Bio-Rad CFX Opus 96 Real-Time PCR System — 96-Well, 5-Color + FRET, 2022, w/ Laptop & CFX Maestro Software

The Bio-Rad CFX Opus 96 is a current-generation, network-connected real-time PCR detection system built around a fixed 96-well Peltier block and a six-channel shuttle optical system — six filtered LEDs paired with six filtered photodiodes across a 450–730 nm excitation/emission range, delivering 5-color plus FRET detection and up to five targets multiplexed per well. Sensitivity extends to a single copy of target sequence in human genomic DNA across a ten-order dynamic range, with all-channel scan times of 12 seconds and 3 seconds for FAM/SYBR-only acquisition.

Thermal performance is the reason this platform displaced the CFX96 Touch in most labs: ±0.2 °C accuracy, ±0.3 °C well-to-well uniformity measured ten seconds after the block reaches target, a 5 °C/sec maximum ramp rate, and a fully programmable gradient spanning 1–24 °C anywhere in the 30–100 °C range — enough to optimize annealing conditions for an entire primer panel in a single run.

This is a 2022-build unit supplied as a complete, ready-to-run workstation. The system ships with a Windows laptop running Bio-Rad CFX Maestro Software, already paired to this instrument's serial number and verified controlling it. That matters commercially: Bio-Rad supplies the CFX Opus base unit with cables only — CFX Maestro is a separately purchased license (Cat. 12013758). Buyers sourcing a bare instrument on the secondary market must license and configure the software themselves before running a single plate. Here that work is complete, and the original printed Quick Start Guide and Safety & Regulatory Compliance Guide are included.

Applications span gene expression profiling, allelic discrimination, melt-curve and HRM workflows, viral and pathogen quantitation, biomarker validation, and QC release testing. Connectivity covers USB, Ethernet, and BR.io cloud operation, with an adjustable touchscreen for stand-alone use independent of the PC.

Condition Notes

• Condition: Lightly used.
• Functional Status: Powers on and boots to the operating touchscreen. Verified under CFX Maestro control: the software detects the instrument by serial number (795BR05251), commands motorized lid open and close, and successfully initiates and runs a live protocol (PrimePCR.prcl, SYBR/FAM scan mode, 20 µL sample volume, 6-step / 39-cycle program). During the run the instrument reported Running — Step 1 of 6, Preheating, sample block at 22.5 °C and lid heater confirmed active at 40 °C, with 01:07:41 remaining. This verifies power, touchscreen, USB communication, instrument recognition, lid motor, lid heating, and run execution.
• Cosmetic Status: Excellent condition for a 2022 instrument. White and green housing is clean, unmarked, and free of impact damage. The motorized lid tracks smoothly on both guide rails. The 96-well block is clean, with no reagent residue, staining, corrosion, or bent wells; block seating surface and gasket are intact. Touchscreen is bright, responsive, and free of scratches or dead pixels.
• Asset Tag: LT1005.
• Identification: Model CFX Opus 96 · S/N 795BR05251 · Date of Manufacture 2022/08 · Made in Singapore.

Technical Specifications

System

• Brand: Bio-Rad Laboratories
• Model: CFX Opus 96 Real-Time PCR System
• Reference Catalog No.: 12011319 (research configuration)
• Sample Capacity: 96 wells
• Sample Volume: 1–50 µL (10–50 µL recommended)
• Communications: USB 2.0 or above, Ethernet, Wi-Fi (adapter required, not included)
• Touchscreen: Adjustable, 12–55° angle of rotation
• Instrument OS: Windows 10 IoT
• Power: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 850 W · Fuses F10 A, 250 V
• Dimensions (W × D × H): 13 × 22 × 14 in (33 × 56 × 36 cm)
• Weight: 48 lb (22 kg)

96-Well Reaction Block

• Block Type: Fixed 96-well sample block, Peltier heating/cooling
• Temperature Range: 4–100 °C
• Lid Heating: 30–110 °C
• Maximum Ramp Rate: 5 °C/sec · Average: 3.3 °C/sec
• Thermal Accuracy: ±0.2 °C
• Thermal Uniformity: ±0.3 °C (max–min ≤ 0.6 °C), 10 sec after reaching target
• Gradient: 30–100 °C operational range, 1–24 °C programmable span

Optical Detection

• Excitation: 6 filtered LEDs · Detection: 6 filtered photodiodes
• Wavelength Range: 450–730 nm
• Detection Format: 5-color plus FRET; up to 5 targets per well
• Scan Time: 12 sec all channels · 3 sec single channel (FAM/SYBR)
• Dynamic Range: 10 orders of magnitude
• Sensitivity: Detects 1 copy of target sequence in human genomic DNA

Included in this Package

• (1) Bio-Rad CFX Opus 96 Real-Time PCR System, S/N 795BR05251
• (1) Windows laptop with Bio-Rad CFX Maestro Software installed and configured to this instrument
• (1) Laptop power supply
• (1) USB interface cable
• (1) USB hub
• (1) USB mouse
• (1) Instrument power cord
• (1) Bio-Rad CFX Opus Quick Start Guide (printed)
• (1) Bio-Rad CFX Real-Time PCR Systems Safety and Regulatory Compliance Guide (printed)