IBM FlashSystem 7200 4664-824 NVMe Control Enclosure

The IBM FlashSystem 7200 FS7200 4664-824 is a 2U enterprise NVMe storage control enclosure built around IBM FlashCore technology and IBM Storage Virtualize. It combines high-performance internal NVMe storage with advanced data services, highly available active-active controllers and the ability to attach SAS expansion enclosures for additional flash and hard-disk capacity. The IBM FS7200 4664-824 contains 24 front-accessible NVMe drive positions, two redundant node canisters and two redundant power supplies. The IBM FlashSystems internal drive positions support IBM FlashCore Modules, industry-standard enterprise NVMe SSDs and supported Storage Class Memory devices. For environments requiring more capacity or multiple storage tiers, the IBM FlashSystem 4664-824 can attach 2U12, 2U24 and 5U92 SAS expansion enclosures. This allows an IBM FlashSystem 7200 to combine high-performance NVMe storage in the control enclosure with SAS SSDs, 10K SAS HDDs and high-capacity Nearline SAS HDDs in external expansion enclosures.

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IBM FlashSystem 7200 4664-824 Specifications

IBM FlashSystem 7200 Capabilities

The 4664-824 is much more than a flash-drive enclosure. IBM Storage Virtualize provides enterprise data-management and resiliency functions across the internal NVMe media, attached SAS expansion storage and supported externally virtualized storage.

Major capabilities include:

• End-to-end NVMe internal storage for demanding enterprise workloads.
• IBM FlashCore Module technology with hardware-based inline compression.
• Self-encrypting FlashCore Modules.
• T10-DIF data-integrity protection.
• Industry-standard enterprise NVMe SSD support.
• Storage Class Memory support for extremely low-latency workloads.
• Active-active node architecture for continuous access to volumes.
• Distributed RAID 5 and Distributed RAID 6.
• Traditional RAID options where supported by the media type.
• Thin provisioning.
• Data reduction pools.
• Deduplication and compression.
• IBM Easy Tier automatic storage tiering.
• FlashCopy snapshots and cloning.
• Remote replication.
• HyperSwap high-availability configurations.
• External storage virtualization.
• IBM Storage Insights integration.
• REST API and automation integration.
• Ansible integration.
• VMware integration.
• Container Storage Interface integration.

Related IBM FlashSystem 7200 Models

The 4664-824 belongs to the same FlashSystem 7200 architecture as the original 2076 machine-type systems.

The principal difference relevant to drive and expansion compatibility is the IBM machine-type and ordering context. The 2076 and 4664 systems share the FlashSystem 7200 architecture, while specific feature codes, software requirements and orderability can depend on the machine generation and installed Storage Virtualize level.

IBM FlashSystem 7200 Internal NVMe Storage

The 4664-824 provides 24 internal NVMe positions. IBM documents three principal storage classes for the FlashSystem 7200 architecture:

• IBM FlashCore Modules
• Industry-standard NVMe SSDs
• NVMe Storage Class Memory

These internal NVMe devices must not be confused with the SAS drives used in FlashSystem 7200 expansion enclosures.

IBM FlashCore Module 2 Options for 4664-824

IBM's FlashSystem 7200 Product Guide identifies the second-generation FlashCore Module options using the ADS5, ADS6, ADS7 and ADS8 feature-code family.

ADS5, ADS6, ADS7 and ADS8 FlashCore Capacity

IBM service documentation identifies the FCM2 service parts as follows:

IBM's effective-capacity figures are data-reduction references and should not be interpreted as guaranteed physical or RAID-usable capacity. Actual effective capacity depends on the compressibility and characteristics of the stored data.

IBM FlashCore Module Advantages

IBM FlashCore Modules are purpose-designed enterprise NVMe storage devices rather than conventional NVMe SSDs. FCM2 uses a PCIe Gen 3 U.2 interface and combines high-speed NAND storage with IBM flash-management technology.

Major FlashCore capabilities include:

• NVMe protocol
• PCIe Gen 3 U.2 interface
• 2.5-inch 15 mm form factor
• Hardware-based inline compression
• Self-encryption
• T10-DIF protection
• High throughput
• High IOPS
• Consistent low latency
• IBM flash-management technology

FlashCore Module RAID Requirements

IBM documents the following configuration rules for FlashCore Modules in FlashSystem 7200:

• A FlashCore Module array requires a minimum of six FCMs.
• Distributed RAID 6 is recommended.
• Distributed RAID 5 is supported.
• FlashCore Modules within the same RAID array must use the same capacity.

FlashSystem 7200 Industry-Standard NVMe SSD Options

IBM's original FlashSystem 7200 ordering documentation identifies the following machine-specific industry-standard NVMe features:

Current IBM FlashSystem 7200 hardware documentation continues to list industry-standard NVMe SSD support at 1.92TB, 3.84TB, 7.68TB and 15.36TB. The earlier 800GB ADT1 option remains relevant when identifying installed and replacement hardware in existing FlashSystem 7200 systems.

