NVIDIA Mellanox MCX545M-ECAN ConnectX-5 Multi-Host VPI Adapter, EDR InfiniBand & 100GbE, Single-Port QSFP28: This is a single-port VPI (Virtual Protocol Interconnect) network adapter that supports both EDR InfiniBand at 100Gb/s and 100GbE Ethernet on the same QSFP28 port, using the ConnectX-5 ASIC with Multi-Host technology. This is a Multi-Host form-factor adapter designed for OEM-specific server platforms; it is not a standard PCIe HHHL card. This is a refurbished unit, tested by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS.
Engineering Context
The MCX545M-ECAN provides up to 100Gb/s on a single QSFP28 port, configurable per-port between InfiniBand EDR and 100GbE Ethernet via VPI. Multi-Host technology enables a single adapter to be shared by up to 4 independent host CPUs, each with its own PCIe interface, reducing TCO for multi-node compute platforms. The PCIe Gen 3.0 x16 host interface delivers ~128 Gb/s of host bandwidth, sufficient for full single-port 100Gb operation. ConnectX-5 hardware offloads include RoCE v2, NVMe-oF, T10-DIF, and overlay tunneling.
Deployment & Use Cases
Multi-node compute platforms (e.g., dense storage servers, blade chassis) where a single adapter serves multiple host CPUs. HPC clusters using EDR InfiniBand with MPI-based workloads. Storage targets serving NVMe-oF over RDMA. Mixed-protocol fabrics where the same physical port may operate as IB or Ethernet depending on the deployment.
Technical Specifications
OEM: NVIDIA Mellanox
Part Number: MCX545M-ECAN
Product Family: ConnectX-5 Multi-Host VPI
Ports: 1 × QSFP28
Max Data Rate: EDR InfiniBand 100Gb/s and/or 100GbE
Host Interface: PCIe Gen 3.0 x16
Protocol: VPI (InfiniBand and/or Ethernet)
Multi-Host: Up to 4 independent hosts per adapter
Form Factor: Multi-Host (no standard PCIe bracket)
Offloads: RoCE v2, NVMe-oF, T10-DIF, VXLAN/Geneve/NVGRE
Virtualization: SR-IOV
Management: Host management features
Condition: Refurbished — Tested by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
Compatibility & Hard Constraints
Compatible with OEM server platforms designed to accept the Mellanox Multi-Host form factor; this card does not install in a standard PCIe HHHL slot and is not shipped with a tall or low-profile bracket. Pairs with NVIDIA Quantum/Switch-IB EDR switches and NVIDIA Spectrum 100GbE switches. Requires a server BIOS and PCIe topology that exposes multiple PCIe roots to the adapter for full Multi-Host operation; otherwise the card runs in single-host mode. Verify your platform supports Multi-Host before purchase.
Why Choose T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS bench-tests every refurbished ConnectX adapter for link, PCIe enumeration, and offload functionality before shipment. We provide expert consultation on Multi-Host platform compatibility, global shipping, and a typical handling time of 1–3 business days.