HPE InfiniBand HDR100/Ethernet 100Gb 1-Port QSFP56 PCIe3 x16 MCX653105A-ECAT Adapter

Engineered for the most demanding HPC clusters and data-driven environments, the HPE MCX653105A-ECAT adapter delivers blistering HDR InfiniBand HDR100 performance alongside versatile Ethernet 100Gb connectivity in a single PCIe 3.0 x16 card. This dual-protocol adapter is purpose-built to minimize latency, maximize bandwidth, and simplify your infrastructure with a single, scalable interconnect solution. Ideal for scientific simulation, AI training, real-time analytics, and large-scale data processing, it helps you accelerate workloads without compromising reliability or flexibility.

• Next‑level bandwidth and ultra-low latency: HDR100 InfiniBand delivers up to 200 Gbps of aggregate bandwidth per port with sub‑microsecond latency, enabling tightly coupled parallel workloads, faster data sharing, and responsive inter-process communication across your compute nodes.
• Single-port QSFP56 with multi-protocol capability: This PCIe3 x16 adapter supports InfiniBand HDR100 and Ethernet 100GbE through a single QSFP56 connector, giving you the versatility to deploy high-performance interconnects or converge networking needs as your workload evolves.
• PCIe 3.0 x16 host interface: Designed for dense server environments, the card harnesses the full bandwidth of modern systems, enabling rapid data movement between CPU, memory, and NVMe/SSD storage to sustain HPC and data-intensive tasks at scale.
• Advanced networking features for HPC and data centers: Built on the Mellanox ConnectX‑5 family foundations, it provides RDMA capabilities, offloads, and kernel-bypass optimizations that reduce CPU overhead, lower latency, and improve application throughput for MPI, RoCE, and InfiniBand workloads.
• Integrated HDR ecosystem compatibility: Optimized to work with HPE HDR switches and HDR cables, delivering a simplified, high‑reliability interconnect fabric designed to scale from racks to clusters with consistent performance and straightforward cabling.

Techncial Details of MCX653105A-ECAT

• Model: MCX653105A-ECAT
• Interface: 1 x QSFP56 optical/electrical port; PCIe 3.0 x16 host interface
• Form factor: PCI Express add-in card (standard bracket; options for full-height and low-profile bracket may be available)
• Protocols supported: InfiniBand HDR100 and Ethernet 100GbE (multi‑protocol adapter)
• Bandwidth and latency: Up to 200 Gbps per port in HDR100 mode; sub‑microsecond latency targeted for HPC traffic
• Compatibility: Compatible with HDR switches and HDR cables within the HPE HDR InfiniBand ecosystem; suitable for data centers, HPC clusters, and AI/ML environments
• Operating system and drivers: Linux distributions with MLNX_OFED/MBrix or vendor-supplied drivers; Windows support via appropriate Mellanox/HP driver packages
• Temperature and environment: Designed for data center operation with standard environmental tolerances; consult product datasheet for exact operating ranges

how to install MCX653105A-ECAT

Installing the MCX653105A-ECAT adapter is a straightforward process that often takes just a few minutes in a typical server chassis. Follow these general steps to ensure a proper, stable integration into your HPC or data center environment:

• Power down the server, unplug the power cables, and discharge any residual static electricity.
• Open the chassis and locate an available PCIe 3.0 x16 slot that provides sufficient clearance for the QSFP56 connector and bracket.
• Insert the MCX653105A-ECAT card firmly into the PCIe 3.0 x16 slot until it seats completely, then secure the card with the appropriate screw to the chassis bracket.
• Attach a compatible HDR56/IEEE 802.3bs HDR cabling or Mellanox HDR cable to the QSFP56 port, routing the cable to your HDR switch or NIC as per your topology. Ensure cable length and routing comply with manufacturer guidelines to maintain signal integrity.
• Power on the server and install the recommended drivers and firmware updates from the vendor (Mellanox/HP MLNX_OFED or equivalent). Verify device recognition with system utilities (lspci, dmesg) and install any required management software.
• Configure network settings and interconnect policies for your workload. For InfiniBand, initialize the subnet manager, verify portal addresses, and test connectivity with MPI benchmarks or ibstat. For Ethernet 100GbE, configure RoCE/UDP/TCP settings as required by your application stack.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What workloads is the HPE InfiniBand HDR100/Ethernet 100Gb 1-Port QSFP56 PCIe3 x16 MCX653105A-ECAT adapter best suited for?
• A: It is designed for high-performance computing (HPC), AI and ML training, large-scale data analytics, and other workloads that demand ultra-low latency, high bandwidth interconnects. The HDR100 InfiniBand capability accelerates MPI communications, while the Ethernet 100GbE capability supports high-speed data movement and storage networking in converged environments.
• Q: What protocols does this adapter support?
• A: The card supports InfiniBand HDR100 for HPC interconnects and Ethernet 100GbE for data center networking, enabling flexible deployment across HPC clusters and enterprise workloads.
• Q: Which systems and server platforms are compatible?
• A: The adapter is designed for servers with PCIe 3.0 x16 slots and is compatible with standard data center hardware that supports HDR InfiniBand and 100GbE networking. Check your server vendor’s compatibility list and the loader/driver support for your operating system.
• Q: Do I need special software or drivers?
• A: Yes. Install the recommended Mellanox/HP MLNX_OFED drivers or vendor-provided software packages to enable InfiniBand and Ethernet functionality, along with any firmware updates for the adapter and HDR switch fabrics.
• Q: How do I verify the adapter is functioning correctly after installation?
• A: Use PCIe utilities (like lspci), system logs (dmesg), and vendor tools to confirm device recognition, firmware version, and link status. Run standard MPI benchmarks or iperf/ibstat tests to verify bandwidth, latency, and stability across the HDR network.