Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2 vs 9364C
The 9364C is a higher-density 2RU spine with 64 x 40/100G ports and 12.8 Tbps, while the 9336C-FX2 is a 1RU 36 x 40/100G switch at 7.2 Tbps that also works well as a high-speed leaf. Note the 9364C reached end-of-sale in 2023, so for new buys the 9336C-FX2 (or a GX-series spine) is the supportable choice.
Nexus 9336C-FX2
1RU 36-port 40/100G QSFP28 switch that serves as a compact spine or a high-speed 100G leaf.
- 36 x 40/100G QSFP28 ports (also 1/10/25G capable)
- 7.2 Tbps switching capacity in a single rack unit
- NX-OS or ACI leaf/spine roles with MACsec
- Current, fully supported Nexus 9300-FX2 platform
Nexus 9364C
2RU 64-port 40/100G fixed spine switch built for the highest fixed-port 100G density.
- 64 x 40/100G QSFP28 ports plus 2 x 1/10G SFP+
- 12.8 Tbps switching capacity, 4.3 Bpps forwarding
- Last 16 ports support wire-rate MACsec
- End-of-sale announced 2023; legacy spine platform
Nexus 9336C-FX2 vs Nexus 9364C: spec comparison
| Spec | Nexus 9336C-FX2 | Nexus 9364C |
|---|---|---|
| 40/100G QSFP28 ports | 36 | 64 |
| Additional ports | None | 2 x 1/10G SFP+ |
| Switching capacity | 7.2 Tbps | 12.8 Tbps |
| Forwarding rate | Up to 2.4 Bpps | 4.3 Bpps |
| Lower-speed support | 1/10/25/40/100G | 40/100G (breakout for lower) |
| Typical role | Compact spine or 100G leaf | High-density fixed spine |
| MACsec | Yes | Yes (last 16 ports) |
| Operating modes | NX-OS or ACI | NX-OS or ACI |
| Form factor | 1RU | 2RU |
| Lifecycle status | Current / supported | End-of-sale (2023) |
Choose Nexus 9336C-FX2 if
Choose the 9336C-FX2 for new builds and for spines or 100G leaves where 36 ports of 40/100G are enough. As a current platform it is the right pick when ongoing software support, RMA coverage, and future serviceability matter.
Choose Nexus 9364C if
Choose the 9364C only when you need maximum fixed 100G port density in a single box (64 ports) and you are extending an existing 9364C-based fabric where standardization on the same SKU is worth more than its end-of-sale status.
Verdict
For raw density the 9364C wins with 64 ports and 12.8 Tbps, but it has reached end-of-sale, so it is a fleet-match or used-gear play rather than a new-design choice. For new purchases, the still-current 9336C-FX2 is the safer pick, and if you genuinely need high-density 100G spine capacity going forward, look at a Nexus 9300-GX spine instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nexus 9364C still available to buy new?
Cisco announced end-of-sale for the 9332C and 9364C fixed spine switches in 2023. New supportable purchases should target the 9336C-FX2 or a Nexus 9300-GX spine.
Which has more 100G ports, the 9336C-FX2 or 9364C?
The 9364C has 64 x 40/100G ports versus 36 on the 9336C-FX2, and offers 12.8 Tbps versus 7.2 Tbps of switching capacity.
Can the 9336C-FX2 be used as a leaf as well as a spine?
Yes. The 9336C-FX2's 36 x 40/100G ports (with 1/10/25G support) let it act as a compact spine or as a high-speed 100G leaf in NX-OS or ACI fabrics.
Do both switches support MACsec encryption?
Yes, both support MACsec, though on the 9364C wire-rate MACsec is supported on the last 16 ports, while the 9336C-FX2 supports it across its ports.
More Data Center comparisons
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