IBM Storwize V3700
The IBM Storwize V3700 is an entry 2U dual-controller block storage array providing affordable enterprise storage consolidation. Featuring 24 2.5-inch or 12 3.5-inch drive bays, 4GB to 8GB cache per controller, dual 1GbE iSCSI ports, and optional 8Gb FC, 10Gb iSCSI, or 6Gb SAS host interfaces, it became a standard entry SAN platform across worldwide SMBs.
Specifications
| Brand | IBM |
|---|---|
| Family | Storwize |
| Form factor | 2U rack |
| Released | Nov 2012 |
| End of sale | Jan 2017 |
| End of support | Dec 2021 |
| Form factor | 2U rack |
| Controllers | Dual active-active |
| Cache memory | 8GB |
| Max drives | 240 |
| Host interfaces | 8Gb FC, 10Gb/1Gb iSCSI, 6Gb SAS |
| Max raw capacity | 960TB |
Generations
- Next generation: IBM FlashSystem 5010
Works together
How the IBM Storwize V3700 connects to servers, storage and the network: 2 ways, 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 S922 2U rack
IBM Power System S924 4U rack
IBM Power System S1022 2U rack
IBM Power System S1024 4U rack
Dell PowerEdge R320 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R420 1U rack
Adapters for the server
540-BBUU Dell Emulex LPe31002 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BBUV Dell QLogic 2692 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BCMS Dell QLogic 2770 Single Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BCMT Dell QLogic 2772 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
Switches
Brocade 6500 Series 6505 1U
Cisco MDS 9710 chassis
Dell Connectrix MDS-9710 14U director chassis
Brocade 6500 Series 6510 1U
Optics
407-BBOG Dell 16Gb Short Wave SFP+ Fibre Channel Optical Transceiver
407-BCBI Dell 32Gb Short Wave SFP28 Fibre Channel Optical Transceiver
57-0000080-01 Brocade 8G FC SFP+ ELWL 25 km
Direct-attached SAS
12Gb SAS uses Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8644) connectors; older 6Gb gear uses Mini-SAS (SFF-8088). Adapter cables exist, but the link runs at the slower speed.
Servers
- IBM Power System S922 2U rack
- IBM Power System S924 4U rack
- IBM Power System S1022 2U rack
- IBM Power System S1024 4U rack
- Dell PowerEdge R320 1U rack
- Dell PowerEdge R420 1U rack
Adapters for the server
05-50076-01 Broadcom HBA 9500-16e PCIe 4.0 Tri-Mode 16-Port External Host Bus Adapter
405-AANT Dell 12Gbps SAS HBA Dual Port External PCIe Controller
405-AASU Dell HBA355e External SAS 12Gb/s Host Bus Adapter
HBA465E Dell HBA465e External Host Bus Adapter
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
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 Storwize V3700.
- Compatibility IBM System Storage Interoperation Center (SSIC)
- Specifications IBM Documentation
- Support IBM Support
Equivalent models from other brands
- Dell PowerVault MD3200 · compare
- HPE MSA 2040 · compare
- Lenovo Thinkserver SA120
FAQ
What host card options were available for the Storwize V3700?
Optional host interface cards included 8Gbps Fibre Channel (4 ports), 10Gbps iSCSI/FCoE (4 ports), or 6Gbps SAS (4 ports).
What software management tool was included?
The array featured the IBM Storwize Easy Tier and web-based graphical management console derived from IBM SAN Volume Controller (SVC).
Buying or selling Storwize V3700?
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 Storwize V3700 Datasheet, checked 2026-10-28