IBM FlashSystem 7200
The IBM FlashSystem 7200 is an enterprise 2U all-flash storage array powered by dual controllers with up to 1.5TB cache. Accommodating 24 NVMe FlashCore Modules or standard NVMe SSDs, Storage Class Memory, and up to 32Gb FC/NVMe-oF host interfaces, it delivers high IOPS and sub-millisecond response times for enterprise database and cloud consolidation.
Specifications
| Brand | IBM |
|---|---|
| Family | FlashSystem |
| Form factor | 2U rack |
| Released | Feb 2020 |
| End of sale | Oct 2023 |
| End of support | Oct 2028 |
| Form factor | 2U rack |
| Controllers | Dual active-active |
| Cache memory | 1536GB |
| Max drives | 24 NVMe FCM/SSD (expands to 760) |
| Host interfaces | 32Gb/16Gb FC, 25Gb/10Gb iSCSI, NVMe-oF |
| Max raw capacity | 3.5PB in 2U (up to 35PB expanded) |
Generations
- Previous generation: IBM Storwize V7000 Gen3
- Next generation: IBM FlashSystem 7300
Works together
How the IBM FlashSystem 7200 connects to servers, storage and the network: 1 way, with the parts and products on each path.
Fibre Channel SAN
Match the speed: 16Gb and 32Gb FC HBAs, switches and array ports work together, and each generation also runs one or two speeds below its own (a 32Gb port runs at 16Gb and 8Gb).
Servers
IBM Power System S1022 2U rack
IBM Power System S1024 4U rack
IBM Power System S922 2U rack
IBM Power System S924 4U rack
Dell PowerEdge R6525 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R7525 2U rack
Adapters for the server
540-BCMS Dell QLogic 2770 Single Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BCMT Dell QLogic 2772 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BCMU Dell Emulex LPe35002 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BDLM Dell Emulex LPe36002 Dual Port 64Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
Switches
Brocade G-Series G720 1U
Dell Connectrix ED-DCX7-8B 14U director chassis
Brocade G-Series G730 2U
Dell Connectrix DS-7720B 1U rack
Optics
57-1000333-01 Brocade 32G FC SFP+ SWL
DS-SFP-FC32G-LW Cisco 32Gbps Fibre Channel Longwave SFP28 Transceiver
DS-SFP-FC32G-SW Cisco 32Gbps Fibre Channel Shortwave SFP28 Transceiver
Plan and size it
- Draw this setup in the topology planner mrplanb.com
- Add up rack power and space rack-density.com
- Virtualization storage Ledger: scored storage platforms mrplanb.com
- SAN transport and NVMe over FC for backup mrplanb.com
- What an hour of downtime costs outagecost.org
Check compatibility with IBM
Before you buy, confirm the exact configuration against the vendor's own lists: firmware levels, operating systems, adapters and optics that IBM has tested with the IBM FlashSystem 7200.
- Compatibility IBM System Storage Interoperation Center (SSIC)
- Specifications IBM Documentation
- Support IBM Support
Equivalent models from other brands
FAQ
What controller architecture is used in the FlashSystem 7200?
The system utilizes dual 8-core or 16-core Intel Xeon processors per controller with hardware compression acceleration engines.
What is the maximum effective capacity per FlashCore Module in the 7200?
FCMs support hardware compression ratios up to 3:1, delivering up to 116TB of effective data capacity per drive.
Buying or selling FlashSystem 7200?
New, refurbished or used. Tell us the quantity and condition and we connect you with a vetted reseller in your region, usually within one working day.
Sources
- IBM FlashSystem 7200 Datasheet, checked 2026-10-28