Power 9

IBM i Versions Supported on Power 9

Power 9 stops at IBM i 7.5 on selected systems. Owners who need IBM i 7.6 must upgrade the hardware.

Power 9 stops at IBM i 7.5 on selected systems. IBM i 7.6 is not supported on Power 9 or earlier processor technology, so an owner who needs the current IBM i release must upgrade the hardware.

IBM i release planning signals

ReleasePower 9 FitPlanning Meaning
IBM i 7.5Supported on selected Power 9 systems.Often the practical ceiling for staying on Power 9.
IBM i 7.6Not supported on Power 9 or earlier.Requires Power 10 or Power 11 hardware.
IBM i 7.4 and olderSeen in many installed environments.Check support lifecycle, application compatibility, and the upgrade plan.

Match the IBM i workload to the replacement model

Power 9 IBM i upgrade fit by model family

Power 9 ModelIBM i PositionPower 11 Comparison
S914IBM i support with P05 or P10 software tier. Confirm the exact model and release before sizing.Compare S1112 and S1122.
S922IBM i support with P10 on 9009-22A. Later 9009-22G configurations must be checked by processor and license position.Compare S1122.
S924IBM i support with P20 and the largest scale-out Power 9 CPW options.Compare S1124.
H922 and H924Base H models can support IBM i, AIX, and Linux. Confirm how the SAP HANA and IBM i workloads are divided.Size L1122, L1124, or another current certified design.
L922, H922S, H924S, and E950These records do not provide an IBM i upgrade base. E950 supports AIX and Linux, not IBM i.Use the Linux, AIX, or SAP workload to choose the current model.
E980Enterprise IBM i support with P30 and large CPW capacity.Compare E1180.

Do not buy from the old model name alone. Bring the active cores, peak CPW, software tier, memory, storage, adapters, IBM i release, and cutover window into the replacement quote.

Use the model directory to confirm the machine type, then compare the replacement in the Power 9 upgrade matrix.

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. 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. You are reading about this move

    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

Not sure which one fits? Answer four questions and get a starting point. Use the Power 9 Upgrade Matrix

Ready for prices? Compare IBM Power resellers, maintenance providers, and parts sources. Compare IBM Power resellers