Hp Hpe Qk714B Sn8000B 16Gb 48 Port Fibre Channel Blade — High-Density Storage Networking Component (HP)

How Much Does HPE QK714B SN8000B 16GB 48-Port Fibre Channel Blade Cost in 2026?

As of July 2026, the HPE QK714B SN8000B 16GB 48-Port Fibre Channel Blade is priced at $498 for a used, refurbished unit in condition grade B. This price is typically found through vendors like Axus Technology and Ferrotec, which specialize in enterprise storage components. New units from HP or authorized resellers are generally in the $1,200–$1,400 range, meaning buyers can save 40–60% by opting for a used part.

The cost of failure for a defective blade can be significant—estimates range from $1,500 to $3,000 in downtime and replacement costs, especially in mission-critical SAN environments. However, it's important to note that condition grade B parts may have cosmetic wear and may not have been used in the most recent production cycles. Always verify the part’s service history and test results before purchase.

HPE QK714B SN8000B 16GB 48-Port Fibre Channel Blade Specifications and Compatible Tools

The HPE QK714B SN8000B is a 16Gb Fibre Channel blade with 48 ports, commonly used in HP C7000 BladeSystem enclosures. It typically supports SFP+ transceivers and is designed for high-density storage area network (SAN) environments. The blade is rated for a minimum of 100,000 RF-hours and is compatible with HP BladeSystem c7000 enclosures produced between 2012 and 2017.

It is not compatible with later-gen HP BladeSystem c3000 or c3800 enclosures, especially those requiring 32Gb or 64Gb Fibre Channel. Using an incompatible blade can lead to system instability and potential data loss, with repair costs often exceeding $2,000. Always cross-reference the blade with the exact enclosure model and firmware version to avoid incompatibility.

What to Check Before Buying a Used HPE QK714B SN8000B 16GB 48-Port Fibre Channel Blade in 2026

1. Verify Production Year: The QK714B was produced from 2013 to 2016. Units older than 2012 may have outdated firmware and be more prone to failure.
2. Check Port Activity and Error Logs: Use a Fibre Channel analyzer or HP’s iLO to verify all 48 ports are active and error-free. Look for thresholds like more than 100 port errors in 24 hours.
3. Perform a Loopback Test: Use a certified SFP+ loopback plug to test signal integrity. A failed loopback test is a hard reject.
4. Review Refurbishment History: Ask for the last service date and component replacements. Units not serviced in the last 18 months may have higher failure risks.
5. Confirm Firmware Version: The blade should be running firmware 2.30 or higher. Older versions may lack critical bug fixes and can lead to system crashes during peak load, costing up to $2,500 in downtime.

FAQ

Q: Can I use the HPE QK714B SN8000B in a newer HP BladeSystem c3800 enclosure?
A: No. The QK714B is not compatible with HP BladeSystem c3800 enclosures, which require 32Gb or 64Gb Fibre Channel blades like the HPE QK716B. Using an incompatible blade can cause system instability and data loss, with repair costs often exceeding $2,000.

Q: Should I replace the HPE QK714B if it's over 10 years old?
A: Yes. Blades older than 10 years are more likely to fail, especially in high-traffic SAN environments. Failure rates increase by 20–30% after 10 years, and replacement costs can reach $2,500 due to downtime and labor.

Q: How long can I expect the HPE QK714B to last with proper maintenance?
A: With regular firmware updates and annual inspections, the QK714B can last 8–10 years. Beyond that, failure risk rises sharply, and it's typically more cost-effective to replace the blade.

Q: What’s the difference between the HPE QK714B and QK715B blades?
A: The QK715B is a 24-port blade, while the QK714B has 48 ports. The QK714B is better suited for high-density SAN environments, but both are 16Gb Fibre Channel blades. Using the wrong port count can reduce system efficiency and increase maintenance costs by up to $1,000 annually.

Q: What’s the average cost of downtime if the blade fails in a production environment?
A: In a typical enterprise SAN setup, blade failure can result in 4–6 hours of downtime, costing between $1,500 and $3,000 depending on the size of the operation and the criticality of the data.