What are the primary performance specifications of the Mellanox MCX516A-CCHT ConnectX-5 adapter? +
The MCX516A-CCHT is a high-performance dual-port 100GbE adapter featuring PCIe 3.0/4.0 x16 connectivity. It is engineered for demanding data center environments, providing low latency and high throughput for compute and storage clusters. Its architecture utilizes the Mellanox ConnectX-5 VPI technology to accelerate networking tasks, ensuring efficient data processing and offloading capabilities for modern enterprise-grade virtualization and cloud applications.
Which interface type does the MCX516A-CCHT utilize for network connectivity? +
This adapter utilizes QSFP28 interfaces, allowing for seamless integration into high-density fiber optic network infrastructures. These ports support 100Gb/s Ethernet speeds, providing the necessary bandwidth for heavy workloads. When deploying this NIC, ensure your cabling and transceivers are compatible with the QSFP28 standard to maintain signal integrity and achieve the full performance throughput intended for your data center configuration.
Does the MCX516A-CCHT support RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE)? +
Yes, this card fully supports RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet), which is essential for reducing CPU overhead in high-performance computing clusters. By enabling direct memory access between servers, RoCE significantly lowers latency and improves overall system efficiency. This makes the MCX516A-CCHT an ideal choice for database management, storage area networks, and other latency-sensitive applications where rapid data transfer is a requirement.
What PCIe generation and lane count does the MCX516A-CCHT require? +
The card utilizes a PCIe 3.0/4.0 x16 interface to provide the high bandwidth required for 100GbE performance. For optimal results, it should be installed in a PCIe x16 slot that supports the appropriate generation. Installing the card in a slot with fewer lanes may create a bottleneck, limiting the aggregate throughput and preventing the adapter from delivering its full 100Gbps potential across both ports.
Can the MCX516A-CCHT be deployed in standard server virtualization environments? +
Absolutely. This adapter is purpose-built for virtualization, offering advanced offloading features such as SR-IOV (Single Root I/O Virtualization). These features allow virtual machines to bypass the hypervisor for networking tasks, which greatly increases performance and scalability. It is fully compatible with major hypervisors and operating systems, making it a reliable foundation for complex, software-defined data center deployments and cloud-native service architectures.
What is the form factor of the MCX516A-CCHT, and how does it fit into server chassis? +
The MCX516A-CCHT features a standard PCIe low-profile form factor, making it highly versatile for various rack-mount server configurations. Its compact design allows it to fit efficiently into space-constrained 1U or 2U server chassis without obstructing airflow or other components. When planning your deployment, verify that your server chassis provides the necessary slot clearance for the card’s physical dimensions and bracket requirements.
How does the MCX516A-CCHT handle hardware-based offloading? +
This adapter leverages the ConnectX-5 silicon to perform extensive hardware-based offloading, including TCP/UDP/IP stateless offloading and Overlay Network (VXLAN/NVGRE) offloading. By offloading these intensive networking protocols from the host CPU, the card ensures that server processing power remains dedicated to application logic rather than packet processing. This leads to substantial gains in efficiency and reduced operational costs for large-scale enterprise deployments.
Are there specific firmware or driver requirements for managing the MCX516A-CCHT? +
To maintain optimal reliability and security, it is critical to run the latest Mellanox firmware and driver stack compatible with your specific OS. Regular updates ensure full access to the latest performance optimizations and management features. You can manage the adapter’s configuration through standard networking tools, allowing administrators to fine-tune port settings, monitor traffic metrics, and integrate the NIC into existing network management platforms.
How can I obtain a bulk quote for multiple MCX516A-CCHT units? +
If you are planning a large-scale infrastructure refresh or require multiple units for your data center, please contact our dedicated sales team through the BuyRouterSwitch.com contact page. We specialize in providing competitive volume pricing for enterprise clients. Simply submit your requirements or provide the SKU, and one of our experts will prepare a formal quote tailored to your specific project needs.
Why is BuyRouterSwitch.com the preferred source for sourcing Mellanox hardware? +
BuyRouterSwitch.com is a trusted provider of enterprise-grade networking equipment, known for supplying authentic Mellanox components directly to IT professionals. We prioritize transparency and a smooth procurement process, ensuring that your organization receives genuine, high-quality hardware that meets your infrastructure standards. By choosing us, you benefit from our streamlined ordering platform and professional focus on supporting the complex requirements of modern enterprise network deployments.