IBM FlashSystem 9500
Previous flagship FlashSystem class for large mixed workloads, critical OLTP, and refresh conversations that usually point toward the current FlashSystem 9600 tier.
The 9500 remains important because installed-base questions outlive product-refresh announcements. Treat this as a refresh, support, and architecture page that helps buyers compare the current 9600 path against what they already own.
IBM accelerated the FlashSystem 9500's withdrawal from marketing from June 30, 2026 to May 16, 2026, with a final order cutoff of May 15, 2026, citing parts availability and supply chain pressure. New 9500 orders are no longer possible; treat any remaining 9500 as installed-base support or refresh-to-9600 planning.
IBM FlashSystem 9500 datasheet reference
The 4666-AH8 control enclosure runs FlashCore Module 4 media (FCM3 on earlier orders) across the standard 4.8 TB, 9.6 TB, 19.2 TB, and 38.4 TB FCM4 capacity ladder, with up to 115.2 TB effective at a 3:1 compression assumption. A 9500 price request should specify which capacity point and how many modules, since a 9.6 TB FlashCore Module 4 quote and a 38.4 TB FlashCore Module 4 quote are not comparable line items.
Related
IBM FlashSystem 9600
IBM FlashSystem 9600 machine type 5078-A40 is the current flagship choice for critical OLTP, large mixed-workload consolidation, high bandwidth, high protected capacity, and 9500-class refresh decisions.
IBM FlashSystem 5600
IBM FlashSystem 5600 machine type 5127-A20 is the compact current-generation choice for smaller mixed workloads, IBM Power attachment, and buyers who need 1U production storage without sizing into the 7600 tier.
IBM FlashSystem 7600
IBM FlashSystem 7600 machine type 5075-A30 is the current midrange choice for larger mixed workloads, more hosts, replication, virtualized consolidation, and buyers refreshing a 7300-class environment.
IBM FlashSystem C200
Capacity-optimized FlashSystem for backup, sequential, archive, media, and cost-sensitive high-capacity workloads where flash density and durability matter.