Exam FlashArray-Implementation-Specialist Topic 1 Question 214 Discussion

A valid transfer path for re-using iSCSI cards during a controller upgrade is from a FlashArray//XR2 to a FlashArray//XR3 (Option A).
Hardware Continuity: The FlashArray//XR2 and //XR3 generations share a high degree of physical component compatibility, particularly regarding PCIe form factors and supported interface cards.
Upgrade Workflow: When performing an "Intra-Series" upgrade (refreshing just the controllers from R2 to R3 to gain CPU performance), the existing I/O cards (Fibre Channel or iSCSI) from the R2 chassis can typically be transferred directly into the new R3 controllers.
Legacy Limitations: Migrating cards from a much older FlashArray//M (Option B or C) is generally restricted. The //M series often used older generation PCIe cards or different form factors (like onboard risers) that are not validated or physically compatible with the modern PCIe slots found in the //X series. Therefore, for //M to //X upgrades, new I/O cards are usually required, whereas R2 > R3 supports reuse.