IBM Power E1080 (9080-HEX)
Confirm the node count, processor feature, capacity, lifecycle, and expansion risk before you value or expand a 9080-HEX E1080.
The 9080-HEX is the machine type of the IBM Power E1080, the largest system IBM built on Power 10. A full configuration is four system nodes plus a system control unit, 240 cores and 64 TB of memory. It is the Power 10 machine type behind the biggest IBM i and AIX consolidations in the field.
As with every node-based enterprise machine, the node count is the number that matters and the machine type does not carry it. A single-node E1080 and a four-node E1080 are both 9080-HEX systems and differ by a factor of four in every dimension that counts. Any quote, capacity plan or valuation that names the machine type without the node count is incomplete.
IBM 9080-HEX datasheet
IBM Power E1080 (9080-HEX) published specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Machine type-model | 9080-HEX |
| Generation | IBM Power 10 |
| Nodes | One to four system nodes plus a system control unit |
| Sockets | 4 per node, up to 16 in a full build |
| Maximum cores | 240 |
| Memory | Up to 64 TB |
| Internal storage | Enterprise expansion dependent |
| Operating systems | IBM i, AIX, Linux |
| Software tier | P30 |
Figures are the published maximums for this machine type. A specific installed system is defined by its processor feature code and activated core count, not by the machine type alone.
Processor feature codes for the 9080-HEX
E1080 processor options
| Cores per socket | Maximum cores (4 nodes) | Typical clock range (GHz) | Module |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 160 | 3.65 ... 4.15 | DCM |
| 12 | 192 | 3.60 ... 4.15 | DCM |
| 15 | 240 | 3.55 ... 4.0 | DCM |
Core totals shown are for a full four-node build. Divide by four for a single-node system, and state the node count alongside the feature code on any quote request.
Selected Power 10 models were withdrawn from marketing effective 31 July 2026. Installed systems are unaffected, but sourcing a processor upgrade or an MES expansion now depends on availability for that specific feature code. Confirm current supply before building a plan around adding cores. MES and node expansion planning should be verified against current availability before it is committed to a capacity plan.
How to confirm you have a 9080-HEX
From IBM i
DSPSYSVAL QMODEL returns the model portion and DSPSYSVAL QPRCFEAT returns the processor feature code. Those two values identify a 9080-HEX build exactly, which is what a vendor needs to quote parts or an upgrade.
From AIX, Linux or VIOS
lsconf reports the machine type and model in the first lines of output. prtconf gives the same plus processor implementation and clock speed.
From the HMC
Managed system properties shows machine type-model and serial together with installed against activated cores. On Power 10 those two core numbers frequently differ because of capacity upgrade on demand.
From the bezel
The 9080 prefix is shared across three generations: the Power 9 E980 is 9080-M9S, this Power 10 E1080 is 9080-HEX, and the Power 11 E1180 is 9080-HEU. Read the full machine type-model, never the prefix alone.
Where it makes sense in 2026
Large mission-critical estates where installed-base continuity, capacity, and enterprise support path outweigh a clean generational reset.
Pricing and lifecycle logic
Enterprise lifecycle quote; compare E1180 before major expansion. Confirm software tier, transfer rules, firmware path, support terms, and Power 11 comparison economics before treating the hardware price as final.
Price E1080 against the current generation
Use the IBM Power reseller directory to request a comparable E1080 and E1180 discussion that includes software, support, migration, consolidation, and growth assumptions.
Sources
- https://www.ibm.com/products/power-e1080
- https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/power10?topic=9080-hex-power-e1080
- https://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/redp5649.html
Next steps for an E1080
Review processor choices on the Power 10 CPU page, compare the single-chassis alternative in the E1050 record, compare Power 10 with Power 11, or build a quote checklist.
Related
IBM Power S1012 (9028-21B)
A compact one-socket Power 10 system for small IBM i, edge, and branch workloads where P05/P10 economics and a smaller footprint matter.
IBM Power S1014 (9105-41B)
A one-socket 4U or tower Power 10 server for smaller IBM i and mixed AIX/Linux workloads that need more memory and storage headroom than S1012.
IBM Power S1022s (9105-22B)
A smaller dual-socket 2U scale-out variant for IBM i environments that need S1022-style packaging with lower core ceilings.
IBM Power S1022 (9105-22A)
See whether the 9105-22A fits your IBM i workload before you price it. This record brings the processor options, P10 tier, memory, storage, lifecycle risk, and quote checks together.
Frequently Asked
What is the largest IBM Power 10 model?
The E1080 is the flagship Power 10 enterprise system, scaling up to 240 Power 10 cores and 64 TB of memory.