GB NVMe SSD
- AGT2 – 1.92TB NVMe SSD
- AGT3 – 3.84TB NVMe SSD
- AGT4 – 7.68TB NVMe SSD
- AGT5 – 15.36TB NVMe SSD
- AGT6 – 30.72TB NVMe SSD
IBM's current documentation continues to identify 800GB through 30.72TB industry-standard NVMe capacities for the FlashSystem 5200 installed base. Availability and orderability can differ according to machine type, hardware generation and lifecycle status.
Earlier FlashCore Modules Supported by FlashSystem 5200
Existing FlashSystem 5200 environments can also contain earlier FlashCore Module generations. These are particularly important when sourcing replacement hardware for installed systems.
FlashCore Module 2
- AGS5 – 4.8TB FCM2 – service FRU family includes 02YC416
- AGS6 – 9.6TB FCM2 – service FRU family includes 02YC417
- AGS7 – 19.2TB FCM2 – service FRU family includes 02YC418
- AGS8 – 38.4TB FCM2 – 02YC419 / 03GH472
FlashCore Module 3
- AGSA – 4.8TB FCM3 – service part family includes 03JK076 / 03JK162
- AGSB – 9.6TB FCM3 – service part family includes 03JK077 / 03JK163
- AGSC – 19.2TB FCM3 – service part family includes 03JK078 / 03JK164
- AGSD – 38.4TB FCM3 – 03JK079 / 03JK165
FCM2, FCM3 and FCM4 should not automatically be treated as interchangeable replacements. Compatibility depends on the FlashSystem machine type, Storage Virtualize software level, FCM firmware, RAID configuration and IBM-supported replacement rules.
AGSH vs. AGSD 38.4TB FCM3
AGSH replaces the third-generation AGSD capacity point with fourth-generation FlashCore technology. Both provide 38.4TB of usable module capacity and can provide up to approximately 115.2TB of effective capacity, but FCM4 adds important architectural capabilities.
- AGSD: 38.4TB FCM3
- AGSH: 38.4TB FCM4
- PCIe: Both high-capacity modules use PCIe Gen4
- Hardware Compression: Both supported
- Self-Encryption: Both supported
- T10-DIF: Both supported
- Computational Storage: FCM4 adds computational-storage capabilities
- FCM-Assisted Ransomware Detection: Available with AGSH in qualifying all-FCM4 arrays and supported software
See the IBM AGSD 38.4TB FlashCore Module 3 for additional information about the previous-generation option.
AGSH vs. AGS8 38.4TB FCM2
The earlier IBM AGS8 provides the same 38.4TB physical capacity but uses second-generation FlashCore technology.
- AGS8: 38.4TB FCM2 / up to approximately 87.96TB effective
- AGSH: 38.4TB FCM4 / up to approximately 115.2TB effective
At IBM's published maximum effective-capacity figures, the FCM4 generation increases the 38.4TB module's maximum logical/effective capacity from approximately 87.96TB to 115.2TB. FCM4 also provides PCIe Gen4 connectivity and computational-storage capabilities that are not present in FCM2.
AGSH Does Not Install in FlashSystem SAS Expansion Enclosures
The AGSH is an internal NVMe FlashCore Module. It installs in an NVMe drive position in the supported FlashSystem control enclosure.
It should not be confused with the SAS SSD and HDD options installed in FlashSystem expansion enclosures.
FlashSystem 5200 supports the following external SAS expansion models:
- 4662-12G – 2U12 SAS expansion enclosure
- 4662-24G – 2U24 SAS expansion enclosure
- 4662-92G – 5U92 high-density SAS expansion enclosure
These expansion enclosures use supported SAS-attached drives rather than AGSH or other NVMe FlashCore Modules.
FlashSystem 5200 SAS Flash Drive Options
Depending on expansion-enclosure type and system configuration, IBM FlashSystem 5200 supports SAS flash capacities including:
- AL8A – 800GB 3 DWPD SAS flash
- AL80 – 1.92TB SAS flash
- AL81 – 3.84TB SAS flash
- AL82 – 7.68TB SAS flash
- AL83 – 15.36TB SAS flash
- AL84 – 30.72TB SAS flash
For applicable large-form-factor expansion configurations, corresponding SAS flash options include AL4J through AL4N.
These SAS drives provide expansion capacity but should not be described as equivalent to the AGSH. The AGSH uses the internal NVMe architecture and provides IBM FlashCore hardware compression and FCM4 computational-storage capabilities.
Choosing Between FlashCore Modules and Industry-Standard NVMe
Industry-standard NVMe SSDs can be appropriate when raw flash capacity and conventional enterprise NVMe performance are the primary requirements. IBM FlashCore Modules provide additional functionality within the storage module itself.
The AGSH adds:
- IBM FlashCore architecture
- Hardware-based inline compression
- Up to 115.2TB published effective capacity from a 38.4TB module
- Self-encryption
- T10-DIF protection
- Intelligent flash management
- PCIe Gen4 connectivity
- Computational-storage capabilities
- FCM-assisted ransomware threat detection with qualifying configurations
IBM Feature Code vs. IBM Part Number
When purchasing IBM FlashSystem hardware, it is important to distinguish between a feature code and a service part or FRU number.
