IBM Power 11 Pricing: What to Expect in 2026-2027

A lower Power 11 entry point, built-in AI and smarter management

The S1112 brings Power 11 to smaller IBM i budgets. Compare the full price and see where IBM Bob and AI management fit in your 2026 and 2027 plans.

June 1, 2026 · Updated October 23, 2026

Two buyers can choose the same Power11 model and receive very different quotes. Compare the published hardware prices below, then check the software and support costs before requesting your own quote.

A Power11 quote combines:

Processor configuration.
Memory.
Storage.
I/O adapters.
IBM i, AIX or Linux software and its licensing tier.
Support contracts.

What Power 11 buyers gain in 2026 and should plan for in 2027

The IBM Power S1112 gives smaller IBM i shops a compact entry into Power11. Its P05 software tier can help keep the software bill down when the workload fits. Built-in AI acceleration also lets suitable AI tasks run close to the business data.

The useful change is a choice about where to spend: the server itself, help modernizing applications or help managing the environment. These are separate parts of the budget.

A smaller starting point: The S1112 brings Power11 into a compact rack or tower. Size it against the IBM i capacity limits before comparing it with a larger system.
AI built into the processor: Matrix Math Acceleration (MMA) helps run AI inference, which means using a trained AI to produce an answer. The S1112 can use this acceleration without a separate GPU. It does not support the IBM Spyre Accelerator.
IBM Bob for application work: IBM Bob Premium Package for i helps developers understand and modernize IBM i applications. It is separately offered software.
AI for system management: IBM Power Autonomous Operations adds conversational management and help resolving capacity problems. Check software entitlement and environment requirements in the quote.

IBM Power developments for 2026 and planning for 2027
Development	Timing	What it changes for a buyer
IBM Bob Premium Package for i	Available June 24, 2026	Budget for development software separately from the server.
Power S1112 entry server	July 24, 2026 launch	A compact P05 option for smaller IBM i workloads.
Power Autonomous Operations	General availability September 23, 2026	Include management software and implementation in the comparison.
Power firmware release schedule	2026 and 2027 plan, updated October 16, 2026	Allow for firmware maintenance and changes to planned dates.

For 2027, use IBM's published firmware schedule to plan maintenance and check the current Power announcements when the order is ready. A roadmap is a plan that can change. This guide does not assume a new server launch or a price cut that IBM has not announced.

IBM Power 11 price by model

These are real published hardware prices, not estimates, current as of August 2026. See the Power 11 Power Value Index pricing profile for how Power11 scores against Power10, Power9, and Power8 on price versus capability, and how a Power 11 configuration quote is actually built.

IBM Power11 hardware price by model
Model	Family	Cores	Price range (hardware)	Source
S1112	Entry scale-out	4-10	$52,000 – $98,000	Data Tech Computer
S1122	Mainstream scale-out	4-60	$39,648 – $487,000	Data Tech Computer
S1124	High-throughput scale-out	16-60	$146,000 – $384,000	Data Tech Computer
L1122	Linux-optimized	up to 60	Quote-only, no published reseller price found	IBM or authorized reseller quote
L1124	Linux-optimized	up to 60	Quote-only, no published reseller price found	IBM or authorized reseller quote
E1150	Enterprise scale-up	up to 120 per node	Quote-only, no published reseller price found	IBM or authorized reseller quote
E1180	Enterprise flagship	up to 256	From roughly $2,400,000 (96-core configuration)	Data Tech Computer

These are hardware-only prices from a single reseller's published catalog, not IBM list prices, and the high end of each range reflects a maxed-out memory/storage configuration rather than the maximum core count alone. IBM i, AIX, or Linux software entitlements are priced separately by tier (see Software Licensing Tiers below). L1122, L1124, and E1150 are typically quoted directly rather than catalog-listed; the L-series carries Linux-only licensing, which narrows the reseller market that stocks it.

These published examples show why hardware and software prices need to be compared separately.

Published configuration and software pricing examples
Model and source	Configuration	Published total	What it covers
S1122 ... Midland Information Systems	One partition, 10 users, 128 GB memory	$69,967.98	Hardware plus IBM i software
S1122 ... Midland Information Systems	Four unlimited-user partitions on the same hardware	$219,742.98	Hardware plus IBM i software
S1122 ... IT Jungle	8 cores, P10 tier, 3 years	$46,027	IBM i software subscription only
S1124 ... IT Jungle	8 cores, P20 tier, 3 years	$125,546.33	IBM i software subscription only

The IT Jungle figures came from IBM configurator pricing. They are software costs added to the hardware price.

