Mellanox ConnectX-5 MCX512A-ACAT Dual-Port 25GbE Network Interface Card
The Mellanox ConnectX-5 MCX512A-ACAT is a high-performance dual-port 25GbE network card designed for data-intensive environments. Supporting PCIe 3.0 x8 and flexible Ethernet speeds (1/10/25 GbE), this NIC card delivers ultra-low latency (750ns), advanced RDMA, NVMe over Fabrics offload, and hardware-accelerated virtualization. Ideal for cloud, storage, and telco applications, it maximizes throughput while minimizing CPU overhead.
Key Features
- Dual-port SFP28 connectivity supporting 1/10/25GbE speeds
- PCIe 3.0 x8 host interface with UEFI boot support
- RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) for low-latency communication
- Hardware offload for NVMe over Fabrics, OVS, VXLAN, and Geneve
- SR-IOV support with up to 512 virtual functions
Core Technologies
The ConnectX-5 network card leverages cutting-edge technologies including ASAP² for accelerated packet processing, RoCE v2 for efficient RDMA, and PCIe Atomic Operations. It supports T10-DIF for end-to-end data integrity and features an embedded PCIe switch for multi-host configurations.
How It Works
The NIC card offloads network, storage, and virtualization processing from the host CPU. Using hardware-based encapsulation/decapsulation for overlay networks and match-action flow tables, it processes traffic at line rate. RDMA capabilities enable direct memory access between systems or between GPU and storage, reducing latency and CPU usage.
Applications
- Cloud Data Centers: Virtualized infrastructure, NFV, and SDN
- High-Performance Storage: NVMe over Fabrics, iSER, SMB Direct
- Telecommunications: 5G infrastructure, vRAN, low-latency routing
- Artificial Intelligence: GPU-direct communication, distributed training
Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
| Model | MCX512A-ACAT |
| Ports | 2 x SFP28 |
| Speeds | 1/10/25 GbE |
| Host Interface | PCIe 3.0 x8 |
| Latency | 750 ns |
| Form Factor | Low-profile PCIe |
| Protocols | Ethernet, RoCE, NVMe-oF |
| Virtualization | SR-IOV, VF, PF |
Advantages
- Superior throughput and lower latency compared to previous-generation network card solutions
- Hardware offloading reduces CPU utilization by up to 50%
- Flexible programmability for future protocol support
- Robust interoperability with major switches and operating systems
Service & Support
We provide 24/7 technical support, worldwide shipping, and a standard manufacturer warranty. Custom configuration and bulk order discounts are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this NIC card compatible with VMware ESXi?
A: Yes, the MCX512A-ACAT is fully compatible with VMware ESXi and supports NetQueue and SR-IOV.
Q: What cables are supported?
A: It supports DAC, AOC, and optical modules with SFP28 interfaces.
Q: Can I use this card for NVMe over Fabrics?
A: Absolutely. The card includes hardware offload for NVMe-oF initiator and target roles.
Precautions
- Ensure proper cooling and airflow in the server chassis.
- Use qualified optical or copper cables to avoid link degradation.
- Update to the latest firmware and drivers for optimal performance.
- Verify PCIe slot compatibility (requires x8 mechanical, x8 electrical).
Company Introduction
With over a decade of industry experience, we operate a large-scale facility supported by a strong technical team. We have served a wide range of global clients and maintain extensive inventory from leading brands including Mellanox, Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme. Our product portfolio includes enterprise switches, network card products, wireless access points, controllers, and cables. We offer competitive pricing, high-volume supply capabilities, and round-the-clock customer and technical support.
