When it comes to NetApp storage solutions, businesses often face a tough decision: buy new, lease, or go with refurbished NetApp hardware. While purchasing brand-new equipment may seem like the safest choice, many IT leaders are realizing that buying used NetApp gear offers the same performance and reliability at a fraction of the cost.
If you’re looking to cut IT expenses while maintaining high-quality storage infrastructure, here’s why opting for refurbished NetApp and pairing it with third-party maintenance (TPM) is the smartest move.
What Is Refurbished NetApp Hardware?
Refurbished NetApp gear refers to previously owned NetApp storage systems, controllers, and expansion shelves that have been tested, restored, and certified for resale. Unlike second-hand equipment sold “as-is,” refurbished NetApp devices undergo thorough quality assurance checks, firmware updates, and component replacements to ensure they perform like new.
Many organizations turn to the used hardware market to get high-performance storage without the premium price tag of new NetApp purchases.
The Cost Savings of Buying Used NetApp Storage
One of the biggest reasons companies choose pre-owned NetApp storage is substantial cost savings. Here’s how:
- 50-80% Lower Prices – Refurbished NetApp hardware can cost half or less of what you’d pay for brand-new equipment.
- Reduced Depreciation Costs – New NetApp systems lose significant value within the first few years, while used NetApp hardware retains its value better.
- Flexible Upgrades – Instead of getting locked into expensive, brand-new purchases, companies can acquire NetApp used parts or expand their current system affordably.
Which Used NetApp Models Are Best for Your Business?
Depending on your storage needs, different NetApp models can provide the best balance of cost, performance, and scalability. Here are some common refurbished NetApp systems and their ideal use cases:
NetApp AFF A-Series (All-Flash Storage) – Best for High-Performance Workloads
- Recommended Models: NetApp AFF A300, AFF A400, AFF A700
- Best for: Virtualized environments, AI/ML workloads, financial data processing, and enterprise applications requiring ultra-low latency.
Why Buy Refurbished?
New AFF systems come with premium pricing, but buying refurbished AFF models lets businesses deploy high-speed NVMe flash storage at a fraction of the cost.
NetApp FAS Series – Best for General-Purpose Storage & Hybrid Environments
- Recommended Models: NetApp FAS2720, FAS8300, FAS9000
- Best for: File sharing, backup & disaster recovery, and scalable hybrid cloud storage solutions.
Why Buy Refurbished?
Many organizations need FAS storage to support legacy workloads or extend hybrid cloud environments—buying used helps maintain compatibility while saving money.
NetApp E-Series – Best for High-Capacity, Cost-Effective Storage
- Recommended Models: NetApp E2800, E5700, EF600
- Best for: Video surveillance, medical imaging, and large-scale data archiving.
Why Buy Refurbished?
The NetApp E-Series provides massive storage capacity at an affordable price, making refurbished units an excellent way to maximize storage density without overpaying.
The Performance & Reliability of Refurbished NetApp Hardware
Many IT leaders worry that refurbished NetApp hardware might not perform as well as new equipment. However, when sourced from reputable hardware providers, these systems are rigorously tested, repaired, and optimized to meet or exceed OEM specifications.
Additionally, used NetApp gear is often available immediately, avoiding the long lead times of purchasing new from the manufacturer.
Why Third-Party Maintenance (TPM) Adds More Value
Buying used NetApp hardware is just one way to save—third-party maintenance (TPM) makes it even more cost-effective. Instead of paying for expensive OEM support contracts, TPM providers offer customized service levels at a fraction of the cost.
Benefits of NetApp Third-Party Maintenance:
- Up to 70% Savings on Support Costs – TPM providers charge significantly less than NetApp support renewals.
- Flexible SLAs – Choose support that fits your needs, from next-business-day parts replacements to 24/7 on-site assistance.
- Long-Term Support for Legacy Hardware – Keep older NetApp systems running beyond OEM end-of-life dates, avoiding forced upgrades.
- Multi-Vendor Support – Consolidate your storage, server, and networking maintenance under one provider, reducing vendor complexity.
Who Should Consider Buying Used NetApp Hardware?
Businesses in healthcare, finance, government, and cloud services can benefit from refurbished NetApp gear—especially those with large data storage requirements and tight IT budgets.
- Growing Companies – If you need to scale your storage without overspending, NetApp refurbished hardware lets you expand cost-effectively.
- Organizations with Legacy Systems – If you want to maintain your current NetApp infrastructure, used components help extend its lifecycle.
- Enterprises Looking to Optimize Costs – When paired with third-party NetApp maintenance, refurbished equipment maximizes ROI while lowering OPEX.
Where to Buy Reliable Used NetApp Equipment
When purchasing refurbished NetApp hardware, it’s crucial to source from a trusted IT hardware reseller that provides:
- Fully tested and certified NetApp storage
- Warranty options to ensure quality assurance
- Fast shipping and responsive customer support
- Flexible financing or leasing options
Conclusion
If you need enterprise-class storage without enterprise-class spending, used NetApp hardware is an unbeatable choice. By investing in refurbished NetApp and leveraging third-party maintenance, your business can reduce costs, avoid vendor lock-in, and maintain high-performance storage without compromising reliability.
Whether you’re upgrading, expanding, or maintaining your current NetApp storage infrastructure, exploring the used hardware market could be the best decision for your IT budget.
Ready to save on NetApp storage?
Find the best refurbished NetApp gear and third-party maintenance solutions when you request a quote from ReluTech today!
