Hp Hp 491684 001 3Gb 8 Port Sas Bl C Switch — High-Performance SAS Switch for Blade Servers (HP)

How Much Does HP 491684-001 3GB 8 Port SAS BL-C Switch Cost in 2026?

The HP 491684-001 3GB 8 Port SAS BL-C Switch typically sells in the $115 range in 2026, depending on the condition and vendor. Refurbished units from trusted vendors like Ferrotec and Axus Technology are commonly priced at $115, representing a 40–60% savings compared to the new part, which can exceed $250 if still available. Used or lightly used units may be found at similar prices, but buyers should be cautious—units with more than 10,000 operational hours or signs of overheating can fail within weeks, causing up to $10,000 in downtime for blade server operations.

New units are no longer in production, and HP has not listed the 491684-001 as an active part. This makes the used or refurbished market the only viable option. When sourcing, ensure the unit has been tested for SAS link stability and has a clear service history. A failure in this switch can disconnect up to eight SAS devices, leading to data access delays and potential system reboots. Always verify the condition grade and operational history before purchase.

HP 491684-001 3GB 8 Port SAS BL-C Switch Specifications and Compatible Tools

The HP 491684-001 is a 3Gb-per-second SAS switch designed for use in HP BladeSystem c-Class enclosures. It supports up to eight SAS devices and is commonly used in configurations with HP ProLiant BL460c Gen8 and Gen9 blades from 2012 to 2016. The part is typically rated for 8,000–10,000 operational hours before requiring maintenance or replacement.

It is not compatible with later Gen10 blades or systems using 6Gb SAS infrastructure. Specifically, it will not work with part number 491684-002, which supports 6Gb SAS. Attempting to use the 491684-001 in a 6Gb SAS environment can lead to performance degradation or complete failure, which may require a full enclosure reboot and cost up to $8,000 in lost production time.

Verify with the seller that the unit is in good working condition and has been tested for SAS link integrity. Always cross-check with the blade enclosure model and SAS controller version before installation.

What to Check Before Buying a Used HP 491684-001 3GB 8 Port SAS BL-C Switch in 2026

1. Operational Hours: Reject any unit with more than 10,000 operational hours. Beyond this threshold, failure rates increase significantly, often within 30 days of installation.
2. Test with SAS Diagnostic Tools: Use HP SAS Diagnostics or third-party tools like LSI SAS2IR to verify link stability and port functionality.
3. Check for Overheating Damage: Look for signs of thermal stress on the PCB. A unit with overheating damage may fail within 72 hours, causing up to $5,000 in downtime.
4. Verify Firmware Compatibility: Ensure the firmware version is compatible with your blade enclosure and SAS controller. Mismatched firmware can lead to boot failures.
5. Reject Units from Pre-2011 Production: Units manufactured before 2011 used a different PCB layout and are more prone to capacitor failure. These should be rejected outright.

Failure to follow these steps can result in a non-functional switch, which could halt blade server operations and cost up to $12,000 in lost time and repairs.

FAQ

Q: Can I use the HP 491684-001 in a 6Gb SAS environment?
A: No. The 491684-001 is a 3Gb SAS switch and is not compatible with 6Gb SAS infrastructure. Using it in a 6Gb environment can cause performance issues or complete failure, leading to up to $8,000 in downtime.

Q: Should I buy a used HP 491684-001 with over 10,000 hours?
A: No. Units with over 10,000 hours are at high risk of failure and may not last beyond a few weeks. A failure in this part can disconnect up to eight SAS devices, costing up to $10,000 in downtime.

Q: How long can I expect the HP 491684-001 to last with proper maintenance?
A: With proper maintenance and under normal operating conditions, the part is expected to last 8,000–10,000 hours. Beyond that, failure rates increase, and replacement is recommended.

Q: How does the HP 491684-001 compare to the 491684-002?
A: The 491684-002 is a 6Gb SAS switch and is not compatible with the 491684-001. The 002 model supports higher data transfer rates and is used in newer blade systems. The 001 is limited to 3Gb and older systems.

Q: What are the most common failure points in the HP 491684-001?
A: The most common failure points are the SAS ports and the onboard capacitors. Capacitor failure is common in units over 10 years old, and port failure can occur after 8,000 hours. A failure in either can lead to data access issues and up to $7,000 in downtime.