Find your current Power 5 model
IBM i 7.2 does not run on Power 5 or Power 5+ hardware. A move beyond IBM i 7.1 therefore needs replacement hardware as well as a supported software migration sequence.
Select your exact model below for its planning notes and catalog details. The release column is a planning boundary; processor features and I/O can require higher minimum levels.
| Current model | IBM i release boundary | First planning question |
|---|---|---|
| 515 9407-515 | 7.1 or an earlier release; exact minimum depends on the model and processor | Compare a capacity change with the release you need |
| 520 9405-520 | 7.1 or an earlier release; exact minimum depends on the model and processor | Compare a capacity change with the release you need |
| 520 9406-520 | 7.1 or an earlier release; exact minimum depends on the model and processor | Compare a capacity change with the release you need |
| 525 9406-525 | 7.1 or an earlier release; exact minimum depends on the model and processor | Compare a capacity change with the release you need |
| 550 9406-550 | 7.1 or an earlier release; exact minimum depends on the model and processor | Compare a capacity change with the release you need |
| 570 9406-570 | 7.1 or an earlier release; exact minimum depends on the model and processor | Size the partitions before choosing the replacement |
| 595 9406-595 | 7.1 or an earlier release; exact minimum depends on the model and processor | Size the partitions before choosing the replacement |
515 9407-515: compare a capacity change with the release you need
Use the installed processor feature and IBM i allocation to size the workload. Review memory pressure and disk response before buying more processor capacity. If the desired release is outside this model’s limit, include replacement hardware in the comparison rather than treating added memory as an OS upgrade.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Eight internal disk slots; six PCI-X slots; no HSL expansion. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review S1012 9028-21B and S1112 9242-21B. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
515 9407-515 specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
520 9405-520: compare a capacity change with the release you need
Use the installed processor feature and IBM i allocation to size the workload. Review memory pressure and disk response before buying more processor capacity. If the desired release is outside this model’s limit, include replacement hardware in the comparison rather than treating added memory as an OS upgrade.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Eight disk positions; six PCI-X slots; Express packages have no RIO loops. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review S1012 9028-21B and S1112 9242-21B. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
520 9405-520 specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
520 9406-520: compare a capacity change with the release you need
Use the installed processor feature and IBM i allocation to size the workload. Review memory pressure and disk response before buying more processor capacity. If the desired release is outside this model’s limit, include replacement hardware in the comparison rather than treating added memory as an OS upgrade.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Eight internal disks; six PCI-X slots; expansion varies by edition. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review S1012 9028-21B and S1112 9242-21B. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
520 9406-520 specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
525 9406-525: compare a capacity change with the release you need
Use the installed processor feature and IBM i allocation to size the workload. Review memory pressure and disk response before buying more processor capacity. If the desired release is outside this model’s limit, include replacement hardware in the comparison rather than treating added memory as an OS upgrade.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Eight system-unit disk positions; up to 278 arms with expansion. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review S1012 9028-21B and S1112 9242-21B. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
525 9406-525 specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
550 9406-550: compare a capacity change with the release you need
Use the installed processor feature and IBM i allocation to size the workload. Review memory pressure and disk response before buying more processor capacity. If the desired release is outside this model’s limit, include replacement hardware in the comparison rather than treating added memory as an OS upgrade.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Eight internal disk slots; five PCI-X slots. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review S1012 9028-21B and S1112 9242-21B. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
550 9406-550 specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
570 9406-570: size the partitions before choosing the replacement
Inventory every IBM i partition and any AIX or Linux partitions that share the server. Capture peak demand and each partition’s software entitlement. Check external storage and management-console compatibility separately from the processor comparison so consolidation retains the required isolation and recovery options.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: Six SCSI bays and six PCI-X slots per enclosure. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review E1080 9080-HEX and E1180 9080-HEU. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
570 9406-570 specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
595 9406-595: size the partitions before choosing the replacement
Inventory every IBM i partition and any AIX or Linux partitions that share the server. Capture peak demand and each partition’s software entitlement. Check external storage and management-console compatibility separately from the processor comparison so consolidation retains the required isolation and recovery options.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: External I/O towers and drawers; package-specific expansion. Compare that layout with the devices actually attached to your system; it does not mean the same adapters or disks can transfer to the destination.
For a replacement comparison, review E1080 9080-HEX and E1180 9080-HEU. Size these candidates against the actual IBM i workload and release requirement. The comparison does not establish a one-for-one capacity match or an eligible model conversion.
595 9406-595 specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
Your installed IBM i release on Power 5
The release ceiling makes software preparation the first decision. Inventory program objects and available source before planning any release that requires program conversion.
| Installed release | Useful next step |
|---|---|
| IBM i 6.1 / i5/OS V5R4 and earlier | Review the supported software steps and the hardware needed for each step. A release named here is a planning branch, not proof it is installed or supported by every configuration. |
| IBM i 7.1 | Review the supported software steps and the hardware needed for each step. A release named here is a planning branch, not proof it is installed or supported by every configuration. |
If your recorded release falls outside the boundaries above, confirm the exact machine and partition inventory before selecting a destination. Find the model and release information.
Power 5 capacity upgrade or replacement
Replacement hardware and a staged software migration assessment.
- Compare IBM i CPW and peak workload before choosing a processor configuration.
- Check memory capacity against installed memory and workload demand.
- Review IBM i licensing and processor tiers for the exact destination.
- Compare the catalog model specifications with the storage and adapter inventory.
Adding resources to an existing server and moving to another server are different jobs. A formal IBM model conversion exists only when IBM offers that exact conversion; an ordinary replacement requires a migration plan.
Migration from Power 5: sequence the changes
A direct full-system restore onto a Power 11 server is not established by the shared IBM i name. The current release may not boot on the destination, so the plan must identify a supported intermediate environment or the documented previous-release recovery method.
- Record the current model, release and partition layout.
- Confirm the release sequence and hardware that can run each step.
- Choose the data-transfer method around a tested restore and the available outage.
- Rehearse the move before scheduling the final switch.
Several processor generations may be skipped when the verified source and destination allow it. The number on the server family does not establish a supported direct restore or a live-partition move.
Ask Midland about your Power 5 change
Send the exact machine type and model with the installed IBM i release. Include the processor feature and a summary of the applications that must continue running. Midland can then scope the equipment and migration work together.
Discuss your current Power 5 system · Return to IBM i upgrades · Explore IBM i migration
Sources and compatibility checks
Technical guidance checked October 21, 2026. A hardware release mapping describes which releases can run; support coverage and software entitlement are separate checks.