Identity & Definition
This enterprise InfiniBand host channel adapter, the NVIDIA Mellanox MCB193A-FCAT, is a Connect-IB single-port FDR 56Gb/s InfiniBand HCA with one QSFP connector and PCIe Gen3 x16 host interface. This is an InfiniBand-only adapter — it does not support Ethernet. This is the single-port variant with PCIe x16. Condition: Refurbished — tested by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS.
Engineering Context
The Connect-IB MCB193A-FCAT delivers 56Gb/s FDR InfiniBand throughput using 4x 14Gb/s lanes over a single QSFP connector. PCIe 3.0 x16 provides 128 Gb/s host bus bandwidth, significantly over-provisioned for the single 56Gb/s FDR port, ensuring zero host-side bottleneck. Connect-IB supports native RDMA, peer-direct GPU communication, and hardware message passing acceleration. While superseded by ConnectX-5 (EDR) and ConnectX-6 (HDR), Connect-IB remains fully functional in existing FDR fabrics.
Deployment & Use Cases
Expanding existing FDR InfiniBand HPC clusters with additional compute nodes. MPI-based parallel computing and scientific simulation environments with FDR infrastructure. Storage networking over InfiniBand using SRP or iSER at 56Gb/s. Test and development labs requiring InfiniBand connectivity without EDR/HDR/NDR investment.
Technical Specifications
- OEM: NVIDIA Mellanox
- Part Number: MCB193A-FCAT
- ASIC: Connect-IB
- Speed: FDR InfiniBand 56Gb/s (4x 14Gb/s)
- Ports: 1x QSFP
- Host Interface: PCIe 3.0 x16
- PCIe Bandwidth: 128 Gb/s
- Bracket: Tall (Full Height)
- Condition: Refurbished
Compatibility & Hard Constraints
InfiniBand Only: Connect-IB does not support Ethernet. For Ethernet, use ConnectX-4 Lx or later. FDR Only: Maximum speed is FDR 56Gb/s. Not upgradeable to EDR/HDR/NDR. Will connect at FDR in EDR/HDR fabrics with backward compatibility. QSFP Port: Accepts standard QSFP InfiniBand cables/transceivers. Not compatible with QSFP28/QSFP56/QSFP-DD. PCIe 3.0 x16: Requires physical x16 slot. PCIe 2.0 compatible at reduced bandwidth. Note: MCB193A uses PCIe x16 vs MCB191A which uses PCIe x8. Legacy Product: End-of-life for new designs. Driver support continues in current MLNX_OFED. Predecessor: ConnectX-3 FDR. Successor: ConnectX-5 EDR (MCX556A).
Why Choose T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS validates every adapter for PCIe link training, port initialization, and RDMA functionality before shipment. Technical consultation available for fabric compatibility. Global shipping with tracking. 1–3 business day handling.