Why a $5K price difference between a 1756-L71 and 1756-L73.

I'm looking for a basic understanding from a hardware standpoint why there is such a vast difference in prices. I'm looking for facts and serious answers, not Rockwell/AB bashing. If no one answers this post I'll assume there is no good reason for the price difference.

 

The real reason is that is what the guys at AB think they can get for it. And they have proven to be very good at those kind of guesses.

1756-L71 ControlLogix5571 Controller With 2 Mbytes Memory 5,250.00
1756-L73 ControlLogix5573 Controller With 8 Mbytes Memory 11,100.00
1756-L74 ControlLogix5574 Controller With 16 Mbytes Memory 13,525.00

If you really need >2 mbytes of memory, it is cheaper than buying multiple L71s.

In any case, very few people are paying list price.

Most applications would be adequately served by the Compactlogix Platform anyway, with a lower cost.

But cost for the CPU is not as big of a deal as one might be inclined to think at first glance.

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Bob