Cisco Cisco C220 M5Sx 8Xsff Cto Chassis — Server Chassis for Modular Compute (Cisco)

How Much Does CISCO C220 M5SX 8xSFF CTO Chassis Cost in 2026?

As of June 2026, the Cisco C220 M5Sx 8Xsff CTO Chassis typically ranges from $437 to $437, depending on condition and sourcing channel. Units in "B" grade condition, which is the most common in the used market, are priced at the lower end of the range. Refurbishers like Axus Technology and Ferrotec often offer these chassis at a 40–60% discount compared to new units, which can cost upwards of $1,000–$1,200.

Purchasing a used chassis can save a data center operator $500–$800 per unit, which is significant when deploying multiple units. However, a failure due to a poorly refurbished chassis could result in $1,000–$3,000 in downtime costs, especially if the unit is used in a 24/7 environment. It’s also worth noting that units with more than 10,000 operational hours or those over 5 years old may show signs of wear that could lead to early failure.

CISCO C220 M5SX 8xSFF CTO Chassis Specifications and Compatible Tools

The Cisco C220 M5Sx 8Xsff CTO Chassis is a 1U rack-mountable chassis designed to support up to 8 SFF (Small Form Factor) blade servers. It supports dual 1000W redundant power supplies and features a modular design that allows for hot-swapping of components. The chassis is typically rated for a service life of 5–7 years or 15,000–20,000 operational hours.

This chassis is commonly used with Cisco UCS B200 M5 blades and is compatible with Cisco UCS 6454 Fabric Interconnects. However, it is not compatible with the Cisco UCS B480 M5 blade due to form factor and power draw differences. A mismatch in blade compatibility can lead to system instability or blade failure, which may cost $2,000–$5,000 in lost productivity and repair costs.

What to Check Before Buying a Used CISCO C220 M5SX 8xSFF CTO Chassis in 2026

1. Production Year: Look for units manufactured between 2020 and 2023. Units older than 2019 may have exceeded their expected service life and are more prone to failure.

2. Operational Hours: Request the total operational hours. Units with more than 10,000 hours are a red flag and should be rejected. A chassis with excessive runtime may fail within 6–12 months of deployment.

3. Power Supply Test: Use a load tester to verify that both power supplies function under full load. A failed power supply can lead to a complete system shutdown, costing $1,500–$3,000 in downtime.

4. Blade Compatibility: Confirm compatibility with your blade models. The chassis must support the blade’s power and thermal requirements. A mismatch can lead to blade overheating and failure.

5. Thermal Stress Test: Perform a thermal stress test to ensure the chassis can maintain stable temperatures under load. A failure in thermal management can lead to blade crashes and data loss, costing $2,000–$4,000 in recovery.

Units with a history of overheating or power supply failures should be rejected outright. A poorly maintained chassis can lead to a cascade of failures, increasing the risk of system downtime and repair costs.

FAQ

Q: Can I use the Cisco C220 M5Sx 8Xsff CTO Chassis with the Cisco UCS B480 M5 blade?
A: No. The Cisco C220 M5Sx chassis is not compatible with the Cisco UCS B480 M5 blade due to differences in form factor and power requirements. Attempting to use them together can lead to blade failure and system instability, costing $2,000–$5,000 in downtime and repairs.

Q: Should I buy a Cisco C220 M5Sx chassis with more than 10,000 operational hours?
A: No. Units with more than 10,000 hours are nearing or exceeding their expected service life and are at high risk of failure. A failure within the first 6 months of use could cost $1,500–$3,000 in downtime and replacement costs.

Q: How long can I expect a used Cisco C220 M5Sx chassis to last?
A: A well-maintained used chassis can last 3–5 years in a typical data center environment. Units with less than 5,000 hours and manufactured after 2020 tend to perform best. Regular thermal checks and power supply testing can extend lifespan by up to 12–18 months.

Q: Is the Cisco C220 M5Sx chassis more cost-effective than the Cisco C240 M5Sx?
A: Yes. The C220 M5Sx is typically 20–30% cheaper than the C240 M5Sx in the used market, with a similar feature set. However, the C240 M5Sx supports more blades and has better thermal management, making it more suitable for high-density environments.

Q: What is the average savings when buying a used Cisco C220 M5Sx chassis?
A: On average, you can save 40–60% compared to a new unit. Refurbished units from vendors like Axus Technology and Ferrotec are commonly priced around $437, while new units can cost $1,000–$1,200.