CISCO N3K-C3164Q-40GE Nexus 3000 Series Switches

N3K-C3164Q-40GE 64-Port QSFP+ Switch

N3K-C3164Q-40GE is the exact Cisco Nexus 3164Q chassis PID: a 2RU fixed switch with 64 QSFP+ ports. Each front-panel port can operate as native 40GbE or four 10GbE lanes with a supported breakout assembly, providing a maximum logical density of 256 10GbE interfaces when the deployed NX-OS, optics and design support that mode.

Performance and buffer identity

Cisco specifies up to 5.12Tbps switching capacity, 3.8 billion packets per second and a 48MB shared buffer, with line-rate Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding. These figures identify the platform; actual application behavior still depends on packet size, traffic pattern, features and the installed NX-OS release.

Airflow and power BOM

The ordering table associates this PID with N9K-C9300-FAN3 port-side-intake fan modules and N9K-PAC-1200W power supplies. Verify that every fan and power supply has one consistent airflow direction, confirm the quantity and cord type, and match the rack's cold-aisle/hot-aisle layout before installation.

Lifecycle is the primary procurement risk

Cisco lists end of sale as 31 October 2019 and end of support as 31 October 2024. This means a working secondary-market unit is no longer covered by normal Cisco product support. Require a documented spare strategy, approved NX-OS image source, vulnerability exposure review and migration plan; Cisco's EOL notice points to the newer N3K-C3264C-E as the replacement for this PID.

Do not substitute 3264Q by name

N3K-C3264Q also has 64 QSFP+ ports but differs in buffer, auxiliary SFP+ ports, power families, airflow options and lifecycle. Treat configuration backups, optics, breakout maps and automation as items to validate rather than assuming a like-for-like replacement.

Acceptance evidence

Record PID, serial, NX-OS version, license, 64-port diagnostics, breakout configuration, optics/DAC PIDs, fan and PSU airflow, temperature and error counters. Confirm the approved rollback image and test management, console and USB access before the switch enters service.

Official evidence: Cisco Nexus 3164Q exact data sheet, Cisco N3K-C3164Q-40GE lifecycle record and Cisco Nexus 3164Q end-of-life notice.