IBM RAID Cards for Power Systems

IBM RAID cards for Power Systems deliver reliable, high-performance storage control with advanced RAID levels and caching for enhanced data protection and availability. These PCIe-based SAS RAID adapters are designed specifically for IBM Power servers, supporting RAID 0, 5, 6, 10, and additional configurations like RAID 5T2/6T2/10T2 for tiered storage and high-availability mirroring in enterprise environments.

Featuring options with integrated cache (write cache for improved write performance), hot-swap support, and compatibility across Power8, Power9, and Power10 generations, these adapters enable robust internal and external SAS/SATA disk connectivity. They provide system-level mirroring, dual-controller high availability (HA) in select models, and seamless integration with AIX, IBM i, and Linux operating systems.

Common models include PCIe3 x8 SAS RAID adapters (e.g., FC EJ1G/EL67 CCIN 57DC for cached RAID) and quad-port variants (e.g., FC EJ0J/EL59 CCIN 57B4), offering 6 Gb/s SAS performance. These cards are ideal for mission-critical workloads requiring data integrity, performance optimization, and flexible storage expansion in Power Systems servers.

IBM RAID cards for Power Systems are backed by a 60-day warranty, ensuring quality and dependable operation.

Key Features

Support for RAID levels 0, 5, 6, 10, and advanced variants (5T2, 6T2, 10T2).
Integrated write cache (on select models) for improved write performance.
High-availability (HA) mirroring and dual-controller support in compatible configurations.
PCIe Gen3 x8 interface with 6 Gb/s SAS connectivity.
Blind-swap capable for minimal downtime during maintenance.
Backward compatibility with SAS/SATA HDDs and SSDs.
Optimized for IBM Power Systems running AIX, IBM i, or Linux.
Hot-swap and redundant power support in system integration.

Specifications

Attribute	Specification
Interface	PCIe Gen3 x8
SAS Ports	Typically 4–8 internal/external ports (model-dependent)
RAID Levels Supported	0, 5, 6, 10, 5T2, 6T2, 10T2, mirroring
Cache	Optional write cache (e.g., 512 MB–2 GB on cached models)
Data Transfer Rate	6 Gb/s SAS (per port)
Supported Systems	IBM Power8, Power9, Power10 servers (specific FC compatibility required)
Operating Systems	AIX, IBM i, Linux (distributions certified by IBM)
Form Factor	PCIe low-profile or full-height adapter
Warranty	60 days

Compatibility

IBM RAID cards are compatible with select IBM Power Systems servers and operating systems:

Servers: Power8 (e.g., S822, S824), Power9 (e.g., S914, S924, E950), Power10 (e.g., S1022, S1024) – check feature codes (e.g., EJ1G, EJ0J) for specific model support.
Operating Systems: AIX (6.1+), IBM i (7.1+), Linux distributions (RHEL, SLES) certified for Power Systems.

Requires matching PCIe slots and system firmware. For exact feature code compatibility, host adapter requirements, and supported configurations, refer to IBM documentation or the System Storage Interoperation Center (SSIC).