The IBM 7133 SSA Disk Subsystem Model 500 is a free-standing, deskside tower unit. The 7133 provides power and packaging for SSA disk drive modules. The Model 500 is a standalone unit similar in height to RS/6000 deskside systems.

The Model 500 provides slots for up to 16 SSA disk drive modules mounted in convenient carriers. These disk drive modules are auto- docking and may be replaced by the customer. The drives connect to four internal SSA loops which can be configured as independent loops or linked via external cables.

The 7133 can be populated with three different SSA disk drive modules. The Capacities supported are 1.1GB, 2.2GB and 4.5GB. The machine includes four 2.2GB disk drives as standard. These can be replaced by eight 1.1GB disk drive modules or four 4.5GB drives at time of original order. Features are provided to add any combinations of supported drives.

The 7133 includes two auto-docking power/cooling units. These will provide redundant power and cooling to disk drive module positions 1 to 4. They will also provide non-redundant power/cooling to positions 5 to 8. An additional unit is available as a selective feature, and this will provide redundant power and cooling to all 16 disk drive module positions. These units may also be replaced by the customer.

The 7133 has selectable cable features, up to 25 meters long, for attaching to an IBM High Performance 4-Port SSA Adapter in the attaching system, for linking the internal busses, and for connecting to other 7133 subsystems.