Industry-standard NVMe drives do not provide the internal hardware compression of IBM FlashCore Modules.

IBM FlashSystem 7200 Storage Class Memory Options

Storage Class Memory provides a very low-latency storage tier for workloads that favor response time over maximum capacity.

IBM originally supported up to 12 SCM drives in the FlashSystem 7200 control enclosure. Storage Class Memory drives should be installed according to IBM's slot-population and RAID requirements.

Internal NVMe Feature-Code Summary

ADS Feature Codes Across Related FlashSystem Models

The same FCM2 capacity can have a different IBM ordering feature code on another FlashSystem machine family. The feature code therefore identifies the machine/configuration context rather than a universally unique physical drive.

When sourcing a replacement FCM, verify the machine type, machine-specific feature, physical FRU, firmware and IBM Storage Virtualize level instead of relying only on the feature-code prefix.

Supported FlashSystem 7200 Expansion Enclosures

The 4664-824 can expand beyond its 24 internal NVMe positions by attaching SAS-based expansion enclosures.

FlashSystem 7200 Expansion Scalability

IBM defines each SAS expansion chain using a maximum of 20U of expansion-enclosure rack space.

• A standard-density 12-drive or 24-drive enclosure consumes 2U.
• A high-density 92-drive enclosure consumes 5U.
• With no 5U enclosure in a chain, up to ten 2U expansion enclosures can be used.
• With one 5U enclosure, up to seven 2U enclosures can be used.
• With two 5U enclosures, up to five 2U enclosures can be used.
• With three 5U enclosures, up to two 2U enclosures can be used.
• A chain can contain up to four 5U expansion enclosures with no 2U enclosures.

Important: FlashCore Modules Do Not Install in Expansion Enclosures

ADS5, ADS6, ADS7 and ADS8 are internal NVMe FlashCore Module features. They install in the 24 NVMe positions of the 4664-824 control enclosure.

The 12F, 24F and 92F expansion enclosures are SAS-attached expansion systems. They use SAS HDDs and SAS SSDs rather than NVMe FlashCore Modules.

4664-24F and 2076-24F 2U24 SFF Drive Support

The 2U24 expansion enclosure provides 24 2.5-inch SAS drive bays. IBM's current FlashSystem 7200 hardware documentation supports:

• 900GB, 1.2TB, 1.8TB and 2.4TB 10K SAS HDDs
• 2TB 7.2K Nearline SAS HDD
• 400GB and 800GB SAS flash
• 1.92TB, 3.84TB, 7.68TB, 15.36TB and 30.72TB SAS flash

2U24 SAS HDD Feature Codes and Parts

2U24 SAS Flash Feature Codes and Parts

IBM has used more than one SAS flash generation during the lifecycle of the FlashSystem 7200. For replacement work, match the installed feature, physical FRU, carrier and firmware rather than substituting a drive based on capacity alone.

4664-12F and 2076-12F 2U12 LFF Drive Support

The 2U12 expansion enclosure provides twelve 3.5-inch LFF SAS positions. IBM currently documents support for:

• 900GB, 1.2TB, 1.8TB and 2.4TB 10K SAS HDDs
• 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 10TB, 12TB, 14TB, 16TB and 18TB 7.2K Nearline SAS HDDs

Original FlashSystem 7200 LFF Nearline Feature Codes

IBM's current hardware guide additionally documents 16TB and 18TB Nearline SAS support in the 2U12 expansion class. Because these capacities entered the supported-drive matrix after the original 7200 Product Guide feature table, the ordering feature and service FRU should be verified against the exact installed enclosure and drive generation.

2U12 10K SAS HDD Support

IBM's current FlashSystem 7200 expansion matrix also supports 900GB, 1.2TB, 1.8TB and 2.4TB 10K SAS drives in the 2U12 enclosure. These use LFF carriers, so the service assembly differs from the SFF drives used in the 24F enclosure.

4664-92F and 2076-92F High-Density Expansion

The 5U92 expansion enclosure provides up to 92 SAS drive positions for high-density FlashSystem configurations.

IBM currently documents support for:

• 1.2TB, 1.8TB and 2.4TB 10K SAS HDDs
• 6TB, 8TB, 10TB, 12TB, 14TB, 16TB and 18TB Nearline SAS HDDs
• 1.6TB SAS flash
• 1.92TB SAS flash
• 3.84TB SAS flash
• 7.68TB SAS flash
• 15.36TB SAS flash
• 30.72TB SAS flash

5U92 HDD Feature Codes and IBM Service Parts

5U92 SAS Flash Feature Codes and IBM Parts

FlashSystem 7200 Drive Compatibility Summary

Internal NVMe vs. SAS Expansion Storage

Host Connectivity Options

The FlashSystem 7200 supports several host and replication connectivity choices depending on the installed adapters and Storage Virtualize software level.