AGSH identifies the configurable 38.4TB FCM4 option within the applicable FlashSystem machine family. 03LG019 identifies an IBM service FRU for the physical 38.4TB FlashCore Module 4.
Multiple IBM part numbers can exist during a product's lifecycle because of manufacturing revisions, supply-chain changes and service replacement programs. A matching capacity alone is therefore not sufficient to establish compatibility.
How to Verify the Correct AGSH Replacement
Before purchasing or installing an AGSH or replacement 38.4TB FCM4, verify:
- FlashSystem machine type and model
- IBM feature code
- FRU number printed on the installed module
- 38.4TB capacity
- FlashCore generation
- FCM firmware level
- IBM Storage Virtualize software level
- Existing RAID or Distributed RAID configuration
- Capacity and generation of the other modules in the target array
- Whether FCM4 computational-storage functionality is required
This is especially important when replacing an FCM in an existing production array. Two IBM drives can have the same 38.4TB capacity and NVMe interface while belonging to different FlashCore generations and feature-code families.
IBM AGSH Frequently Asked Questions
What is IBM feature code AGSH?
AGSH identifies a 38.4TB NVMe FlashCore Module 4 configuration feature used by supported IBM FlashSystem 4662-family systems.
What is the IBM FRU for AGSH?
IBM's current FlashSystem service documentation identifies 03LG019 as the 38.4 TBu 2.5-inch FlashCore Module 4 service FRU. The 03NK829 identifier is also associated with the 38.4TB FCM4 hardware family. Verify the installed FRU and exact machine type before ordering replacement hardware.
How much capacity does AGSH provide?
AGSH provides 38.4TB of usable FlashCore capacity. IBM publishes a maximum logical/effective capacity of approximately 115.2TB for the 38.4TB FCM4 when the workload achieves the applicable data-reduction ratio.
What interface does AGSH use?
AGSH uses the NVMe protocol and a PCIe Gen4 interface. Unlike FCM3, where interface generation varied by capacity point, all FCM4 capacities use PCIe Gen4.
How fast is the 38.4TB FCM4?
IBM publishes approximately 3,500 MB/s maximum read bandwidth, 1,500 MB/s maximum write bandwidth and approximately 200,000 16K read IOPS for the X-Large 38.4TB FCM4. These are module-level specifications rather than complete FlashSystem performance figures.
Does AGSH support ransomware detection?
FCM4 supports computational-storage assists for real-time ransomware threat detection. IBM requires the RAID array to consist entirely of FCM4 drives and to be created at Storage Virtualize 8.6.2 or later to use this FCM4-specific capability.
Is AGSH supported in FlashSystem 5200?
Yes. IBM's FlashSystem 5200 Product Guide explicitly lists AGSH as the 38.4TB NVMe FlashCore Module 4 feature for the supported 4662 platform.
Is AGSH supported in FlashSystem 5300?
Yes. IBM FlashSystem 5300 4662-7H2 supports the AGSE, AGSF, AGSG and AGSH FCM4 capacity family.
Can AGSH be installed in a 4662-24G expansion enclosure?
No. AGSH is an NVMe FlashCore Module installed in a supported control enclosure. The 4662-12G, 4662-24G and 4662-92G are SAS expansion enclosures and use supported SAS-attached drives.
What is the difference between AGSH and AGSD?
Both are 38.4TB FlashCore Modules, but AGSD is FCM3 and AGSH is FCM4. FCM4 adds computational-storage functionality and ransomware threat-detection assistance while retaining PCIe Gen4, hardware compression, self-encryption and T10-DIF capabilities.
What is the difference between AGSH and AGS8?
AGS8 is the earlier 38.4TB FCM2 feature. IBM publishes up to approximately 87.96TB effective capacity for the 38.4TB FCM2 compared with up to 115.2TB for the 38.4TB FCM4. AGSH also adds PCIe Gen4 across the FCM4 family and computational-storage capabilities.
IBM AGSH 38.4TB FCM4 Summary
IBM AGSH is the 38.4TB X-Large FlashCore Module 4 option for supported IBM FlashSystem 4662-family storage systems. The module combines 38.4TB of usable NVMe flash capacity with up to approximately 115.2TB of published effective capacity, PCIe Gen4 connectivity, hardware-accelerated compression, self-encryption, T10-DIF data protection and FCM4 computational-storage capabilities.
IBM publishes module-level performance of approximately 3.5GB/s read bandwidth, 1.5GB/s write bandwidth and 200,000 16K read IOPS for the 38.4TB FCM4 capacity point.
For replacement and upgrade planning, administrators should distinguish the AGSH feature code from the physical 03LG019 service FRU and other associated FCM4 hardware identifiers. Compatibility should always be verified against the exact FlashSystem machine type, Storage Virtualize software level, FCM firmware and existing array configuration.
See additional IBM FlashSystem systems, upgrades and replacement parts.
