Find your current Power 8 model
IBM i 7.4 is the last release for the listed Power 8 IBM i models. IBM i 7.5 and 7.6 require later eligible hardware. The S812 starts at 7.2 and has its own native-I/O restrictions.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| E870 9119-MME | Through 7.4; the S812 does not support 7.1 | Size the partitions before choosing the replacement |
| E870C 9080-MME | Through 7.4; the S812 does not support 7.1 | Size the partitions before choosing the replacement |
| E880 9119-MHE | Through 7.4; the S812 does not support 7.1 | Size the partitions before choosing the replacement |
| E880C 9080-MHE | Through 7.4; the S812 does not support 7.1 | Size the partitions before choosing the replacement |
| S812 8284-21A | 7.2 to 7.4; native I/O only | Compare a capacity change with the release you need |
| S814 8286-41A | Through 7.4; the S812 does not support 7.1 | Compare a capacity change with the release you need |
| S822 8284-22A | Through 7.4; the S812 does not support 7.1 | Keep virtual I/O and processor configuration together |
| S824 8286-42A | Through 7.4; the S812 does not support 7.1 | Compare a capacity change with the release you need |
E870 9119-MME: 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: Enterprise SAN and attached storage; confirm adapters, drawers, and VIOS ownership. 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.
E870 9119-MME specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
E870C 9080-MME: 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: Enterprise SAN and attached storage; confirm adapters, drawers, and VIOS ownership. 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.
E870C 9080-MME specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
E880 9119-MHE: 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: Enterprise SAN and attached storage; confirm adapters, drawers, and VIOS ownership. 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.
E880 9119-MHE specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
E880C 9080-MHE: 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: Enterprise SAN and attached storage; confirm adapters, drawers, and VIOS ownership. 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.
E880C 9080-MHE specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
S812 8284-21A: 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: Confirm the installed SAS backplane, drive format, and expansion drawers. 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.
The S812 is a native-I/O IBM i starting point and does not support IBM i 7.1. Keep its one-core IBM i configuration restrictions with the sizing review.
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.
S812 8284-21A specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
S814 8286-41A: 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: Up to 32 TB internal storage; eight PCIe Gen3 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.
S814 8286-41A specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
S822 8284-22A: keep virtual i/o and processor configuration together
Record whether IBM i owns its adapters or receives storage and network access through Virtual I/O Server. Match the required arrangement to the exact processor configuration. Preserve virtual disk mappings and network settings in the migration plan before sizing the replacement.
The existing catalog describes this model’s I/O as: SAS SFF and selected SSD options; confirm the installed backplane and sector format. 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 S1022 9105-22A and S1122 9824-22A. 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.
S822 8284-22A specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
S824 8286-42A: 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: 12 SFF bays standard or 18 SFF bays with eight 1.8-inch SSD bays. 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 S1024 9105-42A and S1124 9824-42A. 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.
S824 8286-42A specifications and configurations · Choose the installed-release starting point · Collect the migration inventory
Your installed IBM i release on Power 8
A capacity upgrade may solve a memory or storage problem, but it cannot make IBM i 7.5 run on Power 8. Keep the capacity decision and release decision together.
| Installed release | Useful next step |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| IBM i 7.2 | 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 7.3 | 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 7.4 | 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 8 capacity upgrade or replacement
Capacity check for staying on 7.4, or replacement for 7.5/7.6.
- 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 8: sequence the changes
IBM maps 7.4 to selected Power 8, Power 10 and Power 11 models. That creates a possible common-release migration option after the exact destination fixes and I/O requirements are met. Rehearse the move, then schedule a later OS upgrade if that reduces the number of simultaneous changes.
- 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 8 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 8 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.