IBM Power L1124 (9856-42H)
The Linux-optimized sibling of the S1124: a high-throughput scale-out server for open-source databases and Red Hat OpenShift, with the same DCM processor ceiling as the S1124.
The Power L1124 pairs the S1124's high-throughput DCM processor options with Linux-first machine-type licensing. IBM's own guidance notes the L1124 can deliver up to 25% more core capacity than the prior generation's equivalent Linux scale-out model, making it a strong fit for open-source database consolidation and Red Hat OpenShift clusters.
L1124 at a glance
Processor options
L1124 processor feature codes
| Feature Code | Cores | Clock Speed | CPW | rPerf |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP4C | 16-core | 3.4-4.2 GHz | 433,000 | -- |
| EP4B | 24-core | 3.05-4.15 GHz | -- | -- |
| EP4J | 30-core | 2.8-3.95 GHz | -- | 559 |
| EP4C | 32-core | 3.4-4.2 GHz | 823,000 | 1,117 |
| EP4B | 48-core | 3.05-4.15 GHz | 1,118,500 | 1,529 |
| EP4J | 60-core | 2.8-3.95 GHz | 1,345,900 | 1,737 |
Processor table verified against the IBM Power L1124 9856-42H product listing at Midland Information Systems.
IBM i and AIX on the L1124 remain capped at 25% of total activated cores, per Midland Information Systems' published licensing note for this machine type. Buyers planning primarily IBM i or AIX workloads should compare the S1124 instead.
Sources
- IBM L1124 9856-42H product listing — Midland Information Systems
- IBM Power 11 Scale-Out Servers Redbook — IBM Redbooks
Reference Documents
Related
IBM Power S1124 (9824-42A)
A quad-socket-capable, high-performance 4U scale-out server offering up to 60 Power 11 cores and 8 TB of DDR5 memory, built for enterprises and regional data centers.
IBM Power L1122 (9856-22H)
The Linux-optimized sibling of the S1122: a dual-socket 2U server with the same hardware ceiling but licensed for Linux-first environments, with limited AIX/IBM i core use.
IBM Power S1112 (9242-21B / 9242-21T)
The entry point into the IBM Power 11 generation: a single-socket, half-width 2U rack or tower system built for branch, edge, and smaller IBM i, AIX, and Linux deployments.
IBM Power S1122 (9824-22A)
A dense, dual-socket 2U scale-out server offering up to 60 Power 11 cores and 4 TB of DDR5 memory, IBM's mainstream choice for growing IBM i, AIX, and Linux environments.
Frequently Asked
What are the IBM Power 11 model numbers?
There are seven current IBM Power 11 models: the entry S1112 (machine type 9242-21B rack, 9242-21T tower), the scale-out S1122 (9824-22A) and S1124 (9824-42A), the Linux-optimized L1122 (9856-22H) and L1124 (9856-42H), and the enterprise scale-up E1150 (9043-MRU) and flagship E1180 (9080-HEU). See our full Power 11 model directory for structured specs on each.
What is the difference between S-series and L-series Power 11 models?
S-series (S1112, S1122, S1124) and L-series (L1122, L1124) models share nearly identical hardware, but carry different machine-type licensing. L-series machines are Linux and Red Hat OpenShift-first, with IBM i and AIX capped at roughly 25% of activated cores. If your workload is primarily IBM i or AIX, choose the equivalent S-series model instead.
Can IBM i run on the Power L1122 or L1124?
Yes, but only on up to roughly 25% of the system's total activated cores -- the L-series machine-type licensing is built around Linux and OpenShift as the primary workload. If IBM i is your primary or majority workload, the equivalent S1122 or S1124 is almost always the better fit.