Cisco Cisco Ucs C220 M5 Sx 10 Sff Server Chassis — Compact 10-node Blade Server Chassis (Cisco)

How Much Does Cisco UCS C220 M5 SX 10 SFF Server Chassis Cost in 2026?

In 2026, the Cisco UCS C220 M5 SX 10 SFF Server Chassis is typically listed in the $187 range for a used, refurbished unit in condition grade B. This price reflects a 40–60% savings compared to the new unit, which can exceed $400 depending on configuration and vendor. Refurbished units from vendors like Axus Technology and Ferrotec are commonly found in this bracket, though prices may vary slightly based on the unit’s service history and included accessories.

Units in higher condition grades (A or A+) can command up to $220, while lower-grade B or C units may be available for as low as $170. The savings are significant, but it's important to note that a failed chassis can cost upwards of $10,000 in downtime and replacement costs, especially in mission-critical environments. Always verify the unit’s service history and test logs before purchase, as even a $187 savings can be wiped out by a single failure in the field.

Cisco UCS C220 M5 SX 10 SFF Server Chassis Specifications and Compatible Tools

The Cisco UCS C220 M5 SX 10 SFF Server Chassis is a compact, 10-node blade server chassis designed for high-density compute environments. It typically supports Intel Xeon Scalable processors, up to 2TB of DDR4 memory, and dual 10GbE ports. The chassis is commonly rated for 100,000 RF-hours and is typically in production from 2019 to 2021, with most units now over five years old.

It is compatible with Cisco UCS B200 M5 blades and the Cisco UCS 6454 Fabric Interconnect. However, it is not compatible with newer M6 blade models like the B200 M6 or the C240 M6. Using an incompatible blade can result in boot failures or system instability, which may require costly reconfiguration or replacement of the entire chassis.

What to Check Before Buying a Used Cisco UCS C220 M5 SX 10 SFF Server Chassis in 2026

1. Service History and Age: Units older than 2021 should be inspected for wear. A chassis over 5 years old may have exceeded 80% of its rated RF-hours, increasing the risk of component failure.

2. Power and Fan Health: Run a full power-on test and fan diagnostics. Look for any signs of overheating or fan failure, which can lead to thermal shutdown and downtime of up to 48 hours.

3. Blade Compatibility Test: Confirm the unit has been tested with a B200 M5 blade. If it fails to recognize or boot the blade, reject the unit. This is a hard reject criterion.

4. Firmware and BIOS Version: Ensure the firmware is updated to at least version 3.3(1). Older versions may not support newer blade configurations and can lead to boot failures.

5. Physical Inspection: Look for signs of physical damage, especially to the rear I/O and blade slots. A damaged chassis can lead to signal loss and data corruption, costing up to $5,000 in repairs.

FAQ

Q: Can I use the Cisco UCS C220 M5 SX 10 SFF Server Chassis with newer M6 blades?
A: No. The chassis is not compatible with M6 blades like the B200 M6. Attempting to use them can result in boot failures and system instability, which may require a full chassis replacement.

Q: Should I buy a used Cisco UCS C220 M5 SX 10 SFF Server Chassis over 5 years old?
A: It depends. Units over 5 years old may have exceeded 80% of their rated RF-hours. If the unit has been well-maintained and tested, it can still be a viable option. But if not, expect a 30–50% higher risk of failure.

Q: How long can I expect a used Cisco UCS C220 M5 SX 10 SFF Server Chassis to last?
A: With proper maintenance, a used unit in condition grade B can last 3–5 more years. However, if it has already exceeded 80% of its rated RF-hours, expect a shorter lifespan and higher risk of component failure.

Q: What’s the difference between the Cisco UCS C220 M5 SX and the M5 RX models?
A: The M5 SX model is a 10-node SFF chassis, while the M5 RX is a 2-node rack-mount model. The SX is more compact and suitable for high-density environments, while the RX is better for single or dual-server setups.

Q: How much can I save by buying a used Cisco UCS C220 M5 SX 10 SFF Server Chassis instead of new?
A: You can save 40–60%, or up to $213, by purchasing a used unit in condition grade B. This makes it a cost-effective option for data centers and edge computing environments.