NVIDIA Mellanox MCP2100-X03AB 10GbE SFP+ Passive Copper DAC, 3.5m: This is a 3.5-meter passive copper direct-attach cable with SFP+ connectors on both ends, rated for 10Gb/s Ethernet (10GbE) at the physical layer. The cable is a fixed-length factory-terminated assembly with no active electronics or optics. This is NOT an active copper cable, NOT a fiber AOC, and NOT a transceiver. This is a new unit.
Engineering Context
Passive SFP+ DACs at 3.5m carry a single 10Gb/s lane over twinaxial copper without any embedded signal-conditioning electronics, so they impose near-zero forwarding latency. At 3.5m the cable sits in the middle of the typical SFP+ passive copper reach window and does not require host-supplied bias for active components. Power draw is negligible since there are no powered components, and the cable is fully transparent to host-side equalization. The integrated EEPROM identifies the cable to switch and NIC, and the blue pull-tab plus connector label aid cable management in dense racks.
Deployment & Use Cases
In-rack and adjacent-rack 10GbE links between Top-of-Rack switches and server NICs. Mellanox SX1012/SX1024/SX1036 10GbE leaf fabrics. ConnectX-3 EN, ConnectX-3 Pro 10GbE, and ConnectX-4 Lx adapters operating at 10GbE SFP+. Storage and backup networks where a low-cost, low-latency 10GbE backbone is needed. Lab and staging environments where SFP+ cabling is the standard.
Technical Specifications
OEM: NVIDIA Mellanox
Part Number: MCP2100-X03AB
Form Factor: SFP+ to SFP+ (Point-to-Point)
Cable Type: Passive Copper DAC
Data Rate: 10Gb/s (10GbE)
Length: 3.5m
Protocol: 10GbE Ethernet
Pull Tab: Blue, with connector label
Power Draw: Passive — no powered components
Condition: New — Tested by T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
Compatibility & Hard Constraints
Compatible with NVIDIA Mellanox SX1012/SX1024/SX1036 series 10GbE switches and ConnectX-3 EN, ConnectX-3 Pro, ConnectX-4 Lx adapters in 10GbE SFP+ mode. Compatible with most third-party SFP+ 10GbE switches that accept Mellanox-branded passive DACs — verify against the platform's vendor-approved cable list before deployment. Not compatible with 25GbE SFP28 links — SFP+ ports do not negotiate 25Gb/s. Not compatible with QSFP+ 40GbE or QSFP28 100GbE ports without an appropriate breakout assembly. Not a 1000BASE-T copper Ethernet cable. Fixed 3.5m length; cannot be re-terminated.
Why Choose T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS
T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS tests every passive DAC for continuity, connector latch integrity, and EEPROM identity before shipment. We provide expert consultation on 10GbE SFP+ fabric design and vendor-approved cable list checks, global shipping, and comprehensive warranty. Handling time is 1–3 business days.