How to identify part numbers.

T-Blog Editor/ March 22, 2020/ Data Center Hardware, How-Tos and Other Useful Tips and Tricks, Server Hardware, Tekmart Enterprise Hardware Tips

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Tekmart Africa’s guide to decoding part numbers in data center hardware components

Many data center hardware items will have multiple part numbers. The part you receive might seem to be a different part because of the part number, but it is usually the same part. We carefully review all part numbers so we can ship the correct parts to you.  

If a replacement part is sent to you, we clearly state on your order that we sent a replacement part. If for any reason a replacement part is unsatisfactory to you, we will give you a 100% refund, but you must notify us within 10 days of receiving the order. 

Examples: 

1) IBM parts usually have 2, 3 or 4 part numbers printed on the unit. They have a number with a prefix of FRU (Field Replacement Unit), ASM number, APN number (Art Part Number), CRU (Consumer replacement unit), and they sometimes have a MPN number (Marketing Part Number) 

2) Usually manufacturers use part numbers to identify certain characteristics such as country of origin, country of destination, revision, marketing purpose, OEM manufacturer, etc. For example Compaq has 14 part numbers for unit 222114-001 Li-Ion Battery Pack (222114-001, 116314-001, 388644-B21, 138184-001, etc) 

3) All laptop manufacturers use OEM parts (i.e., parts that have been manufactured by a company that specializes in that item). Therefore, these parts will usually have 2 or 3 part numbers.

For example, the Toshiba COLOR LCD DISPLAY part number K000833610 has been manufactured by Sharp with the part number LQ141X1LH82. Depending on supply and demand we will ship the product that it is available.

Here’s how to decode the part numbers for both HP and Dell.