HPE InfiniBand HDR/Ethernet 200Gb 1-port QSFP56 MCX653105A-HDAT PCIe 4 x16 Adapter

Experience next‑level HPC interconnect with the HPE InfiniBand HDR/Ethernet 200Gb 1-port QSFP56 MCX653105A-HDAT PCIe 4 x16 Adapter. Designed for demanding workloads, this single‑slot PCIe 4.0 x16 adapter delivers up to 200 Gbps of HDR InfiniBand bandwidth with sub‑microsecond latency, enabling tight synchronization, rapid data movement, and near‑theoretical compute efficiency across large clusters. Built for the modern data center, it blurs the line between InfiniBand and Ethernet capabilities, offering a scalable, reliable solution that pairs seamlessly with HDR switches, cables, and the broader HPE ecosystem. Whether you’re running expansive scientific simulations, AI and machine learning pipelines, or data‑intensive analytics, this adapter is engineered to minimize CPU overhead while maximizing throughput and determinism across your HPC fabric.

• Ultra‑low latency, ultra‑high bandwidth: Harness up to 200 Gbps of InfiniBand HDR bandwidth with sub‑microsecond latency, enabling rapid MPI communication, fast data shuttling between compute nodes, and accelerated parallel workloads. This translates into faster job completion, more efficient scaling, and reduced time‑to‑solution for complex simulations and modeling tasks.
• One-port QSFP56 form factor for dense deployments: A compact, single‑port QSFP56 interface simplifies cabling and maximizes node density in dense HPC racks. With a robust 200G connection, you can connect to HDR switches or direct‑attach HDR networks, keeping your topology flexible while preserving precious rack space.
• PCIe 4.0 x16 host interface: The adapter leverages PCIe 4.0 x16 to deliver ample bandwidth between the host server and the network fabric, reducing bottlenecks in data‑heavy workloads. This PCIe lane allocation ensures high data throughput for demanding applications such as large‑scale simulations, real‑time analytics, and AI training pipelines.
• Optimized for HPC and AI workloads: InfiniBand HDR networks are designed for compute‑to‑compute communication with RDMA offloads, dramatically lowering CPU overhead and memory copy costs. The result is near‑zero‑latency data movement across thousands of nodes, enabling scalable, deterministic performance for tightly coupled parallel tasks and AI workloads that demand rapid parameter synchronization.
• Enterprise reliability and ecosystem compatibility: Built to integrate with HP/HPE server platforms and HDR network ecosystems, this adapter benefits from rigorous validation, driver support, and interoperability with HDR cables and HDR switches. It’s engineered for continuous operation in data centers, with proven resilience, manageability, and broad OS compatibility to support demanding production environments.

Technical Details of HPE InfiniBand HDR/Ethernet 200Gb 1-port QSFP56 MCX653105A-HDAT PCIe 4 x16 Adapter

• Part Number: MCX653105A-HDAT
• Port Configuration: 1 x QSFP56 port
• Data Rate: InfiniBand HDR up to 200 Gbps (HDR100 equivalent performance potential)
• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x16 host interface for maximum data throughput
• Latency: Sub‑microsecond live latency characteristics typical of InfiniBand HDR fabrics
• Form Factor: PCIe Add‑in Card (AIC) suitable for dense server blades and rack servers
• Protocol Support: HDR InfiniBand; Ethernet capabilities are available per SKU configuration and network setup
• Environment: Enterprise‑grade interconnect adapter intended for HPC clusters, data centers, and high‑performance workloads
• Cabling and Compatibility: Designed to work with HDR switches and high‑quality QSFP56 cables for optimized interconnect topology

How to install HPE InfiniBand HDR/Ethernet 200Gb 1-port QSFP56 MCX653105A-HDAT PCIe 4 x16 Adapter

• Power down the server and unplug all power sources. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge before handling components.
• Open the server chassis and locate a free PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. Confirm that the slot is compatible with PCIe 4.0 or higher and that there is adequate clearance for the adapter’s height and connectors.
• Remove the slot cover brace or mounting bracket as required by the chassis. Align the MCX653105A-HDAT card with the PCIe slot and firmly seat it into place until the retention mechanism clicks.
• Secure the card with a screw to the chassis to ensure stable seating. Reconnect any fans or cooling arrangements if they were displaced during installation.
• Connect the QSFP56 network cable to the adapter’s port and route the cable to the HDR switch or directly to the HDR fabric as dictated by your topology. Ensure the cabling is properly clipped and not under tension.
• Power on the server and install or update the necessary driver and firmware for the adapter. Verify the operating system recognizes the device and confirm link status via the server management tools or NIC software utilities.
• Configure the InfiniBand HDR network settings, including MTU, PCIe throughput policies, and RDMA parameters. Validate connectivity with a representative MPI or RDMA workload test to ensure deterministic performance.
• Document the installation, including serial numbers, firmware revision, and network topology details, to support ongoing maintenance and future upgrades.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What workloads benefit most from the HPE InfiniBand HDR 200Gb adapter? A: Large‑scale HPC simulations, weather modeling, CFD, molecular dynamics, and AI/ML training pipelines that rely on fast, low‑latency interconnects and efficient data movement across thousands of compute nodes.
• Q: How does InfiniBand HDR differ from Ethernet in this adapter? A: InfiniBand HDR provides extremely low latency and high bandwidth designed for tightly coupled HPC communication. Ethernet capabilities on HDR networks run alongside, offering flexible connectivity options within the same fabric depending on configuration and switches used.
• Q: What is the significance of PCIe 4.0 x16 for this adapter? A: PCIe 4.0 x16 delivers ample host bandwidth to support the 200 Gbps interconnect, reducing bottlenecks between the CPU, memory, and the InfiniBand fabric, which is critical for scaling large workloads.
• Q: Is RDMA supported with this adapter? A: Yes. RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access) capabilities are a core benefit of InfiniBand HDR, enabling direct memory access across nodes with minimal CPU overhead and faster data transfer.
• Q: What kind of switches and cables are compatible? A: HDR switches and high‑quality QSFP56 cables designed for InfiniBand HDR networks are recommended. Ensure firmware and driver versions are aligned across the fabric for best interoperability.
• Q: Which operating systems are supported? A: Enterprise HPC adapters from HPE typically support major server operating systems with corresponding drivers. Always verify the latest driver package and OS compatibility from the vendor’s support portal before deployment.
• Q: Can this adapter be used in mixed interconnect environments? A: It can participate in HDR fabrics and be integrated with Ethernet‑capable network segments, depending on the fabric’s topology and configuration. Coordination with your network administrator is recommended to maximize performance and reliability.
• Q: What management and monitoring tools work with this adapter? A: Management tools provided by HPE and the InfiniBand ecosystem—along with standard OS networking utilities—can monitor link status, throughput, latency, and error counts. Firmware and driver updates are typically delivered through vendor portals or enterprise management suites.