Buy new or opt for refurbished hardware? More than just a cheaper alternative.
When companies modernise their IT infrastructure, they often opt for new equipment. New devices promise maximum performance, the latest technology and the reliability of a brand-new unit. However, particularly in a professional IT environment, ‘new’ is not always automatically the most cost-effective solution.
Refurbished hardware – also known as refurbished IT hardware – has emerged as a genuine alternative in recent years. Businesses in particular stand to benefit from this, as devices such as switches, access points, UPS systems and rack components are often designed for a long service life.
Refurbished hardware offers verified quality, full functionality and significant cost savings compared with new equipment. ‘Refurbished’ does not simply mean ‘second-hand’. It means that the hardware has been professionally inspected, cleaned, tested and, where necessary, repaired. Only once all functions are working reliably again is it put back into service.
Important: This term is often misunderstood. Many people associate second-hand hardware with obsolete devices or equipment of unknown condition. With professionally refurbished IT, however, the process is different: companies do not simply purchase a second-hand device, but a tested IT component that is ready for productive use.
Refurbished hardware is particularly attractive when companies:
A switch, a Wi-Fi access point or a UPS does not necessarily need to be replaced simply because a newer generation is available. The price advantage does not arise because companies are buying lower-quality products. The difference lies mainly in the fact that the hardware has already completed its first life cycle. A company therefore pays less for a device that continues to perform its function reliably.
| Faktor | Neu | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition costs | high | approx. 20–60% cheaper |
| Condition | brand new | checked and processed |
| Functionality | 100 % | 100 % after testing |
| Sustainability | less focus on reuse | significantly higher |
| Availability | delivery times can sometimes be long | often available more quickly |
| Service life | maximum remaining service life | will remain usable for many years to come |
| Spare Parts | usually more readily available | depending on the model |
The biggest advantage is clearly the cost. With refurbished hardware, businesses can often purchase professional-grade, branded equipment without having to pay the full price of a new item.
To illustrate the difference, let’s look at typical enterprise products in the field of network and data centre infrastructure. The following sample calculations are for illustrative purposes only. The exact savings depend on the model, condition and market price, but they demonstrate the typical potential for savings when purchasing in larger quantities.
The APC Smart-UPS X 3000 Rack/Tower LCD is a professional UPS system that protects servers, network equipment and critical systems from power cuts. A brand-new unit of this type can cost several thousand euros. A refurbished model offers the same basic functionality but has already been tested and reconditioned.
Example Invoice:
Quantity: 10 UPS units
New: approx. 35,000 euros
Refurbished: approx. 17,000 euros
Savings: approx. 18,000 euros
The APC Smart-UPS SRT 10000VA RM is a high-performance online UPS that reliably protects business-critical IT systems against power cuts, voltage fluctuations and mains disturbances. It is particularly suitable for data centres, server rooms and demanding corporate environments with high energy requirements.
Example Invoice:
Quantity: 10 UPS units
New: approx. 97,000 euros
Factory-refurbished: approx. 85,000 euros
Refurbished: approx. 60,000 euros
Savings: approx. 37,000 euros (12,000 euros for factory-refurbished units)
The APC Switched Rack PDU 2G Zero U is an intelligent rack power distribution unit that reliably supplies power to servers, switches and network components. Thanks to its switching function, individual outlets can be monitored centrally and switched on or off remotely as required.
The APC AP7850B Metered Rack PDU is a metered rack PDU that enables reliable power distribution within the server cabinet and displays the current energy consumption directly on the unit. This allows for better monitoring of loads and efficient planning of the power supply.
Juniper’s EX4300-48P enterprise switch is one of those devices for which refurbished models are particularly worthwhile. The hardware is designed for continuous operation and remains high-performing even after several years. A company requiring multiple switches can make significant savings on its investment by opting for refurbished equipment.
Example Invoice:
Quantity: 10 switches
New: approx. 7,500 euros
Refurbished: approx. 1,400 euros
Savings: approx. 6,100 euros
Wi-Fi infrastructures, in particular, often require a large number of devices. Hotels, schools, warehouses and large office buildings may need hundreds of access points. Rather than setting up a completely new Wi-Fi infrastructure from scratch, businesses can cost-effectively expand or replace their existing systems with high-quality Aruba business hardware.
Example Invoice:
Quantity: 10 access points
New: approx. 5,300 euros
Refurbished: approx. 4,450 euros
Savings: approx. 850 euros
Example Invoice:
Quantity: 10 access points
New: approx. 4,150 euros
Refurbished: approx. 1,750 euros
Savings: approx. 2,400 euros
Example Invoice:
Quantity: 10 access points
New: approx. 1,400 euros
Refurbished: approx. 700 euros
Savings: approx. 700 euros
Example Invoice:
Quantity: 10 access points
New: approx. 2.200 euros
Refurbished: approx. 700 euros
Savings: approx. 1.500 euros
Every reused IT component extends the life cycle of existing hardware.
Advantages:
In addition to the financial savings, environmental considerations are also playing an increasingly important role. Reuse makes particular sense in the case of enterprise hardware, as these devices are often designed for a significantly longer lifecycle than typical consumer products.
IT remarketing also helps to extend the life cycle of IT hardware. As part of this process, devices are professionally inspected, refurbished and prepared for reuse – exactly as we do with our own products. You can find further information on our IT remarketing page in our shop.
Would you like to find out more about the benefits of refurbished IT equipment? In our article ‘Second-hand IT hardware: why it makes sense and how you can benefit’, you’ll discover what to look out for when buying and why refurbished hardware is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative.
Brand-new products remain the right choice when companies absolutely need the latest technology or want the maximum manufacturer’s warranty period.
For many IT projects, however, refurbished hardware is the more cost-effective option. Companies benefit from certified brand-name quality, reduce their capital expenditure and, at the same time, operate in a more sustainable manner.
Whether it’s switches, Wi-Fi access points or UPS systems: refurbished business hardware can perform the same tasks as new equipment – but offers significantly better value for money.
Anyone who wants to do more than just buy IT infrastructure – who wants to plan it strategically – should therefore ask more than just: “How much does a new piece of equipment cost?”
Rather: “Which solution delivers the required performance at the best overall value?”
And this is precisely where refurbished hardware really comes into its own. You’ll also find refurbished hardware in our shop. Simply use the enquiry form to request a suitable quote.
