IBM Power 9 Expansion drawer

9009 ESLS: EXP24SX SAS Storage Enclosure

ESLS is IBM's EXP24SX SAS Storage Enclosure. Listed for 9009-22A, 9009-41A, 9009-42A and more.

A 2U rack drawer that holds up to 24 extra 2.5 inch hard drives or SSDs outside the server.

ESLS at a glance

DetailValue
Feature codeESLS
NameEXP24SX SAS Storage Enclosure
Part typeExpansion drawer
Bays24 x 2.5 in SFF SAS (SFF-2 carriers)
Height2U (2 EIA)
ModesAIX/Linux/VIOS: 1, 2, or 4 groups; IBM i: one group of 24 (mode 1)
Listed for these Power 9 machine types9009-22A, 9009-41A, 9009-42A, 9009-22G, 9009-41G, 9009-42G
Runs with IBM iYes ... IBM i supports mode 1 only.

IBM: does not apply to the 4-core Power S914.

Before you order ESLS

An expansion drawer adds slots or drive bays when the server itself is full. It is often the difference between upgrading a Power 9 and replacing it.

Not sure which Power 9 you have? The Power 9 machine types page shows how to check. Collecting several parts for one quote? Use the Power 9 quote checklist. Or look up another feature code.

Source: REDP-5497 section 1.6.3 EXP24SX (#ESLS) and EXP12SX (#ESLL) SAS Storage Enclosures. Always confirm against your server's own configuration before you order.

Your 4 next moves with a Power 9

Every Power 9 owner lands on one of these. You can mix them, too. Keeping or upgrading buys time while you plan a replacement.

  1. Keep it running

    Your Power 9 does not stop working when IBM support ends. Third-party maintenance can cover parts and repairs, often for less than IBM charged.

    Best when the server is stable and you need one or two more years.

    Compare third-party maintenance
  2. You are reading about this move

    Upgrade the server you have

    More memory, bigger drives, or a faster network or Fibre Channel card can buy real time without a new server. Every part has an IBM feature code, so the upgrade starts there.

    Best when you are running out of room, not out of support.

    Browse Power 9 upgrades
  3. Buy a used or refurbished Power 9

    A matching used Power 9 makes a cheap spare, test box, or short bridge. Match the machine type first, because an A model and a G model carry different support dates.

    Best for a spare, a test system, or a stopgap of two years or less.

    Compare new, used, and refurbished
  4. Replace it with Power 10 or Power 11

    If you need IBM i 7.6, or want five or more years of IBM support, price a replacement. IBM i 7.6 does not run on any Power 9.

    Best when the server has to last past 2027 or the software needs a newer release.

    Compare Power 9 vs Power 11