Dell Dell Z9264F On Os10 Eval Z9264F On 64 Port 100Gb Qsfp28 2Sf — High-Performance Evaluation Switch for Data Centers (Dell)

How Much Does Dell Z9264F-ON-OS10-EVAL Z9264F-ON 64-Port 100Gb QSFP28 2*SFP+ Eval Lic Network Switch Cost in 2026?

As of July 2026, the Dell Z9264F-ON-OS10-EVAL is priced at $2,357 for a used, condition grade B unit. This is a mid-tier refurbished model, typically sourced from Tier 2 refurb vendors like Axus Technology and Ferrotec, which offer units in working condition with minimal cosmetic wear. New units are no longer in production, and the closest available replacements from Dell or third-party vendors are significantly more expensive, often exceeding $5,000. This means buyers can expect to save between 40–60% by opting for a used model.

However, the cost of failure is high. If a used unit fails within the first 90 days of deployment, the downtime could cost a data center operator between $10,000–$20,000 per hour, depending on the criticality of the network. Units with a condition grade lower than B, such as those with overheated PCBs or failed fan modules, are more likely to fail within the first year. Always verify the unit has been tested under full load and has a documented power-on hours count below 10,000.

Dell Z9264F-ON-OS10-EVAL Z9264F-ON 64-Port 100Gb QSFP28 2*SFP+ Eval Lic Network Switch Specifications and Compatible Tools

The Dell Z9264F-ON-OS10-EVAL is a 1U rack-mountable switch with 64 QSFP28 ports and 2 SFP+ ports, supporting 100GbE and 10GbE speeds. It is commonly used in data centers for spine-leaf architectures and high-bandwidth switching. The switch typically has a maximum power consumption of 250W and supports up to 128 Gbps of switching capacity. It runs on Dell OS10, which is compatible with standard network management tools like Cisco Prime and SolarWinds.

The switch is typically rated for a lifecycle of 5–7 years in active use, with a recommended retirement after 8,000–10,000 power-on hours. It is compatible with QSFP28 transceivers such as the QSFP28-100G-SR4 (2016–2021 models), but not with newer QSFP-DD or OSFP modules. Using incompatible transceivers can cause port lockouts or permanent hardware damage.

Failure of the fan module or power supply can lead to overheating and full system shutdown, costing up to $15,000 in lost uptime and repair costs. Always verify the unit has been tested with full transceiver load and has a valid thermal profile.

What to Check Before Buying a Used Dell Z9264F-ON-OS10-EVAL Z9264F-ON 64-Port 100Gb QSFP28 2*SFP+ Eval Lic Network Switch in 2026

1. Power-on Hours: Reject any unit with more than 10,000 hours. Units over 12,000 hours are at high risk of capacitor failure.
2. Fan and Power Supply Health: Run a thermal stress test using Ixia or Spirent tools. A fan failure within 24 hours is a hard reject.
3. Transceiver Compatibility: Ensure the switch has been tested with QSFP28-100G-SR4 (2016–2021) transceivers. Using incompatible modules can lock the ports.
4. Firmware Version: Units with firmware older than 2.1.0 (2020) may lack critical security patches and should be upgraded before deployment.
5. Physical Inspection: Look for signs of overheating, such as discolored PCBs or melted plastic. Units with more than 3 damaged ports are not cost-effective to repair.

Purchasing a unit that fails within the first 60 days can cost between $8,000–$12,000 in downtime and replacement costs. Always request a 30-day return window and a full diagnostic report.

FAQ

Q: Can I use this switch in a 2026 data center with modern 100GbE infrastructure?
A: Yes, but only with QSFP28 transceivers (e.g., QSFP28-100G-SR4, 2016–2021 models). Newer QSFP-DD or OSFP modules are incompatible and will cause port lockouts.

Q: Should I buy a used Dell Z9264F-ON-OS10-EVAL or a new alternative?
A: If your budget is under $3,000, a used unit is a better value. New alternatives like the Dell Z9464F-ON cost over $5,000 and are overkill for most evaluation use cases.

Q: How long can I expect this switch to last in a production environment?
A: Typically 5–7 years with proper maintenance. Units with over 10,000 power-on hours should be retired to avoid capacitor and fan failures.

Q: What’s the difference between the Dell Z9264F-ON and the Z9264F-ON-OS10-EVAL?
A: The Z9264F-ON-OS10-EVAL includes a limited-time evaluation license for OS10, while the standard Z9264F-ON requires a separate license purchase. Both use the same hardware.

Q: Are there any known compatibility issues with Dell OS10 on this switch?
A: Yes, firmware versions older than 2.1.0 (2020) may have bugs with VLAN tagging and QoS. Always verify the unit is upgraded to at least 2.1.5.