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Mellanox MCX456A-ECAT Connectx-4 Vpi Network Adapter PCI Express 3.0 X16 100 Gigabit Ethernet
Mellanox

Mellanox MCX456A-ECAT Connectx-4 Vpi Network Adapter PCI Express 3.0 X16 100 Gigabit Ethernet

Bottom line: The Mellanox MCX456A-ECAT Connectx-4 Vpi Network Adapter PCI Express 3.0 is a specs-and-price decision rather than a crowd-consensus one in the retro networking cards category. Check the specification table below against one or two close alternatives — on price and spec fit, not on star ratings.

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ World-class cluster, network, and storage performance
  • ✓ Backed by Mellanox's warranty and support channels

Cons

  • ✗ Check the listed dimensions, connectors and platform compatibility against your setup before ordering
  • ✗ Price, stock, shipping and returns are set by the retailer and may have changed since this page was last updated

Manufacturer description

Connected adapter cards with virtual Protocol interconnect (vpi), supporting EDR 100 GB/s Infiniband and 100 GB/s Ethernet connectivity, provide the highest performance and most flexible solution for high-performance, web 2.0, data analytics, database, and storage platforms. With the exponential growth of data being shared and stored by applications and social networks, the need for high-speed and High performance compute and storage data centers is skyrocketing. Connection provides exceptional High performance for the most demanding data centers, public and private Clouds, web 2.0 and big…

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Mellanox MCX456A-ECAT Connectx-4 Vpi Network Adapter PCI Express 3.0… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro networking cards category. Mellanox's retro networking cards lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for retro networking cards of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • Highest Performing silicon for applications requiring high bandwidth, Low latency and high message rate
  • World-class cluster, network, and storage performance
  • Smart interconnect for x86, power, arm, and gpu-based compute and storage platforms
  • Cutting-edge performance in virtualized overlay networks
  • Efficient I/O consolidation, lowering data center costs and complexity

Full Specifications

BrandMellanox
Unit Count1 Count
Model NumberMCX456A-ECAT
Built-In MediaNetwork adapter
Item Type NameMellanox MCX456A-ECAT Connectx-4 Vpi Network Adapter PCI Express 3.0 X16 100 Gigabit Ethernet
Mfr Part NumberMCX456A-ECAT
Number of Items1
Compatible DevicesDesktop
Data Link ProtocolGigabit Ethernet
Data Transfer Rate102400 megabits_per_second
Hardware InterfaceEthernet, PCI
Warranty Descriptionno warranty
Global Trade Identification Number07290107197786

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Mellanox MCX456A-ECAT Connectx-4 Vpi Network Adapter PCI Express 3.0 X16 100 Gigabit Ethernet is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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Mellanox MCX456A-ECAT Connectx-4 Vpi Network Adapter PCI Express 3.0 X16 100 Gigabit Ethernet
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