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The MikroTik CRS804-4DDQ-hRM is a compact 1U switch for dense, high-speed networks—not a bargain upgrade for an ordinary home setup. It has four 400GbE QSFP56-DD ports, two 10GbE-capable Ethernet ports, and a suggested price of $1,295; ServeTheHome reported a street price of about $1,100 in September 2026. Whether it is “cheap” depends on the full deployment bill: compatible optics or cables, endpoint support, rack space, power, and the performance your workload needs.
Is the MikroTik CRS804-4DDQ-hRM really a cheap 400GbE switch?
It is relatively inexpensive at the switch level for a product with four 400GbE ports, but the chassis price alone does not make a working 400GbE network cheap. MikroTik lists a suggested price of $1,295 on its 2026 product page. ServeTheHome reported street pricing around $1,100 in September 2026; that is a dated market observation, not a guaranteed current price.
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For AI/GPU clusters, all-flash storage fabrics, and high-speed aggregation, four 400G ports in a compact rack unit could be an attractive starting point. For ordinary home networking, the cost and installation requirements are difficult to justify, and the two slower Ethernet ports are not a substitute for a conventional access switch.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What does the CRS804-4DDQ-hRM include?
The central feature is four QSFP56-DD ports, each specified for 400GbE. MikroTik says those ports support breakout modes at lower speeds as well, including 1G, 2.5G, 5G, 10G, 25G, and 50G. The switch also has two 10M/100M/1G/10G Ethernet ports. ServeTheHome describes the four 400GbE ports as 1.6Tbps of total network bandwidth; that aggregate figure describes the port capacity, not a guarantee of measured application throughput.
| Specification | CRS804-4DDQ-hRM |
|---|---|
| High-speed ports | 4 × 400GbE QSFP56-DD |
| Additional Ethernet ports | 2 × 10M/100M/1G/10G |
| Breakout speeds stated by MikroTik | 1G, 2.5G, 5G, 10G, 25G, and 50G |
| Switch chip | Marvell 98DX7335 |
| CPU and memory | Quad-core AL52400 ARM 64-bit CPU at 2GHz; 4GB DDR4 RAM; 512MB NAND |
| Operating system | RouterOS v7, license level 6 |
| Dimensions | 387 × 218 × 44mm |
| Operating temperature | −10°C to 60°C |
| Power inputs and maximum draw | Dual 100–240V AC inputs; 92W maximum without attachments and 123W maximum with attachments |
The 1.6Tbps aggregate figure should not be read as a single-flow speed, a tested forwarding result, or a promise that a particular workload will reach that rate. Network performance depends on the packet sizes, protocols, traffic pattern, software configuration, and connected equipment. MikroTik publishes RFC2544/Xena results, but vendor test results are useful only when their test setup and conditions are understood; they are not interchangeable with results from an independent workload test.
Can its 400G ports break out to lower speeds?
Yes. MikroTik states that the QSFP-DD ports support breakout modes down to 1G, with 2.5G, 5G, 10G, 25G, and 50G modes also listed. This can let a high-density switch connect to multiple lower-speed links, but a listed mode does not by itself confirm that a particular cable, transceiver, port configuration, or endpoint will work.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Check the complete link, not just the switch port
- Confirm the endpoint speed. Check the network adapter or neighboring switch model and its supported link speeds. A 400G-capable port cannot make a 100G-only endpoint operate at 400G.
- Choose a compatible connection type. Determine whether the run calls for QSFP56-DD optics, a breakout cable, DAC, or AOC. Connector type and supported link mode must match at both ends.
- Verify the breakout arrangement. Match the cable’s branch speeds and lane configuration to the ports and endpoints you intend to connect. Do not assume every cable marketed for “400G” supports every listed breakout speed.
- Check module coding and compatibility. Confirm the exact module or cable is supported by the switch and the endpoint before purchasing. The product specifications do not identify a universal approved accessory list.
- Plan for distance and installation conditions. Select the cable or optics for the actual path and rack layout, then confirm the resulting assembly fits the switch and endpoint ports.
Breakout flexibility is valuable when a cluster has mixed link rates or when a fabric is being upgraded in stages. It is less useful if the intended endpoints, cables, or software cannot negotiate the required mode; establish compatibility before treating the port count as usable capacity.
What will the switch cost to deploy?
Start with the switch price, then budget the components needed to make each link operational. The available data provides no prices for optics, breakout cables, DAC/AOC cables, or endpoint adapters, so the $1,100–$1,295 switch figures cannot be treated as an all-in network cost.
