NetApp SAS Disk Shelf DS4246 — Used & Refurbished (NetApp)

How Much Does NetApp SAS Disk Shelf DS4246 Cost in 2026?

In 2026, used NetApp SAS Disk Shelf DS4246 units typically range from $3,000 to $50,000, depending on condition and included components. Used, non-refurbished models with original power supplies (PSUs) and no drive bays filled sell for $3,000–$8,000. Refurbished units with replaced PSUs and firmware updates cost $12,000–$20,000. Vendor-certified (e.g., NetApp-authorized refurbishment) models with full 24-drive capacity and dual PSUs hit $30,000–$50,000. Compared to the OEM 2026 list price (~$20,000–$25,000 for new), used buys save 50–80%, but caveat: pre-2018 DS4246 models often have higher failure rates in PSUs and fan trays, adding $2–5k to repair costs.

NetApp SAS Disk Shelf DS4246 Specifications and Compatible Systems

The DS4246 is a 2U rackmount SAS disk shelf supporting 24 hot-swappable SAS/SATA drives (2.5” or 3.5”). It features dual redundant 1+1 PSUs (460W min), four fan modules, and a 12 Gb/s SAS expander. Firmware compatibility requires NetApp ONTAP 9.8+ or later. Compatible systems include NetApp FAS2500 series (2017–2020), FAS2000 series (2015–2019), and ** AFF A200 (2018–2021)**. Warning: DS4246 models with firmware < 1.30 may cause I/O timeouts when paired with newer NVMe-enabled controllers. Always verify shelf firmware against array OS versions.

What to Check Before Buying a Used NetApp SAS Disk Shelf DS4246 in 2026

1. PSU health: Use a multimeter to test output voltage (should be 12V ±5%). Replace if ripple exceeds 100mV.
2. Drive bay integrity: Inspect for bent rails or corrosion; test 3–5 bays with a SAS loopback plug for signal stability.
3. Firmware version: Check via sysconfig -a in ONTAP CLI; update to 1.40+ to avoid compatibility gaps with FAS9000 series.
4. Fan tray performance: Run sysconfig -f to log RPMs; replace trays with < 1,200 RPM under load.
5. Diagnostic tools: Use NetApp’s OnCommand Insight for shelf health scans or the DS4246’s built-in SASexpandDiag utility to detect expander chip errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the DS4246 used price so variable in 2026?
A: Price variance stems from PSU condition (original vs. replaced), firmware version, and included drives. Units with 24 filled bays add $5–10k vs. empty shelves.

Q: NetApp SAS Disk Shelf DS4246 vs. Dell MD1200 — which is better used?
A: The DS4246 outperforms