IBM Power 11 CPU

Every Power11 processor core includes features for AI and demanding workloads:

Matrix Math Accelerator (MMA) for AI inferencing.
Open Memory Interface 2.0 for DDR5 DDIMM bandwidth.
Simultaneous multithreading up to SMT8.

Core counts scale from 4 cores on the entry S1112 up to 256 cores across the dual-node E1180. See full Power S1122 processor feature codes, clock speeds and CPW/rPerf ratings.

IBM Power 11 servers

The seven current Power11 servers fall into three families.

Entry and scale-out:
Linux-optimized:
- L1122
- L1124
Enterprise scale-up:
- E1150
- E1180

PowerVM can host multiple operating systems on the same chassis through logical partitioning. Operating system support depends on the model. See a plain-English breakdown of which Power 11 server fits which workload.

IBM Power 11 release date

IBM announced Power11 on July 8, 2025. The first six models became generally available on July 25, 2025. The compact S1112 followed on July 24, 2026. Power11 replaced Power10, which launched in 2021. See the full Power10 vs Power11 generational comparison.

IBM Power 11 datasheet

IBM doesn't publish a single consolidated Power11 datasheet; specifications are split across model-specific technical documents and IBM Redbooks such as IBM Power11 Scale-Out Servers: Introduction and Technical Overview. See the Power 11 resource library for the technical documents, benchmark explainers, and licensing references in one place.

IBM Power S1112

The IBM Power S1112 is the smallest and newest Power11 model. It is the only one available as a tower.

Machine types: 9242-21B rack or 9242-21T tower.
Processor: 4-core EJMT or 10-core EJSV.
Memory: Up to 512 GB of DDR5.
IBM i allocation: P05 only, across no more than 4 cores and 64 GB of memory. Additional system capacity can serve other supported workloads.
Internal storage: Up to 12.8 TB of NVMe.
Published hardware price: Roughly $52,000 to $98,000 depending on configuration.

See full S1112 specs, processor options and pricing notes.

IBM Power 11 specs

Every Power11 model shares the same generational foundation:

DDR5 DDIMM memory.
PowerVM virtualization.
HMC v11 management.

Capacity varies sharply by model. The S1112 starts at 4 cores with up to 512 GB of memory. The flagship E1180 reaches 256 cores and 64 TB of memory. See the full spec comparison across all seven Power 11 models.

IBM Power 11 server models

Use the model and machine type together when checking a configuration. The seven current Power11 models are:

S1112 ... 9242-21B/21T
S1122 ... 9824-22A
S1124 ... 9824-42A
L1122 ... 9856-22H
L1124 ... 9856-42H
E1150 ... 9043-MRU
E1180 ... 9080-HEU

See the full Power 11 model directory for each machine type's specifications.

IBM i software licensing tiers

IBM i is licensed separately from hardware. Its software tier is tied to the processor feature code and the activated capacity it allows.

The tiers covered in the IBM i tier economics guide are:

Your tier determines ongoing IBM i support and maintenance fees. Those fees often make up a significant share of the total investment over three to five years.

IBM Global Financing

IBM Global Financing offers ways to spread the purchase cost:

Operating leases.
Capital leases.
Deferred payment programs.

An operating lease can turn a large Power11 hardware purchase into a predictable monthly expense over a typical three-year term. Financing terms and rates are quoted individually. They vary by configuration, credit profile and region, so treat any monthly figure as an estimate until a Business Partner prices your deal.

Total cost of ownership factors

A hardware price is only part of the ownership cost. Budget for:

Hardware.
IBM i, AIX or Linux software and support.
Hardware maintenance.
Professional services for migration.
Rack space.
Power.
Cooling.
Network connectivity.

Over five years, software and support often equal or exceed the initial hardware price. Use the IBM Power hardware pricing ranges and the IBM i tier economics guide to compare the cash price with the full ownership cost.

For the quote checklist and pricing detail, see the IBM Power 11 Pricing Guide and the IBM Power 11 glossary definition on this site.

IBM Power 11 power requirements

Check electrical and cooling requirements before ordering. The model can change the facilities work your quote needs.

