NVIDIA Mellanox MCP1600-E003E26 DAC Cable Solution
December 17, 2025
In today's data centers and enterprise networks, the demand for high-speed, reliable, and economical connectivity within server racks is paramount. Addressing this need, NVIDIA Mellanox introduces the MCP1600-E003E26, a passive Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cable solution designed for high-performance, short-reach deployments. The MCP1600-E003E26 QSFP28 DAC cable offers a compelling blend of low latency, power efficiency, and deployment simplicity, making it an ideal choice for network engineers and procurement decision-makers focused on optimizing infrastructure cost and agility.
The NVIDIA Mellanox MCP1600-E003E26 is engineered to deliver robust 100Gb/s Ethernet connectivity. As a passive copper DAC, it requires no signal retiming or active components, which translates directly into lower power consumption and reduced heat generation compared to optical transceivers and active cables. This is crucial for maintaining efficient power usage effectiveness (PUE) in dense server environments.
The cable terminates with industry-standard QSFP28 connectors, ensuring broad compatibility with a wide range of switches and adapters from NVIDIA and other vendors that support the 100GbE QSFP28 interface. For detailed performance metrics and physical characteristics, engineers are encouraged to review the official MCP1600-E003E26 datasheet which outlines all critical MCP1600-E003E26 specifications.
The primary strength of the MCP1600-E003E26 100Gb/s passive copper DAC lies in its application for top-of-rack (ToR) switching architectures. It is perfectly suited for creating high-speed links between leaf switches and servers within the same rack or adjacent racks, typically over distances up to 3 meters. This makes it a cornerstone for building scalable, high-performance computing (HPC), cloud, and storage networks.
- Cost-Effective Intra-Rack Connectivity: Eliminates the need for expensive optical transceivers for short reaches, significantly reducing capital expenditure (CapEx).
- Simplified Deployment and Maintenance: The plug-and-play nature of DAC cables reduces configuration complexity and minimizes points of failure.
- High Density and Low Latency: Enables maximum port utilization on switches with minimal signal propagation delay, essential for latency-sensitive applications.
When planning a deployment, verifying that your equipment is MCP1600-E003E26 compatible is a straightforward but essential step. This ensures optimal performance and reliability.
For teams evaluating connectivity options, the MCP1600-E003E26 QSFP28 DAC cable solution represents a strategic investment in infrastructure simplicity and total cost of ownership (TCO). While the MCP1600-E003E26 price is typically lower than equivalent active optical solutions, the value extends beyond the initial purchase to include ongoing savings in power and cooling.
Organizations looking for MCP1600-E003E26 for sale should engage with authorized NVIDIA networking partners or distributors to ensure product authenticity, warranty coverage, and access to technical support. Evaluating the solution within the broader context of your network architecture—considering factors like future scalability and management overhead—is recommended.
The NVIDIA Mellanox MCP1600-E003E26 stands out as a purpose-built, economical, and high-performance connectivity solution for modern data centers. By offering a reliable 100Gb/s link with the inherent benefits of passive copper technology, it empowers network professionals to build agile and efficient networks. Whether deploying a new cluster or upgrading existing rack infrastructure, the MCP1600-E003E26 provides a proven path to achieving both performance goals and budgetary targets.

