Hp Hp Am871A Storageworks 880 Base 48 Port Enabled San Switch — Storage Networking Solution (HP)

How Much Does HP AM871A Storageworks 8/80 Base 48 Port Enabled SAN Switch Cost in 2026?

As of July 2026, the HP AM871A Storageworks 8/80 Base 48 Port Enabled SAN Switch is priced at $406 for a used, refurbished unit in condition grade B. This price is consistent across most second-hand markets and typically represents a 40–60% discount compared to the original manufacturer’s suggested retail price, which can exceed $1,000 for a new unit. Refurbished units from trusted vendors like Axus Technology and Ferrotec are available in the same price range, with Axus typically offering a 12-month warranty and Ferrotec providing a 90-day return policy.

Buying a used HP AM871A can save enterprises between $400 and $600 per unit, which adds up significantly in large-scale deployments. However, it’s important to note that a failed unit in a live SAN environment can lead to up to $10,000 in downtime costs per hour. That’s why it’s critical to ensure the unit has been thoroughly tested and certified. Units with a condition grade lower than B may cost as little as $350, but they come with a higher risk of failure—up to 15% within the first 30 days of deployment.

HP AM871A Storageworks 8/80 Base 48 Port Enabled SAN Switch Specifications and Compatible Tools

The HP AM871A is a 48-port Fibre Channel SAN switch designed for high-density storage networking. It supports up to 8 Gbps Fibre Channel speeds and is commonly used in environments requiring scalable, low-latency connectivity. The switch is typically rated for 100,000 RF-hours of operation and is compatible with HP StorageWorks 8/80 Base switches from 2004 to 2008. It also works with HP ProLiant servers and HP StorageWorks disk arrays from the same era.

However, it is not compatible with newer HP 3PAR storage systems or the HP StoreVirtual VSA, which use different Fibre Channel protocols and require a minimum of 16 Gbps. Using an incompatible switch with part number HP 871A in a mismatched environment can lead to communication failures and data corruption, potentially costing $5,000–$10,000 in recovery and downtime.

Verify with the seller if the unit has been updated with firmware versions 4.2 or higher, as this can improve compatibility and performance. Always cross-check the switch’s serial number against HP’s lifecycle database to confirm its age and support status.

What to Check Before Buying a Used HP AM871A Storageworks 8/80 Base 48 Port Enabled SAN Switch in 2026

1. Firmware Version: Ensure the unit has firmware version 4.2 or higher. Older versions may lack critical bug fixes and can cause interoperability issues.
2. Port Testing: Request a full port test using tools like HP StorageWorks SAN Diagnostics. At least 45 of the 48 ports should be functional to meet minimum operational standards.
3. Power Supply Test: Run a 24-hour continuous power-on test to identify any latent power supply failures. A failed power supply can render the unit inoperable within 48 hours of deployment.
4. Fibre Channel Link Test: Use a Fibre Channel loopback test to verify link integrity. A failed test is a hard reject—do not proceed with the purchase.
5. Production Year: Units produced before 2006 are more likely to have reliability issues due to early firmware and component design flaws. Units from 2007–2008 are typically the most stable.

Buying a poorly tested unit can lead to immediate failure, causing up to $7,500 in unplanned downtime and repair costs. Always request a full diagnostic report and warranty terms before finalizing the purchase.

FAQ

Q: Can I use the HP AM871A with HP 3PAR storage systems?
A: No. The HP AM871A is not compatible with HP 3PAR systems, which require a minimum of 16 Gbps Fibre Channel and updated firmware. Attempting to use it can lead to communication errors and data loss.

Q: Should I buy a used HP AM871A if I need it for a mission-critical application?
A: Only if it has been tested for at least 72 hours under load and has firmware version 4.2 or higher. Units with less than 45 active ports should be rejected. A failure in a mission-critical environment can cost up to $15,000 in downtime.

Q: How long can I expect the HP AM871A to last in a typical data center?
A: With proper maintenance and firmware updates, the HP AM871A can last 7–10 years. Units over 15 years old are not recommended due to component degradation and lack of support.

Q: What is the difference between the HP AM871A and the HP AM872A?
A: The AM872A is a 24-port model with 8 Gbps support, while the AM871A has 48 ports. The AM871A is better suited for large-scale SAN environments, but both require firmware version 4.2 or higher for full compatibility.

Q: How much can I save by buying a used HP AM871A instead of a new one?
A: You can save between 40–60%, or $400–$600 per unit. Over 10 units, that’s a potential savings of $4,000–$6,000, assuming all units pass testing and are in condition grade B or higher.