Power11 electrical ratings cited in this guide
Model	Rated power	Supply	Configuration note
S1112	550 W	100 to 127 V	1,877 BTU/hr
S1122	2,600 W	200 to 240 V AC single phase	System rating
S1124	2,950 W	200 to 240 V AC single phase	System rating
E1150	5,400 W	200 to 240 V AC single phase	System rating
E1180	4,850 W per node	200 to 240 V AC single phase	Up to four nodes

Replacing an S914 with an S1112 often needs no electrical work. Check the circuit against the chosen configuration before assuming that applies to your room.

IBM measured a two-socket S1124 at 2,501.5 W under full load, below its 2,950 W rating. Size the circuit and PDU to the rating. Use measured demand to plan UPS runtime and cooling.

See the full Power 11 power requirements by machine type for:

Rated voltage.
Watts.
BTU/hr.
Weight.
Rack units.
IBM's measured idle and maximum draw by socket count.

Sources

Get a Custom Pricing Estimate

IBM Power 11 buyer FAQ

How much does an IBM Power 11 system cost?

There is no single price for a complete Power11 system. The published hardware examples in this guide cover very different configurations. Compare itemized quotes that include the operating system and support, then add migration costs before setting the budget.

Compare the published hardware prices

Does the S1112 make Power 11 cheaper for a smaller IBM i shop?

The S1112 offers a compact Power11 option with P05 IBM i licensing. That can reduce the size of the purchase when the workload fits. It does not guarantee a lower price than every S1122 reseller listing, because those listings describe different configurations.

Review the S1112 configuration and price

Can IBM i use all 10 cores and 512 GB on an S1112?

No. IBM limits IBM i on the S1112 to P05, with up to four IBM i partitions sharing no more than four cores and 64 GB of memory. Additional purchased capacity can serve AIX or Linux workloads. If IBM i needs more capacity, compare the S1122 or another suitable model.

Check IBM's S1112 capacity rules

Should I choose the S1112 or S1122?

Start with the IBM i workload you need to run. The S1112 fits smaller P05 environments within its IBM i capacity limits. The S1122 is worth comparing when you need more IBM i capacity or expansion. Have the reseller show how the proposed processor feature changes both hardware cost and software fees.

Compare Power 11 model capabilities

Which operating system can I run on Power 11?

Supported models can run IBM i, AIX or Linux. Model choice and software levels still matter, and the L-series is Linux-optimized. Check the exact server and required software updates against the application vendor's support list before ordering.

Review the server families

Is AI built into Power 11, or do I need a GPU?

Power11 processors include Matrix Math Acceleration for suitable AI inference workloads. That provides on-chip acceleration without a separate GPU for those tasks. The AI application still needs compatible software and enough resources. The S1112 does not support IBM Spyre, so compare larger supported systems if that accelerator is required.

Read the S1112 AI capabilities and limits

Is IBM Bob included with a Power 11 server?

IBM Bob Premium Package for i is a separate software offering for IBM i development. It helps teams understand existing applications and make changes with developer review. Have its subscription and deployment requirements listed separately in the quote; built-in processor acceleration does not itself include Bob.

See IBM Bob for IBM i

What manages the server: IBM Bob or Power Autonomous Operations?

IBM Bob helps with application development. Power Autonomous Operations provides AI assistance for managing the Power environment, including capacity-related work through conversational interaction. Confirm the supported environment and purchased features before budgeting for it. Neither name means every management function arrives free with the hardware.

Read IBM's management and development announcement

When were Power 11 and the S1112 released?

The original six Power11 models became generally available on July 25, 2025. IBM added the S1112 on July 24, 2026. Use the release date for the particular model when comparing support and software requirements.

Read the model release timeline

Which costs should a Power 11 quote include besides hardware?

Include operating system licensing and ongoing support. Add hardware maintenance and the migration work. Facilities costs also matter when a new system changes electrical or cooling needs. Ask for each item separately so competing quotes cover the same scope.

Check the full ownership-cost list

Can I move my existing IBM i applications without disruption?

A successful move depends on supported software levels and a tested migration plan. Check the application vendor's requirements first. Then rehearse the cutover and restore process, with time reserved for a rollback. A new server or an AI assistant does not remove that planning work.

Review the AS400 upgrade guide

Should I buy Power 11 in 2026 or wait until 2027?

Compare the cost of waiting with the current system's capacity and support needs. Use a current quote for the purchase and IBM's published firmware schedule for maintenance planning. Treat unannounced hardware or future price cuts as unknown. Set the order date around the business need and a tested migration window.

Check IBM's 2026 and 2027 firmware plan