IBM AHSH 38.4TB FlashCore Module 4 for IBM FlashSystem

IBM AHSH is the 38.4 TB NVMe FlashCore Module 4 feature for the IBM FlashSystem 9500. It provides hardware compression, encryption capabilities and FCM4 computational storage functions in a 2.5-inch module. Use it for a supported capacity expansion or replacement after confirming your machine type, installed drive generation and IBM Storage Virtualize level.

The corresponding 38.4 TB FCM4 feature is ADSH for the FlashSystem 7300 and AGSH for the FlashSystem 5200 and FlashSystem 5300. These are platform-specific ordering codes. Select the code for your enclosure rather than assuming that AHSH is the ordering feature for every supported FlashSystem.

Request an AHSH quote and compatibility review.

IBM AHSH 38.4 TB FCM4 specifications

Supported IBM FlashSystem models and ordering features

The following configurations are documented by IBM announcements and sales manuals. The table identifies the appropriate 38.4 TB FCM4 feature for each family. Compatibility remains subject to the supported software, firmware and array configuration.

Smaller FCM4 alternatives and equivalent feature codes

IBM documents four capacities in this FCM4 range. Choose the capacity and the feature code together. A smaller module is an alternative for an appropriately designed array; it is not automatically an acceptable replacement for a failed 38.4 TB member.

Associated part numbers and service FRUs

Capacity, compression and FCM4 functionality

The 38.4 TB figure is the module's usable capacity rating, not the final capacity available to applications after RAID and system overhead. IBM's technical specification table distinguishes 46 TB of raw flash, 38.4 TB usable and 115.2 TB effective at an assumed 3:1 compression ratio. Effective capacity depends on the data; already compressed or encrypted workloads may deliver much less reduction. Do not size a purchase on an assumed compression ratio alone.

FCM4 adds computational storage capabilities that assist ransomware threat detection. An all-FCM4 RAID array and the appropriate software level are required for the enhanced functions. IBM's Redbooks identify IBM Storage Virtualize 8.6.3 as the minimum level for the described FCM4 ransomware features; check the currently supported release and drive firmware for your machine rather than treating that historical minimum as an upgrade recommendation.

Where IBM permits FCM3 and FCM4 in the same array, the FCM4 operates with FCM3 functionality. Adding one new module does not enable the enhanced FCM4 detection functions for that mixed array. Detection also needs an operational response and recovery plan; it is not a substitute for protected backups.

Can I replace an FCM3 with an FCM4?

IBM documents FCM4 replacement and expansion options for supported FCM3 configurations. The replacement must meet the enclosure, capacity, software and array requirements. A mixed-generation array retains FCM3-level functionality. IBM announcement AD24-0141: FCM3 replacement features.

What should I send for an AHSH quotation?

Send the enclosure machine type and model, the installed drive label, requested quantity, software level and whether the request is a failed-drive replacement, array expansion or new array. Include the capacity required after protection and your service requirements.

Contact Midland Information Systems to confirm the correct AHSH module and request a quote.