• 16 Gb Fibre Channel
• 32 Gb Fibre Channel
• FC-NVMe
• 25 Gb Ethernet
• 10 Gb Ethernet
• iSCSI
• RoCE
• iWARP
• NVMe/TCP at supported software levels
• 12 Gb SAS for expansion attachment

IBM documents up to three supported host-network adapters per node canister depending on adapter type and system configuration.

Highly Available Active-Active Architecture

The 4664-824 includes two node canisters that form a redundant I/O group. Volumes are served through both node canisters, allowing continued access if one canister fails or is taken offline for supported maintenance operations.

Each node canister incorporates processor resources, memory, battery protection and network adapters. Redundant power supplies and battery-backed cache protection further contribute to system availability.

IBM Storage Virtualize

IBM Storage Virtualize provides the software-defined storage layer used by FlashSystem 7200.

Functions include:

• Logical volume virtualization
• Storage pools
• Thin provisioning
• Data reduction
• Deduplication
• Compression
• Easy Tier
• FlashCopy
• Remote replication
• HyperSwap
• Distributed RAID
• External storage virtualization
• Automation through REST APIs
• Ansible support
• VMware integration
• IBM Storage Insights integration

Typical FlashSystem 7200 Workloads

The 4664-824 is designed for mixed enterprise workloads requiring high availability, low latency and advanced storage services.

• IBM i and Db2 for i
• AIX enterprise applications
• Linux on IBM Power
• Oracle Database
• Microsoft SQL Server
• SAP
• ERP systems
• VMware virtualization
• Microsoft Hyper-V
• High-transaction databases
• Enterprise application consolidation
• Storage consolidation
• Analytics workloads
• Business continuity
• Disaster recovery
• Development and test environments

Selecting Replacement Drives for a 4664-824

IBM feature codes and physical service part numbers serve different purposes. Before sourcing any FlashSystem 7200 replacement drive, verify:

• Machine type/model – such as 4664-824.
• Control enclosure or expansion enclosure model.
• IBM feature code.
• Installed IBM FRU or service part number.
• Drive interface – NVMe or SAS.
• Drive technology – FCM, NVMe SSD, SCM, SAS SSD or SAS HDD.
• Capacity.
• FlashCore generation where applicable.
• Firmware level.
• IBM Storage Virtualize level.
• RAID / Distributed RAID configuration.
• Existing drives in the same array.

Do not assume that two IBM feature codes with the same capacity represent universally interchangeable ordering features. Likewise, do not assume that every service FRU associated with a capacity is valid for every FlashSystem machine type.

Related IBM FlashSystem Products and Parts

• IBM FlashSystem 7200 Systems, Upgrades and Parts
• IBM 02YC416 4.8TB NVMe FlashCore Module
• IBM 02YC417 9.6TB NVMe FlashCore Module
• IBM 02YC419 38.4TB NVMe FlashCore Module
• IBM 01YM587 3.84TB NVMe Flash Drive
• IBM 01YM588 7.68TB NVMe Flash Drive
• IBM 02PX539 2.4TB 10K SAS SFF HDD
• IBM 02PX540 800GB 3 DWPD SAS Flash Drive
• IBM 02PX541 1.92TB SAS Flash Drive
• IBM 02PX542 3.84TB SAS Flash Drive
• IBM 02PX543 7.68TB SAS Flash Drive
• IBM 02PX544 15.36TB SAS Flash Drive
• IBM 02PX475 30.72TB SAS Flash Drive
• IBM FlashSystem Systems, FlashCore Modules, Drives and Upgrades

IBM FlashSystem 7200 4664-824 Frequently Asked Questions

What is IBM FlashSystem 7200 4664-824?

The IBM 4664-824 is a 2U FlashSystem 7200 NVMe control enclosure with 24 internal NVMe positions, two active-active node canisters, IBM Storage Virtualize software and support for SAS expansion enclosures.

How many internal drives can the 4664-824 hold?

The control enclosure provides 24 internal 2.5-inch NVMe-capable drive positions.

What FlashCore Modules are supported?

The FCM2 family includes ADS5 4.8TB, ADS6 9.6TB, ADS7 19.2TB and ADS8 38.4TB.

What IBM part number is associated with ADS8?

IBM documents 02YC419 as a 38.4TB usable / 87.96TB effective FCM2. IBM FlashCore firmware documentation also identifies 03GH472 as a 38.4TB FCM2 part number.

What part number is associated with ADS7?

