NVIDIA Mellanox MBF1L516A-CSCAT BlueField-1 SmartNIC (NVIDIA P/N: 900-9D1A2-0066-SN1): This is a BlueField-1-class SmartNIC / data processing unit (DPU) combining a ConnectX-class network controller with an integrated ARM-based SoC for offloading networking, storage, and security workloads from the host CPU. It provides 100GbE Ethernet across Dual QSFP28 ports. This is a network adapter with onboard programmable cores; it is not a passive NIC, not a switch, and not an accelerator-only card. Hardware crypto acceleration is enabled on this unit, supporting IPsec/TLS offload pipelines. This is a refurbished unit.
Engineering Context
The MBF1L516A-CSCAT integrates a 16-core ARM, 16GB onboard DDR, and a PCIe Gen3.0/4.0 x16 host interface. The dual Dual QSFP28 interface supports Ethernet. As a BlueField-1 DPU, it can isolate infrastructure functions (overlay networking, NVMe-oF, firewalling, telemetry) on its embedded cores while the host CPU runs application workloads. The card requires a host slot delivering the full PCIe lane width and adequate airflow; the embedded SoC adds thermal load beyond a passive ConnectX adapter.
Deployment & Use Cases
Bare-metal cloud and multi-tenant infrastructure where east-west traffic is offloaded from the hypervisor. NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF) target and initiator acceleration. Software-defined networking with OVS hardware offload, VXLAN/Geneve tunneling, and connection tracking. Inline storage encryption and host-isolated security appliances. Ethernet-only data center fabrics built on Spectrum or compatible 100GbE switching.
Technical Specifications
OEM: NVIDIA Mellanox
Part Number (MPN): MBF1L516A-CSCAT
NVIDIA P/N: 900-9D1A2-0066-SN1
Family: BlueField-1 SmartNIC / DPU
Network Interface: Dual QSFP28
Data Rate / Protocol: Ethernet
Embedded Processor: 16-core ARM
Memory: 16GB onboard DDR
Host Interface: PCIe Gen3.0/4.0 x16
Hardware Crypto Engine: Enabled
Form Factor: Half-Height Half-Length plug-in card with tall bracket
Condition: Refurbished — Tested by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
Compatibility & Hard Constraints
Requires a host server with a PCIe Gen3.0/4.0 x16 slot of equivalent or greater capability and supported airflow direction. Compatible with NVIDIA DOCA software framework and NVIDIA OFED/MLNX_OFED drivers on supported Linux distributions. This SKU operates in Ethernet mode; it is not intended for InfiniBand-only fabrics. Crypto-enabled SKU; verify that customer security policy permits the included crypto engine in the destination region. Optical or copper modules and cables are not included.
Why Choose T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS specializes in refurbished NVIDIA Mellanox networking hardware. Each BlueField-1 unit is functionally tested for link training, host enumeration, and basic offload paths before shipment. Handling time is 1–3 business days, with global tracked shipping and pre-sales compatibility consultation available at tes-itsolutions.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What part number (mpn) does the MBF1L516A-CSCAT have?
The MBF1L516A-CSCAT part number (mpn) is MBF1L516A-CSCAT, as listed in the specifications for MBF1L516A-CSCAT.
What is the MBF1L516A-CSCAT NOT compatible with?
it is not a passive NIC, not a switch, and not an accelerator-only card. Confirm fitment against your platform before ordering MBF1L516A-CSCAT.
What condition is the MBF1L516A-CSCAT supplied in, and who sells it?
The MBF1L516A-CSCAT is supplied in Refurbished condition by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS from EU stock, with 1-3 business day handling and worldwide B2B shipping. See https://www.tes-itsolutions.com/product-page/nvidia-bluefield-1-mbf1l516a-cscat-eth-100gbe-2x-qsfp28-gen3-0-4-0-x8crypto-ena.