If you’re looking for the 12 best Mellanox ConnectX-4 cards for 2026, I recommend considering models that support high speeds like 25GbE or even 40GbE, with features such as low latency, advanced offloads, and broad compatibility. Options include dual-port, single-port, and OCP form factors, suitable for enterprise and data center setups. To find the perfect match for your needs, you’ll want to explore the features and compatibility details — learn more below.
Key Takeaways
- The list includes top Mellanox ConnectX-4 models with high throughput, dual 25GbE SFP28 ports, and advanced features for 2026.
- It covers various form factors, including low-profile, full-height, and OCP options, for seamless server compatibility.
- Features such as RDMA, Jumbo Frames, and hardware offloads ensure optimal performance in enterprise environments.
- Compatibility with multiple protocols and cabling options makes these cards versatile for data centers and high-performance networks.
- The selection considers future-proofing with models supporting PCIe 4.0 and high-speed optical connections for long-term use.
| 25GbE Network Card with Mellanox ConnectX-4 PCIe Adapter |  | High-Performance Scalability | Ports: Dual 25GbE SFP28 ports | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 x8 | Supported Data Rates: 1G, 10G, 25G | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mellanox MCX4421A-ACAN ConnectX-4 LX Dual-Port Network Card |  | Enterprise Ready | Ports: Dual 25GbE SFP28 ports | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 | Supported Data Rates: 25GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mellanox Technologies MCX4131A-BCAT CONNECTX-4 LX EN NIC 4056 GBE |  | Data Center Powerhouse | Ports: 40 Gigabit QSFP port | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 x8 | Supported Data Rates: 40Gbps (40G) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Connectx-4 LX EN 25Gbe Dual-Port Network Card |  | Reliable Dual-Port | Ports: Dual 25Gbe SFP28 ports | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 x8 | Supported Data Rates: 25GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 10/25GbE PCIe Dual SFP28 Ethernet Network Adapter |  | Versatile Connectivity | Ports: Dual 25GbE SFP28 ports | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 x8 | Supported Data Rates: 25GbE, 10GbE, 1GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 25GbE Network Card with Mellanox ConnectX-4 Chipset |  | Advanced Features | Ports: Dual SFP28 ports | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 x8 | Supported Data Rates: 1G/10G/25G | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mellanox Connectx-4 25GbE PCIe Network Card |  | Premium Quality | Ports: Single optical fiber port | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 x8 | Supported Data Rates: 25Gbps | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mellanox CX456A Dual-Port EDR ConnectX-4 Network Adapter |  | High-Speed Flexibility | Ports: Dual 100GbE QSFP28 ports | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 / PCIe 4.0 (supporting PCIe 4.0) | Supported Data Rates: Up to 100GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx EN Network Adapter (MCX4121A-ACAT) |  | Open Compute Compatible | Ports: Not specified (likely similar to others) | Interface Type: Not explicitly specified (assumed PCIe 3.0 or higher) | Supported Data Rates: 25GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mellanox ConnectX-6 VPI Network Adapter PCIe 4.0 |  | Cutting-Edge Speed | Ports: Dual 100GbE ports | Interface Type: PCIe 4.0 x16 | Supported Data Rates: 100GbE, 200Gbps (per port) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mellanox ConnectX4 LX 25Gb Ethernet Network Adapter |  | Multi-Host Support | Ports: Dual SFP28 ports | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 x8 | Supported Data Rates: 25GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mellanox NVIDIA ConnectX-6 Dx Ethernet SmartNIC |  | Ultra-Fast Ethernet | Ports: Dual 100GbE ports | Interface Type: PCIe 4.0 x16 | Supported Data Rates: 100GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
25GbE Network Card with Mellanox ConnectX-4 PCIe Adapter
If you’re looking for a reliable Ethernet solution for high-performance networking, the GbE Network Card with Mellanox ConnectX-4 PCIe Adapter is an excellent choice. It features the powerful Mellanox ConnectX-4 chipset, supporting 1G, 10G, and 25G connections through dual-SFP28 ports. Designed for PCIe 3.0 x8, it offers low latency and high throughput, ideal for data centers and virtualization. The card also supports advanced features like RDMA, Jumbo Frames, and iSCSI, reducing CPU load and boosting efficiency. Its flexibility and scalability make it perfect for demanding network environments, ensuring seamless, high-speed connectivity for your infrastructure.
- Ports:Dual 25GbE SFP28 ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0 x8
- Supported Data Rates:1G, 10G, 25G
- Protocols & Features Support:RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo Frames, NVGRE, VXLAN
- Form Factor Compatibility:PCIe card, low-profile and full-height
- Warranty & Support:1-year warranty, lifetime tech support
- Additional Feature:Supports RDMA RoCE v1/v2
- Additional Feature:Includes Jumbo Frame support
- Additional Feature:Lifetime technical support
Mellanox MCX4421A-ACAN ConnectX-4 LX Dual-Port Network Card
Looking for a network card that delivers high-speed, reliable connectivity for enterprise OCP deployments? The Mellanox MCX4421A-ACAN ConnectX-4 LX Dual-Port Network Card is a great choice. It features dual 25GBE SFP28 ports, enabling fast data transfer and robust network performance. With a PCIe 3.0 interface, it integrates seamlessly into various server architectures. Compact and lightweight, it measures just 4.8 x 3.4 x 0.7 inches and weighs only a pound. Manufactured by Mellanox, it comes with a warranty and is available for competitive pricing. This card is ideal for high-performance, enterprise-level networking needs.
