FlashCore Modules
IBM® FlashCore Modules (FCM) are a family of high-performance flash drives in a standard 2.5", 15 mm form factor. FlashSystem 9500 supports up to 48 IBM FlashCore® Modules.
The FlashCore Module design uses the NVMe protocol, a PCIe Gen3/Gen4 U.2 interface, and high-speed NAND memory to provide high throughput and IOPS with consistent and predictable latency. The FlashCore Modules are accessible from the front of the enclosure. Hardware-based data compression and self-encryption are supported.
FlashCore Modules are available in 4.8 TB, 9.6 TB, 19.2 TB, and 38.4 TB.
| FlashCore Module | Terabytes Usable | Terabytes Effective |
|---|---|---|
| FCM 3.0 and FCM 4.0 | 4.8 | 21.99 |
| 9.6 | 28.8 | |
| 19.2 | 57.6 | |
| 38.4 | 115.2 |
The 4.8 TB and 9.6 TB drives are using PCIe Gen 3 interface.
For FCM 3.0 and FCM 4.0, the 19.2 TB and 38.4 TB capacity drives are using PCIe
Gen 4 interface and have a significantly increased compression and decompression throughput.
Note: FCM 4.0 drives run at PCIe Gen 4 interface and can downgrade to PCIe Gen 3 interface as it
is compatible with an earlier version.