The primary IBM-documented service FRU for the 19.2TB FCM2 is 02YC418. IBM firmware documentation also identifies 03GH471 in the 19.2TB FCM2 family.

What part number is associated with ADS6?

The primary service FRU is 02YC417, with 03GH470 also documented in IBM FCM2 firmware information.

What part number is associated with ADS5?

The primary service FRU is 02YC416, with 03GH469 also documented in the FCM2 hardware family.

Does 4664-824 support industry-standard NVMe SSDs?

Yes. The FlashSystem 7200 architecture supports enterprise NVMe SSDs in addition to IBM FlashCore Modules.

What NVMe SSD feature codes are used?

The original FlashSystem 7200 ordering features are ADT1 800GB, ADT2 1.92TB, ADT3 3.84TB, ADT4 7.68TB and ADT5 15.36TB.

Does the 4664-824 support Storage Class Memory?

Yes. IBM FlashSystem 7200 supports 375GB, 750GB, 800GB and 1.6TB SCM devices in the control enclosure.

Which expansion enclosures are supported?

IBM currently documents 4664-12F, 4664-24F and 4664-92F expansion enclosures for the 4664 FlashSystem 7200 family. IBM also lists 2076-12F, 2076-24F and 2076-92F in the same FlashSystem 7200 supported-expansion matrix.

Can ADS8 or another FlashCore Module be installed in the 4664-24F?

No. FlashCore Modules are internal NVMe devices for the control enclosure. The 4664-24F is a SAS expansion enclosure and accepts supported SAS media.

What drives are supported in the 4664-24F?

The 2U24 expansion class supports 900GB, 1.2TB, 1.8TB and 2.4TB 10K SAS HDDs, a 2TB Nearline SAS HDD and SAS flash capacities ranging from 400GB through 30.72TB.

What drives are supported in the 4664-12F?

The 2U12 expansion class supports 900GB through 2.4TB 10K SAS drives and 4TB through 18TB Nearline SAS capacities according to the current IBM support matrix.

What drives are supported in the 4664-92F?

The 5U92 expansion supports 1.2TB through 2.4TB 10K SAS, 6TB through 18TB Nearline SAS and SAS flash capacities including 1.6TB, 1.92TB, 3.84TB, 7.68TB, 15.36TB and 30.72TB.

Can SAS HDDs be installed in the 4664-824 control enclosure?

No. The 4664-824's 24 front drive positions are NVMe positions. SAS HDD and SAS SSD capacity is provided through supported external expansion enclosures.

What is the difference between 4664-824 and 2076-824?

Both belong to the IBM FlashSystem 7200 architecture. IBM currently lists the 2076-824 with a minimum Storage Virtualize level of 8.3.2 and the 4664-824 with a minimum level of 8.4.2. The machine type also determines the relevant IBM ordering and service context.

Does FlashSystem 7200 support FC-NVMe?

Yes. IBM supports FC-NVMe using compatible Fibre Channel adapters and Storage Virtualize levels.

Can FlashSystem 7200 virtualize external storage?

Yes. IBM Storage Virtualize can present supported externally virtualized storage through the FlashSystem 7200 data-services layer.

What RAID is recommended for FlashCore Modules?

IBM recommends Distributed RAID 6 for FCM arrays. Distributed RAID 5 is also supported, and FCMs within an array must use the same capacity.

What workloads are suitable for FlashSystem 7200?

Typical workloads include IBM i, AIX, Linux on Power, Oracle, SQL Server, SAP, ERP, VMware, Hyper-V, transactional databases, analytics and enterprise application consolidation.

IBM FlashSystem 7200 4664-824 Summary

The IBM FlashSystem 7200 4664-824 is a 2U enterprise storage platform that combines 24 internal NVMe positions, IBM FlashCore technology, industry-standard NVMe SSD support, Storage Class Memory and IBM Storage Virtualize software with highly scalable SAS expansion.

The primary second-generation FlashCore options are ADS5 4.8TB / 02YC416, ADS6 9.6TB / 02YC417, ADS7 19.2TB / 02YC418 and ADS8 38.4TB / 02YC419. The control enclosure also supports industry-standard NVMe SSDs and supported SCM devices.

Additional storage can be provided through 4664-12F, 4664-24F and 4664-92F SAS expansion enclosures, as well as the supported 2076-F expansion family. The 24F supports SFF SAS flash and HDDs, the 12F provides LFF disk capacity and the 92F provides high-density SAS flash and HDD storage.

IBM FlashCore Modules install only in the NVMe control enclosure. They should not be confused with the SAS flash drives installed in expansion enclosures.

Before purchasing a replacement or upgrade, verify the 4664-824 machine type/model, IBM feature code, physical FRU, drive generation, interface, capacity, firmware, Storage Virtualize level and current array configuration.

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