Hp Hp Aw564A Mds 824C Bladesystem Fabric Switch — High-Density Fibre Channel Switch for Blade Servers (HP)

How Much Does HP AW564A MDS 8/24C BladeSystem Fabric Switch Cost in 2026?

As of July 2026, the HP AW564A MDS 8/24C BladeSystem Fabric Switch is priced in the $156 range for a used, refurbished unit in condition grade B. This price point is consistent across most secondary markets and is typically sourced from vendors like Axus Technology and Ferrotec, both of which specialize in high-quality refurbished HP networking gear. New units, if still available, can cost between $300 and $400, depending on the reseller and configuration, meaning buyers can save between 40% and 60% by opting for a used, well-maintained version.

The price remains stable due to the part’s age—most units in circulation were manufactured between 2010 and 2012. While demand is moderate, the switch is still used in legacy BladeSystem environments, especially in mid-sized data centers. A failed unit can lead to downtime of 4–6 hours during replacement, which can cost an average enterprise between $1,500 and $2,500 in lost productivity. It’s also worth noting that the condition grade B rating means the unit may show signs of wear and may have been repaired in the past—always verify with the seller before purchase.

HP AW564A MDS 8/24C BladeSystem Fabric Switch Specifications and Compatible Tools

The HP AW564A MDS 8/24C is a 24-port Fibre Channel switch designed for use in HP BladeSystem c-Class enclosures. It supports up to 8 Gbps Fibre Channel speeds and is commonly used in storage area networks (SANs) to connect blade servers to storage systems. The switch typically has a lifecycle of 10–12 years, with most units reaching end-of-life in 2022–2023. It is compatible with HP BladeSystem c3000 and c7000 enclosures, particularly those deployed between 2010 and 2014.

This part is not compatible with newer HP BladeSystem models such as the c3000 Gen10 or c7000 Gen10, which use different backplane and switch architectures. Using the AW564A in an incompatible enclosure can lead to boot failures and system instability, potentially requiring a full enclosure reboot and causing up to 6 hours of downtime.

Verify with the seller that the unit is compatible with your specific BladeSystem model and firmware version. If not, you may face extended troubleshooting and additional costs for replacement parts.

What to Check Before Buying a Used HP AW564A MDS 8/24C BladeSystem Fabric Switch in 2026

1. Production Year: Units made before 2011 may have higher failure rates due to aging capacitors. Avoid units older than 2010.

2. Fibre Channel Port Test: Use a Fibre Channel loopback test to verify all 24 ports are functioning. A failed port can lead to storage connectivity issues and up to 3 hours of troubleshooting.

3. Firmware Version: Ensure the firmware is compatible with your BladeSystem enclosure. Mismatched firmware can cause boot failures and require a full enclosure reboot.

4. Power Supply Check: Test the internal power supply under load. A failing PSU can cause the switch to drop out of the fabric, leading to SAN outages and $2,000+ in downtime costs.

5. Reject If: The unit has been in storage for more than 18 months without power cycling. Capacitors can dry out, leading to sudden failure upon deployment.

A poorly tested or mismatched switch can result in a complete SAN outage, which can cost between $3,000 and $5,000 in lost productivity and repair time. Always request test logs and a 30-day warranty from the vendor.

FAQ

Q: Can I use the HP AW564A in a BladeSystem c7000 Gen9?

A: Yes, but only if the enclosure was originally configured for 8 Gbps Fibre Channel and the firmware is compatible. The Gen9 supports the AW564A, but using it in a Gen10 or newer is not supported and will result in a boot failure.

Q: Should I buy a used HP AW564A MDS 8/24C if I need it for a mission-critical application?

A: Only if the unit has been tested for at least 48 hours under load and has a 30-day warranty. Units older than 2010 should be avoided in mission-critical environments due to higher failure rates and potential $4,000+ in downtime costs.

Q: How long can I expect a used HP AW564A to last in a production environment?

A: With proper maintenance and a clean power supply, a used unit in condition grade B can last between 2 and 4 years in a production environment. Beyond that, failure rates increase significantly.

Q: What’s the difference between the HP AW564A and the HP AW564B?

A: The AW564B is a 16-port version of the same switch, designed for smaller BladeSystem configurations. The AW564A is 24-port and supports more storage connectivity. Using the AW564B in a 24-port configuration will result in a non-functional port error and require a full enclosure reboot.

Q: Is it worth buying a used HP AW564A if I can get a new one for $350?

A: Yes, if the used unit is in condition grade B and priced at $156. You’ll save 55% and avoid the high cost of new parts. However, ensure the unit comes with a warranty and test logs to avoid $2,500+ in potential repair costs.