NVIDIA MCX653105A-HDAT-SP ConnectX-6 VPI Adapter Card HDR/200GbE

Experience next‑level network acceleration with the NVIDIA MCX653105A-HDAT-SP ConnectX-6 VPI Adapter Card. This high‑bandwidth PCIe 4.0 x16 single‑slot card combines HDR InfiniBand and 200 GbE Ethernet on a single QSFP56 port, delivering ultra‑low latency, scalable performance for data centers, HPC clusters, AI training, and high‑frequency trading workloads. Built on NVIDIA’s ConnectX‑6 VPI architecture, it enables Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) to streamline high‑speed interconnects, providing flexible, GPU‑aware networking that can dramatically reduce bottlenecks in demanding workloads. The SP variant denotes a single pack and a tall (full‑height) bracket, designed to fit standard data center racks and compatible server platforms. This card is engineered to deliver peak data throughput while maintaining reliability in 24/7 operation, with enterprise‑grade features that empower IT teams to simplify clustering, scale out storage, and accelerate distributed compute tasks.

• Ultra‑high bandwidth and low latency: 200 Gb/s of aggregate bandwidth with HDR InfiniBand end‑to‑end optimizations enables exceptionally low latency and high throughput for tightly coupled HPC workloads, large‑scale simulations, and AI model training across racks and clusters.
• Flexible multi‑protocol interconnect: Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) on ConnectX‑6 allows InfiniBand HDR and Ethernet connectivity on a single card, enabling dynamic interconnect topologies, simplified cabling, and easier integration into heterogeneous networks without sacrificing performance.
• PCIe 4.0 x16 performance window: A robust PCIe 4.0 x16 interface ensures maximum data transfer rates between the adapter and the host CPU, reducing CPU overhead and enabling smoother data movement for bandwidth‑hungry applications and memory‑intensive workloads.
• Single‑port QSFP56 form factor with tall bracket: The QSFP56 port supports 200 GbE or HDR InfiniBand in a compact, single‑port configuration, while the tall (full‑height) bracket is designed for standard data center chassis and enterprise servers that require robust backplane clearance and airflow.
• Enterprise reliability and management: NVIDIA’s VPI architecture ships with advanced error handling, QoS features, and comprehensive management tooling, delivering predictable performance, improved resource utilization, and easier maintenance in 24/7 data center environments.

Technical Details of NVIDIA MCX653105A-HDAT-SP

• Port configuration: 1x QSFP56 port capable of 200 GbE Ethernet or HDR InfiniBand connectivity.
• Network standards supported: HDR InfiniBand and 200 GbE Ethernet, enabling flexible, high‑speed interconnects for HPC, AI, and data‑center workloads.
• Interface and interconnect: PCIe 4.0 x16 host interface to maximize data path bandwidth and minimize bottlenecks between the processor, memory, and network I/O.
• Form factor and bracket: Tall (full‑height) bracket designed for standard data center racks and server chassis; SP variant indicates single‑pack packaging.
• Protocol support: Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) for unified, software‑defined networking that can adapt to evolving interconnect needs without hardware changes.
• Reliability features: Built‑in error detection, robust QoS controls, and enterprise‑grade firmware/software support to sustain performance in continuous operation.
• Compatibility: Engineered for compatibility with NVIDIA’s software stack and enterprise drivers, ensuring streamlined installation, configuration, and management in data center ecosystems.

How to install NVIDIA MCX653105A-HDAT-SP

• Power down the system, unplug the power cords, and discharge static electricity before handling the server components.
• Open the server chassis and locate a supported PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. Verify adequate clearance for the tall bracket and ensure sufficient airflow around the expansion card.
• Insert the ConnectX‑6 VPI Adapter Card firmly into the PCIe x16 slot until it seats completely. Secure the card with the appropriate screw to the chassis bracket.
• Attach the QSFP56 connector or direct‑attach copper/fiber link to the card’s single port. Use compatible optics or DAC cables per your data center networking plan and confirm compatibility with HDR InfiniBand or 200 GbE endpoints.
• Power on the server and install the latest NVIDIA networking drivers and VPI management tools. Configure the VPI settings to enable the desired interconnect protocol (InfiniBand HDR or Ethernet 200 GbE), set QoS policies, and verify link status in the system’s network configuration utility.
• Validate connectivity and throughput with appropriate benchmarking and diagnostic tools. Ensure firmware and software are updated to the latest recommended versions for stability and performance gains.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What networks does the NVIDIA MCX653105A-HDAT-SP support? A: It supports HDR InfiniBand and 200 GbE Ethernet via a single QSFP56 port, enabling high‑bandwidth interconnects for HPC, AI training, and data‑center workloads. The VPI architecture provides flexible, software‑defined networking capabilities for mixed environments.
• Q: What slot is required? A: A PCIe 4.0 x16 slot is required, and the card uses a tall (full-height) bracket suitable for standard data center chassis. The SP variant indicates a single‑pack packaging option.
• Q: Is this card compatible with standard servers? A: Yes, it is designed to fit data center servers that support PCIe 4.0 x16 expansion and provide adequate cooling and power. Always verify OEM compatibility and firmware support with your server vendor.
• Q: Do I need special software? A: Yes. Install NVIDIA’s networking drivers and VPI management tools to enable VPI features, configure interconnect protocols, and optimize QoS and routing within your cluster.
• Q: Can I use InfiniBand HDR and Ethernet concurrently? A: The hardware supports HDR InfiniBand and 200 GbE through the same QSFP56 port, but practical deployment depends on your network topology, driver configuration, and the applications’ interconnect requirements. In many setups, you can route traffic per protocol through software configurations.