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FS5015 compatible drives

Tristan Pajtler posted Mon November 10, 2025 04:19 PM

Hi,

I would like to use SAS SSDs in my FS5015.
I would like to use the PM1653 series from Samsung:
https://semiconductor.samsung.com/ssd/enterprise-ssd/pm1653/
For example, the model MZILG3T8HCLS (3.8 TB)

I have searched all available sources to find out whether this model is supported.
In this list, I only find that the IBM model “02PX542” is mentioned:
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/flashsystem-5x00/8.7.3?topic=ru-2u-expansion-enclosure-replaceable-units-1

I cannot find any information about what SSD is used in this model.
The advantage is that this SSD is delivered “in SFF carrier.”
The problem is that I can hardly find this IBM model on the open market, or only refurbished.

I then found this list:
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/supported-drive-types-and-firmware-levels-ibm-storage-virtualize-family-products
When I search for my desired model “MZILG3T8HCLS” there, I find that it is supported, but how do I get an SFF carrier?
Strangely enough, I can't find anything when I search for the IBM model “02PX542” in this list.

An “MZILG3T8HCLS” would be better in terms of price and also available, but then I don't have a carrier.
How can this be solved?

Even if the IBM model “02PX542” would be a PM1653, I cannot find a source to buy it..
In the "2U expansion enclosure replaceable units"-list I cannt find just a carrier to insert any (compatible) SSD.

Antonio Esculca IBM Champion posted Tue November 11, 2025 12:29 PM

Hi Tristan,

I'm not sure I understand your problem regarding the drives? Have you tried contacting your local IBM BP to provide you with a quote for the drives? If it's an issue of price or availability of new drives you could always ask them to look into IBM’s Global Asset Recovery Services (GARS) as IBM can also supply refurbished hardware at more competitive prices.

Lukasz Borek posted Wed November 12, 2025 02:48 AM

List of supported drives.

Lots of refurbished drives on ebay. Search using part number.

Drives not 'OEMed' by IBM won't be supported by the array.

Tristan Pajtler posted Wed November 12, 2025 03:08 AM

I will try to formulate the questions more clearly.

The PM1653 series from Samsung is listed in the “Supported Drive Types and Firmware Levels for IBM Storage Virtualize Family of Products” (second link above).
However, I need a “blank” drive carrier so that I can insert the SSD into the FS5015.

Is such a free SFF drive carrier available?
I don't really want to buy refurbished SSDs.

“Drives not ‘OEMed’ by IBM won't be supported by the array.”
-> That's interesting, IBM, can you confirm that?
So does that mean I can't screw a “blank” Samsung PM1653 into a carrier and use it in the FS5015?
Not even if the model (MZILG3T8HCLS) is in the “Supported Drive” list?

Evelyn Perez posted Wed November 12, 2025 05:16 AM

IBM FlashSystem storage only supports IBM configured drives - these drives have IBM special configuration and firmware levels and must be purchased from IBM, a certified IBM reseller or GARS.

We don't sell drives by Vendor, we sell them based on qualified parts for a capacity and technology type, but you should be able to purchase the MES drive (which is the drive and carrier) for the tech type and capacity you are looking for.

If you purchased this Samsung drive in the open market it will not be supported in your FlashSystem. I hope this helps.

update:

@Ibraheem Zia - No we don't support third party drives that have not been configured for IBM in Manufacturing (so if you buy a drive direct from Samsung and plug it in, the FlashSystem will reject the drive and refuse to use it).

This is in the documented for our other products, but appears to be missing from the documentation for the 5015, I'll see if we can get that corrected.

Example: https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/flashsystem-5x00/9.1.0?topic=5300-system-overview. See Note: Only drives that are sold as system options are supported.

Tristan Pajtler posted Wed November 12, 2025 07:40 AM

Yes, that helps, thank you very much.
I understand that I cannot purchase the “normal” hard drives directly, but must get the IBM version (with carrier).
In my case, that would be the IBM SKU “02PX542”

Could I have found the information about the incompatibility of non-IBM products somewhere?
I searched the docs for this kind of info, but couldn't find anything.

Ibraheem Zia posted Sat November 15, 2025 06:40 AM

You can use FS5015 with several compatible third-party drives, but it’s important to match the exact specifications IBM recommends, especially firmware and interface type. Many users report the best stability when sticking to officially supported models, so double-check the hardware compatibility list before purchasing.