Cisco Compatible MEM-XCEF720-1GB
Catalyst 6500 1GB DDR, xCEF720 (67xx interface, DFC3BXL)
Product Highlights
Maintaining peak performance on your Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series infrastructure often comes down to having the right memory installed on your Distributed Forwarding Cards. The MEM-XCEF720-1GB is a Cisco compatible 1GB DDR SDRAM SoDIMM memory module engineered specifically for the xCEF720-based WS-X67xx Ethernet interface modules in the Catalyst 6500 Series.
This memory upgrade is required when installing a DFC3BXL or DFC3CXL daughter card on a WS-X67xx module — without it, the XL-class forwarding card cannot operate. The module installs into the SoDIMM socket located on the base Ethernet module, underneath the DFC daughter card. It is also compatible with DFC3A and DFC3B cards for environments that benefit from additional memory headroom for larger routing tables, ACLs, and forwarding entries.
As a Cisco compatible module, the MEM-XCEF720-1GB delivers the same 1GB DDR capacity and electrical specifications as the original Cisco part at a significantly lower cost — an ideal choice for organizations extending the life of their Catalyst 6500 deployments. Whether you're upgrading forwarding cards, replacing failed memory, or stocking spares, this module provides a reliable, budget-friendly path to keeping your 6500 infrastructure running smoothly.
Features & Benefits
Mandatory Memory for XL-Class DFC Upgrades
When upgrading a WS-X67xx Ethernet module with a DFC3BXL or DFC3CXL daughter card, Cisco requires a 1GB memory upgrade on the base module. The MEM-XCEF720-1GB fulfills this requirement, ensuring your XL-class forwarding card has the resources it needs for advanced distributed forwarding, larger FIB tables, and enhanced feature sets.
DDR SDRAM SoDIMM Design
Built on proven DDR SDRAM technology in a compact 200-pin SoDIMM form factor, this module slots directly into the memory socket on the WS-X67xx base module. The small-outline design ensures a clean, tool-minimal installation underneath the DFC daughter card.
Broad DFC3 Compatibility
The MEM-XCEF720-1GB is compatible with the WS-F6700-DFC3A, WS-F6700-DFC3B, and WS-F6700-DFC3BXL Distributed Forwarding Cards. This broad compatibility makes it a versatile spare to keep on hand across mixed Catalyst 6500 deployments using various DFC3 variants.
Cost-Effective Cisco Compatible Module
As a Cisco compatible (third-party) memory module, this product delivers equivalent capacity and performance at a fraction of the original Cisco list price. It's an economical choice for organizations maintaining EOL Catalyst 6500 platforms where OEM pricing is no longer justified.
Deployment Scenarios
DFC3BXL / DFC3CXL Daughter Card Upgrade
When upgrading a WS-X67xx Ethernet module from a standard CFC or DFC to a DFC3BXL or DFC3CXL, the 1GB memory module must be installed on the base module before the new daughter card is seated. This use case is the primary driver for MEM-XCEF720-1GB procurement.
Catalyst 6500 Lifecycle Extension
Organizations continuing to operate Catalyst 6500 Series switches past end-of-life can use this memory module to replace failed DFC memory or to upgrade existing DFC3A/DFC3B modules for improved forwarding capacity, extending the useful life of their existing chassis investment.
Spare Parts Inventory for Enterprise Networks
IT teams managing large Catalyst 6500 deployments benefit from stocking critical spare components. Keeping MEM-XCEF720-1GB modules on hand ensures rapid recovery from memory failures without waiting for procurement lead times on an EOL platform.
General
Memory Specifications
Compatibility
Compatibility Notes
Compatible Distributed Forwarding Cards (DFC3)
- WS-F6700-DFC3A / WS-F6700-DFC3A= / WS-F6700-DFC3A-RF
- WS-F6700-DFC3B / WS-F6700-DFC3B= / WS-F6700-DFC3B-RF
- WS-F6700-DFC3BXL (1GB memory required — this module)
Installation Note
The memory SoDIMM installs on the base WS-X67xx Ethernet module in the socket located underneath the DFC daughter card. The DFC must be removed before installing or replacing the memory module, and reinstalled afterward. Refer to Cisco Installation Note document ID 78-15893 for step-by-step procedures.
Platform
- Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches (WS-C6500 — End of Life)
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| MEM-XCEF720-512M | 512MB DDR xCEF720 Memory | 512MB capacity — sufficient for DFC3A/DFC3B but does not meet the 1GB minimum required for DFC3BXL/DFC3CXL upgrades. |
| MEM-XCEF720-256M | 256MB DDR xCEF720 Memory | 256MB capacity — base-level memory for DFC3A/DFC3B; not suitable for XL-class DFC upgrades. |
| MEM-XCEF720-1GB= | 1GB DDR xCEF720 Memory (Cisco OEM, Spare) | Original Cisco-branded spare part with identical 1GB capacity — higher cost but carries Cisco branding and part traceability. |
