Hp Hp Brocade Fc 16Gb28 San Switch Power Pack Bladesystem C C — High-Performance Power Module for BladeSystem C-Class (HP)

How Much Does HP Brocade FC 16Gb/28 SAN Switch Power Pack+ BladeSystem C-Class Cost in 2026?

As of July 2026, the HP Brocade FC 16Gb/28 SAN Switch Power Pack for BladeSystem C-Class is priced at $2,900 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 components. New units, if still available, can exceed $6,000, meaning buyers can save between 40–60% by opting for a well-maintained used alternative.

The cost of failure is significant—downtime in a data center due to a power pack failure can cost upwards of $10,000 per hour, depending on the criticality of the systems involved. Therefore, sourcing a reliable, tested unit is crucial. Units in condition grade B typically have 100–200 hours of runtime and are often reconditioned to factory specifications. However, buyers should be cautious of units with more than 500 hours of runtime, as they may be nearing the end of their serviceable life.

HP Brocade FC 16Gb/28 SAN Switch Power Pack+ BladeSystem C-Class Specifications and Compatible Tools

This power pack is designed for use in HP BladeSystem C-Class enclosures and is commonly used in conjunction with Brocade 16Gb/28 SAN Switches. It typically delivers 550W of power and supports dual redundant configurations. The unit is rated for 400–480V AC input and provides 12V and 5V DC outputs. It is commonly found in systems deployed between 2015 and 2018, and is compatible with BladeSystem c7000 enclosures.

The typical lifecycle of this power pack is around 5–7 years, with a recommended replacement after 500–700 runtime hours. It is compatible with BladeSystem C7000 and C3000 enclosures, but not with newer Gen10 or Gen11 systems. Specifically, it is incompatible with the HP BladeSystem c7000 with FlexFabric Interconnects (part number 681432-B21), which use a different power architecture.

Failure of this component can lead to complete enclosure shutdown, resulting in data loss or extended downtime. Always verify compatibility and runtime hours before installation.

What to Check Before Buying a Used HP Brocade FC 16Gb/28 SAN Switch Power Pack+ BladeSystem C-Class in 2026

1. Runtime Hours: Units with more than 500 hours of runtime should be avoided. Exceeding this threshold increases the risk of capacitor degradation and power instability.

2. Voltage Output Test: Use a multimeter to verify that the 12V and 5V outputs are within ±5% tolerance. A deviation beyond this can cause instability in blade servers.

3. Capacitor Inspection: Visually inspect for bulging or leaking capacitors. Reject the unit if any are found. Capacitor failure is a leading cause of power pack failure.

4. Firmware Version: Check the firmware version against the latest available for the BladeSystem C-Class. Units with firmware older than 2018 may not support newer blade models.

5. Seller Reputation: Only purchase from vendors with a proven track record in HP BladeSystem components. Avoid units from sellers who cannot provide a clear production year or service history.

Purchasing a faulty unit can lead to immediate system failure, with costs of repair and downtime reaching $15,000 or more in mission-critical environments.

FAQ

Q: Can I use this power pack with a BladeSystem c7000 Gen10?
A: No. This power pack is not compatible with Gen10 BladeSystem c7000 enclosures. It is designed for use with Gen8 and earlier models. Attempting to use it with Gen10 could result in power instability or damage to the enclosure.

Q: Should I replace this power pack if it has 400 hours of runtime?
A: Not necessarily. 400 hours is within the acceptable range for a used unit. However, if the unit is over 7 years old, it may be wise to replace it, as capacitors can degrade over time regardless of runtime.

Q: How long can I expect this power pack to last after installation?
A: With proper maintenance and under normal operating conditions, you can expect a lifespan of 3–5 years after installation. Units with more than 500 runtime hours may only last 1–2 years.

Q: What’s the difference between this power pack and the HP 681432-B21?
A: The HP 681432-B21 is a FlexFabric-compatible power pack used in newer BladeSystem c7000 enclosures. It uses a different power architecture and is not interchangeable with this 16Gb/28 SAN Switch power pack.

Q: How much can I save by buying a used unit instead of new?
A: You can save between 40–60%, or up to $3,000, by purchasing a used, refurbished unit from a reputable vendor like Axus Technology or Ferrotec.