Cisco Cisco Ucsc C240 M5Sx C240 M5 Cto Server — 2U Rack-Mounted Server for Data Centers (Cisco)

How Much Does Cisco UCSC-C240-M5SX C240 M5 CTO Server Cost in 2026?

As of July 2026, the Cisco UCSC-C240-M5SX C240 M5 CTO Server is available in the used market for an average price of $312. This price typically reflects a unit in condition grade B, which means it has been refurbished and tested but may show signs of use. If you're looking for a higher-grade unit (A or A+), expect to pay between $360–$420, depending on the vendor and the server’s condition. Lower-grade units (C or D) may be available for as low as $250, but these often come with higher risk and shorter expected lifespans.

Refurbishers like Axus Technology and Covalent Materials are commonly listed as sellers of this part, and they typically offer a 40–60% discount compared to the new price, which can be in the $600–$800 range. That said, buying a low-grade unit can lead to downtime costs of $1,200–$2,000 per incident due to early failure or performance issues. Always verify the server’s production year and usage history before purchase. Units produced before 2021 may have higher failure rates due to aging components.

Cisco UCSC-C240-M5SX C240 M5 CTO Server Specifications and Compatible Tools

The Cisco UCSC-C240-M5SX is a 2U rack-mounted server with support for up to two Intel Xeon Scalable processors. It typically features 24 DIMM slots, allowing for up to 3TB of DDR4 memory. Storage options commonly include up to 10 hot-swappable drives, with support for SAS, SATA, and NVMe drives. The server is designed for use in data centers and cloud environments, commonly deployed in 2019–2022 production cycles.

This server is typically compatible with Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) tools, including the Cisco UCS Manager and Cisco UCS Central. It is not compatible with older Cisco UCS B200 M3 blades or HP ProLiant DL380 Gen10 servers. Incompatibility with the HP DL380 Gen10 can lead to configuration errors and extended deployment delays, costing up to $1,500 in labor and downtime.

The server has a typical lifecycle of 5–7 years, with a recommended replacement cycle at 4,000–5,000 operational hours. Always verify the server’s actual usage hours with the seller, as overused units may fail within 6–12 months of deployment.

What to Check Before Buying a Used Cisco UCSC-C240-M5SX C240 M5 CTO Server in 2026

1. Production Year: Units produced before 2020 are more likely to have outdated components and higher failure rates. Reject any server older than 2019.

2. Usage Hours: Request the server’s operational hours. Units with more than 4,000 hours are at high risk for component failure and should be avoided.

3. Memory and Storage Test: Run a full memory test using MemTest86 and a SMART scan on all drives. Failing memory or drives can cause data corruption and system crashes, costing $1,000–$2,500 in repair or data recovery.

4. Power Supply and Fan Health: Use a thermal imaging camera and a fan diagnostic tool to check for overheating or failing fans. A single failed fan can lead to thermal shutdown and $800–$1,200 in downtime.

5. Refurbishment Quality: Insist on a full refurbishment report. Reject any unit that has not been fully disassembled, cleaned, and tested. Low-quality refurbishments can lead to early failure and $1,500–$2,000 in replacement costs.

FAQ

Q: Can I use the Cisco UCSC-C240-M5SX with a Cisco UCS B250 M5 blade?

A: No. The Cisco UCSC-C240-M5SX is a rack server and is not compatible with blade chassis like the Cisco UCS B250 M5. Attempting to integrate it into a blade environment can cause configuration errors and deployment delays, costing up to $1,200 in labor.

Q: Should I buy a used Cisco UCSC-C240-M5SX with over 5,000 hours of use?

A: No. Units with over 5,000 hours are at high risk of component failure. The cost of early failure can exceed $2,000 in downtime and replacement costs. Stick to units with under 4,000 hours for reliability.

Q: How long can I expect the Cisco UCSC-C240-M5SX to last in a data center?

A: With proper maintenance, the server typically lasts 5–7 years. However, units with high usage hours or poor refurbishment may fail within 1–2 years. Plan for a replacement cycle every 5 years to avoid downtime.

Q: How does the used price compare to a new Cisco UCSC-C240-M5SX?

A: The used price is 40–60% lower than the new price, which is typically $600–$800. You can save $250–$500 per unit, but always factor in potential repair or replacement costs for low-grade units.

Q: What is the minimum memory requirement for the Cisco UCSC-C240-M5SX?

A: The server requires a minimum of 64GB of DDR4 memory. Operating with less than 64GB can lead to performance degradation and system instability, increasing the risk of downtime by $500–$1,000 per incident.