Mellanox ConnectX-5 MCX512A-ACAT: Dual-Port 25GbE Ethernet Network Interface Card

Product Overview

The Mellanox ConnectX-5 MCX512A-ACAT is a high-performance dual-port Ethernet network card designed for next-generation data centers. Supporting 25, 10, and 1 Gigabit Ethernet speeds via SFP28 interfaces, this advanced NIC card delivers exceptional bandwidth and ultra-low latency while significantly reducing CPU overhead through hardware-based offloads. It represents a critical upgrade path from previous generations like the ConnectX-6 series, providing enhanced efficiency for virtualized and software-defined environments.

Key Characteristics

• Dual-Port Flexibility: Two SFP28 ports supporting 1GbE, 10GbE, and 25GbE speeds
• Hardware Offload Engine: Full offload of NVMe over Fabrics, Open vSwitch (OVS), and overlay networks (VXLAN, GENEVE)
• Ultra-Low Latency: As low as 750 nanoseconds for latency-sensitive applications
• Virtualization Ready: SR-IOV support with up to 512 Virtual Functions per port
• High Message Rate: Capable of 200 million messages per second
• Remote Direct Memory Access: RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet) for efficient CPU bypass

Advanced Technologies

This innovative network card incorporates multiple cutting-edge technologies including Mellanox ASAP² (Accelerated Switching and Packet Processing) for full hardware offload of virtual switching, PCIe 3.0 x8 host interface with UEFI support, and end-to-end data integrity protection through T10-DIF. The adapter also features hardware-accelerated encapsulation/decapsulation for overlay networks and support for Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK) for kernel bypass applications.

Operational Principle

The ConnectX-5 NIC card operates by offloading network processing functions from the host CPU to specialized hardware on the adapter. For storage applications, it processes NVMe over Fabrics commands directly in hardware, eliminating CPU intervention. For virtualized environments, the ASAP² technology handles virtual switching data path operations in the network controller, while maintaining the control plane in the hypervisor. This approach dramatically reduces server overhead while maintaining full protocol compatibility.

Application Scenarios

• Cloud Infrastructure: Hyper-scale data centers requiring high VM density and network virtualization
• Storage Platforms: NVMe over Fabrics implementations for high-performance storage access
• Telecommunications: NFV infrastructure and 5G network functions requiring low latency
• High-Performance Computing: RDMA-enabled applications for scientific computing and AI workloads
• Enterprise Data Centers: Software-defined storage and converged infrastructure solutions

Technical Specifications

Competitive Advantages

The ConnectX-5 network card delivers significant advantages over competing solutions: 40% lower latency than comparable NICs, hardware-based security and isolation for multi-tenant environments, and comprehensive protocol offloading that reduces CPU utilization by up to 50%. Compared to previous generations like the ConnectX-6, this adapter offers enhanced virtualization capabilities and improved power efficiency while maintaining backward compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Service & Support

All our Mellanox products come with full manufacturer warranty and lifetime technical support. We maintain extensive inventory for immediate shipment and provide customized configuration services for large-scale deployments. Our technical team offers 24/7 consultation for integration challenges and performance optimization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between this ConnectX-5 model and the ConnectX-6 series?
A: While both offer high performance, the ConnectX-5 provides an optimal balance of features and value for 25GbE deployments, while the ConnectX-6 series offers higher port speeds and enhanced capabilities for more demanding applications.

Q: Can this network interface card be used in storage servers?
A: Yes, the MCX512A-ACAT is ideal for storage applications with its NVMe over Fabrics offload capability, significantly improving storage access performance while reducing CPU overhead.

Q: What types of transceivers and cables are supported?
A: This NIC card supports various SFP28 optical transceivers and direct attach cables (DAC) for 1GbE, 10GbE, and 25GbE connections, providing flexibility for different deployment scenarios.

Installation Notes

• Ensure adequate airflow around the network card for proper cooling
• Verify PCIe slot compatibility (requires x8 mechanical slot)
• Update to the latest firmware version before deployment
• Use qualified optical transceivers and cables for optimal performance
• For virtualized environments, enable SR-IOV in BIOS/UEFI settings

Company Profile

With over a decade of industry experience, we have established ourselves as a leading provider of enterprise networking solutions. Our extensive manufacturing capabilities and strong technical support team enable us to deliver high-quality products at competitive prices. We represent premier brands including Mellanox, Ruckus, Aruba, and Extreme Networks, offering a comprehensive portfolio of networking equipment including switches, network card products, wireless access points, and connectivity solutions. Our $10 million inventory ensures immediate availability of products, and our dedicated customer service team provides round-the-clock support to ensure successful deployment and operation of your network infrastructure.