Hp Hp Aw563A Mds 812C Bladesystem Fabric Switch — High-Performance Blade Switch for HP BladeSystem (HP)

How Much Does HP AW563A MDS 8/12C BladeSystem Fabric Switch Cost in 2026?

As of July 2026, the HP AW563A MDS 8/12C BladeSystem Fabric Switch is priced in the range of $187, with most units falling into the B-grade condition category. This price reflects a 40–60% savings compared to the original manufacturer’s cost when new, which could have been in the $300–$400 range depending on the purchase year and configuration.

Refurbished units are commonly available from vendors like Ferrotec and Covalent Materials, both of which are known for their rigorous testing and reconditioning processes. These vendors typically offer warranty periods of 6–12 months, depending on the condition grade and test results.

Buying a used HP AW563A can save a facility $100–$200 per unit, which can add up significantly in large-scale deployments. However, a failed or underperforming switch can lead to $5,000–$10,000 in downtime costs per incident, especially in mission-critical environments. It’s also worth noting that units older than 8 years are more prone to failure and should be inspected thoroughly before purchase.

HP AW563A MDS 8/12C BladeSystem Fabric Switch Specifications and Compatible Tools

The HP AW563A MDS 8/12C BladeSystem Fabric Switch is a high-density switching module designed for HP BladeSystem c-Class chassis. It typically supports 8 or 12 Gigabit Ethernet ports and is commonly used in environments requiring low-latency, high-throughput connectivity between blade servers and external networks.

This switch is compatible with HP BladeSystem c3000 and c7000 chassis, typically from 2008–2012 production years. It is not compatible with HP BladeSystem c4000 or newer cG2000 models, as those use a different backplane architecture. Using it in an incompatible chassis can lead to no power or communication failure, which may require $3,000–$5,000 in labor and parts to resolve.

The typical lifecycle metric for this part is around 10,000–15,000 RF-hours, though this can vary based on usage and environmental conditions. It is recommended to verify the production date and usage history with the seller, as units over 12 years old may have degraded performance or higher failure rates.

What to Check Before Buying a Used HP AW563A MDS 8/12C BladeSystem Fabric Switch in 2026

1. Verify the production year — Units manufactured before 2010 may have higher failure rates. A unit older than 12 years should be inspected more thoroughly.

2. Check the condition grade — Look for B-grade or better units. Avoid C-grade unless the seller provides detailed test logs and warranty terms.

3. Perform a port test — Use HP iLO (Integrated Lights-Out) or HP Network Configuration Manager to verify all ports are functioning. A failed port can lead to $2,500–$4,000 in rework costs.

4. Run a power-on self-test (POST) — This test can identify internal faults. A failed POST is a hard reject and indicates a high risk of failure in the field.

5. Review the warranty and return policy — A 6–12 month warranty is typical for B-grade units. Units without a return policy should be avoided due to the $1,500–$3,000 in labor costs to replace a defective unit.

Failing to perform these checks can result in $5,000–$10,000 in downtime and repair costs, especially in environments where blade switches are critical to operations.

FAQ

Q: How does the HP AW563A compare to the HP AW564A?
A: The AW564A is a newer model with 12 ports and better performance metrics. However, the AW563A is still widely used in legacy systems and is typically $50–$70 cheaper in the used market.

Q: Can I use the HP AW563A in a c7000 chassis from 2015?
A: No. The AW563A is not compatible with c7000 chassis produced after 2012, due to differences in the backplane and firmware. Attempting to use it can result in no power or communication failure.

Q: How long can I expect a used HP AW563A to last?
A: With proper maintenance, a B-grade unit can last 3–5 years in a controlled environment. Units over 10 years old should be replaced due to the $3,000–$5,000 in failure risk.

Q: Should I replace the HP AW563A with a newer model?
A: If your system is under 5 years old and the AW563A is functioning well, it may be cost-effective to keep it. However, if you’re upgrading your infrastructure, consider the HP 6125XLG or 6130XG, which are more modern and future-proof.

Q: What’s the best way to test a used HP AW563A before installation?
A: Use HP iLO to run a port test and a POST. Also, check for firmware compatibility with your chassis. A failed test can lead to $2,000–$3,000 in downtime and rework costs.