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for IBM Power 11

IBM Power11 NVMe U.2 SSDs for IBM i

These are high-speed flash drives for the latest IBM Power11 servers. They run on IBM i (the modern name for iSeries and AS/400).

Each drive uses the 2.5-inch U.2 form factor. Capacities range from 800 GB up to 15.3 TB. They connect directly with PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 for very fast data access.

Power11 systems use these NVMe drives for internal storage. You can also add more space with the NED24 NVMe Expansion Drawer. Traditional SAS drives are only for external use.

IBM Power11 server with NVMe storage bays

Key Features of Power11 NVMe Disk Drives

  • Direct-attach NVMe U.2 drives with PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 speed
  • Capacities from 800 GB to 15.3 TB or more
  • Very low delay (under 100 microseconds) and high IOPS
  • Enterprise endurance: 1 to 5+ Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD) over 5 years
  • Power-loss protection to keep data safe
  • Works natively with IBM i 7.4 and later
  • Hot-plug design for easy swaps without shutting down
  • Encryption options and end-to-end data protection
  • Expand with the NED24 drawer for up to 24 more bays

Why Use NVMe on Power11 Systems

NVMe flash is the main internal storage on Power11. It gives better speed than older SAS drives.

  • Faster response for databases and real-time IBM i apps
  • Higher capacity in a small space
  • Lower power use and less heat
  • Native IBM i support with mirroring and hot-spare options
  • No need for separate SAS controllers inside the server

Common Drive Options

Specs vary by model and feature code. Here are popular examples for IBM i:

Feature Code Capacity Interface Endurance Best For
ES3A / EKF2   800 GB   PCIe Gen4 NVMe U.2   1–5 DWPD   Load source and mixed use
ES3C / EKF4   1.6 TB   PCIe Gen4 NVMe U.2   1–5 DWPD   High performance
ES3E   3.2 TB   PCIe Gen4 NVMe U.2   1–5 DWPD   Balanced capacity and speed
ES3G   6.4 TB   PCIe Gen4 NVMe U.2   1-5 DWPD   Larger capacity needs
ECTB   15.3 TB   PCIe Gen4 NVMe U.2   ~1 DWPD   High-density storage

All drives are 2.5-inch U.2 (15 mm height). Sector format is usually 4K with options for IBM i. Typical power use is 10–25 watts per drive.

Compatibility

These NVMe U.2 drives work with IBM Power11 systems running IBM i.

Internal SAS drives are not used on Power11 base systems. Use external EXP24SX drawers if you still need SAS storage.

NVMe vs SAS on Power11

Feature NVMe U.2 (Internal) SAS (External Only)
Speed / Latency     Very fast (under 100 μs)     Slower
Capacity     Up to 15.3 TB+ per drive     Limited by drawer
Best Use     Databases, real-time apps, high IOPS     Legacy or hybrid needs
Power and Heat     Lower     Higher

Data Tech Computer is an IBM Business Partner. We help match the right NVMe drives to your Power11 system for performance and cost. All drives include a 60-day warranty and support IBM maintenance.

Browse the product listings below for current availability and pricing on IBM Power11 NVMe U.2 SSDs.