Build a link-by-link bill of materials
- Count links and speeds. Record the number of devices, desired rate per connection, and whether each port will run as a single 400G link or in a supported breakout mode.
- Identify the cable or optical assembly for each link. Include every required module, cable, and breakout branch. Confirm coding and compatibility at both ends rather than selecting by headline speed alone.
- Include endpoint costs. A switch port is useful only if the attached server, storage system, or neighboring switch has a compatible interface and can support the desired speed.
- Account for rack and power needs. The unit is designed for rack installation, measures 387 × 218 × 44mm, and has dual AC inputs. Check rack depth, available outlets, and the deployment’s power budget.
- Compare total system cost and performance. Evaluate the complete fabric—not just the chassis price—against alternatives with the port count, breakout options, support, and workload performance you actually need.
The switch is rated for a maximum of 92W without attachments and 123W with attachments. The latter is the more relevant ceiling when planning a populated deployment, but actual draw will depend on the installed attachments and operating conditions. Its dual 100–240V AC inputs and two included IEC cords support rack deployment; confirm that the rack’s power arrangement meets your availability requirements rather than assuming that two inputs alone guarantee resilience.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Will it fit in a rack, and what comes in the box?
At 387 × 218 × 44mm, the CRS804-4DDQ-hRM is 1U high and intended for rack installation. MikroTik’s listed installation items include two IEC cords, rack brackets, rear support ears, fastening hardware, and RMK-2×10/19. Check the rack’s usable depth and clearance for cabling before installation: the chassis dimensions do not account for the space needed to bend or route attached cables.
The specified operating temperature range is −10°C to 60°C. That range is not a substitute for checking the rack’s airflow, intake conditions, and heat load, especially where high-power optics or multiple nearby systems are involved. The stated maximum power with attachments is a useful input to that planning, not a cooling specification.
Is it suitable for an AI or storage cluster?
Its four 400GbE ports and lower-speed breakout support make the CRS804-4DDQ-hRM relevant to AI/GPU clusters, all-flash storage fabrics, and high-speed aggregation. ServeTheHome reports deploying it in RDMA networks serving NVIDIA GB10 and GB300 Station clusters. That is reviewer experience in those deployments, not a guarantee of compatibility or performance for every cluster using those systems—or for a different RDMA configuration.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Before using it as a cluster fabric, evaluate the network as a system. Confirm that the hosts, adapters, cables, and switch configuration support the intended link speeds and protocols. Then validate the traffic that matters to the workload, including its packet sizes and communication pattern. A vendor’s RFC2544/Xena figures and an independent cluster deployment answer different questions: neither should be treated as a substitute for testing the intended configuration.
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- Good fit to investigate: A rack-based environment that can use several 400G links or break them into supported lower-rate connections, and has the staff and infrastructure to validate a high-speed fabric.
- Potential mismatch: A small network that needs ordinary access switching, lacks compatible endpoints, or cannot accommodate the cabling, rack, and power requirements.
- Decision point: Compare port density, breakout flexibility, total cost with accessories, power, rack depth and cooling, management software, warranty and support, and independently measured performance under your packet sizes and protocols.
What is the practical verdict?
The CRS804-4DDQ-hRM stands out for putting four 400GbE QSFP56-DD ports into a 1U switch and supporting a range of lower-speed breakout modes. Its roughly $1,100 reported street price in September 2026 makes the hardware price notable, but “cheap” is only meaningful after counting compatible links, endpoint equipment, installation, and operating requirements.
It merits consideration for high-speed aggregation, AI/GPU networking, and storage fabrics when its port mix and RouterOS v7 management fit the design. Treat the advertised capacity as a reason to evaluate it—not as proof of application performance—and validate the complete hardware and workload configuration before committing to a cluster deployment.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the CRS804-4DDQ-hRM support RDMA?
ServeTheHome reports using the switch in RDMA networks serving NVIDIA GB10 and GB300 Station clusters. That report is evidence of those deployments, not a guarantee for all RDMA protocols, host adapters, or configurations; validate the specific fabric you plan to run.
Does the switch include a warranty or support plan?
The product details summarized here do not establish warranty duration or support terms. Check the terms for the seller, region, and purchase date before relying on a particular coverage period.
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Can I use the CRS804-4DDQ-hRM without a 400G endpoint?
MikroTik lists lower-speed breakout modes, so a design need not use every QSFP-DD port as a single 400G link. The cable or optic and the endpoint still have to support the selected mode; confirm compatibility for the exact combination.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