- Ports:Dual 25GbE SFP28 ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0
- Supported Data Rates:25GbE
- Protocols & Features Support:High-speed transfer, compatibility with enterprise OCP
- Form Factor Compatibility:PCIe card, standard form factor
- Warranty & Support:Warranty info available, support included
- Additional Feature:Compatible with OCP deployments
- Additional Feature:Compact 4.8 x 3.4 x 0.7 inch size
- Additional Feature:1-pound lightweight design
Mellanox Technologies MCX4131A-BCAT CONNECTX-4 LX EN NIC 4056 GBE
The Mellanox Technologies MCX4131A-BCAT CONNECTX-4 LX EN NIC 4056 GBE stands out as an excellent choice for data centers and high-performance computing environments that demand ultra-fast network connectivity. This card features a PCIe 3.0 x8 interface and a 40 Gbps data transfer rate via its QSFP port, supporting a variety of protocols like TCP/IP, iSCSI, and RDMA. Its extensive standards support, including VLAN, QoS, and link aggregation, ensures seamless integration and performance. Compact and lightweight, it’s built for reliability and scalability, making it ideal for demanding enterprise applications requiring robust, high-speed network connections.
- Ports:40 Gigabit QSFP port
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0 x8
- Supported Data Rates:40Gbps (40G)
- Protocols & Features Support:TCP/IP, RDMA, iSCSI, VLAN, QoS, Jumbo
- Form Factor Compatibility:PCIe card, standard form factor
- Warranty & Support:Warranty details via manufacturer, support links
- Additional Feature:40 Gbps transfer rate
- Additional Feature:Supports iSCSI remote boot
- Additional Feature:Discontinued but available
Connectx-4 LX EN 25Gbe Dual-Port Network Card
For enterprise environments demanding high-speed data transfer, the Connectx-4 LX EN 25Gbe Dual-Port Network Card stands out with its dual 25GbE SFP28 ports. I appreciate its compatibility with PCIe 3.0 x8 slots and its reliable design, built for demanding workloads. Measuring just under nine inches, it fits neatly into standard server configurations, and its lightweight build keeps installation straightforward. Manufactured by Mellanox, it’s a trusted choice for robust connectivity. Available since 2016, this NIC offers solid performance and support, making it a dependable option for data centers seeking fast, dual-port Ethernet connectivity.
- Ports:Dual 25Gbe SFP28 ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0 x8
- Supported Data Rates:25GbE
- Protocols & Features Support:High-performance networking, reliable data transfer
- Form Factor Compatibility:PCIe card, tall form factor
- Warranty & Support:Warranty included, support options available
- Additional Feature:Tall form factor option
- Additional Feature:Robust enterprise connectivity
- Additional Feature:Supports firmware updates
10/25GbE PCIe Dual SFP28 Ethernet Network Adapter
Among the top choices for high-performance networking, the 25GbE PCIe Dual SFP28 Ethernet Network Adapter stands out with its built-in Mellanox ConnectX-4 chipset, which supports RDMA for CPU offloads and kernel bypass. This enables high throughput, low latency, and reduced CPU load, ideal for data centers and HPC. It offers dual 25Gbps ports with auto-negotiation for 10Gbps and 1Gbps speeds, compatible with x8/x16 PCIe slots. The dual SFP28 ports support various cabling options, including DAC, AOC, and transceivers, ensuring broad network flexibility. It’s compatible with multiple OSes, but firmware updates might be needed for ideal performance.
- Ports:Dual 25GbE SFP28 ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0 x8
- Supported Data Rates:25GbE, 10GbE, 1GbE
- Protocols & Features Support:RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo Frames
- Form Factor Compatibility:PCIe card, compatible with desktops and servers
- Warranty & Support:3-year free warranty, lifetime tech support
- Additional Feature:Supports multiple cabling types
- Additional Feature:Designed for virtualization
- Additional Feature:24/7 customer support
25GbE Network Card with Mellanox ConnectX-4 Chipset
A GbE Network Card with the Mellanox ConnectX-4 chipset offers a dependable solution for users seeking high-speed, low-latency Ethernet connectivity, especially in virtualization and data center environments. It features dual SFP28 ports and supports 1/10/25G connections, making it versatile for various networking needs. With PCIe 3.0 x8 interface, it guarantees fast data transfer and efficient performance. The card supports advanced features like RDMA, FCoE, Jumbo Frames, and iSCSI, enhancing network throughput and reliability. Easy to install with driver options for multiple operating systems, it includes low-profile and full-height brackets, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of server and desktop setups.
- Ports:Dual SFP28 ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0 x8
- Supported Data Rates:1G/10G/25G
- Protocols & Features Support:RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo Frames
- Form Factor Compatibility:PCIe x8 card, compatible with standard servers
- Warranty & Support:Warranty info, support available
- Additional Feature:Supports FCoE protocol
- Additional Feature:Supports auto-negotiation speeds
- Additional Feature:Includes low-profile brackets
Mellanox Connectx-4 25GbE PCIe Network Card
The Mellanox Connectx-4 25GbE PCIe Network Card stands out for its impressive 25Gbps Ethernet speed, making it an ideal choice for data centers and enterprise environments that demand high-performance networking. It features a single optical fiber port, supporting high-speed data transfer over a PCIe 3.0 x8 interface. Weighing just 5.4 ounces, it’s compact and lightweight, measuring 7.6 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches. Since its debut in 2015, it remains available through Amazon with strong customer ratings and warranty support. This card offers reliable, high-speed connectivity, perfect for demanding networking setups.
- Ports:Single optical fiber port
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0 x8
- Supported Data Rates:25Gbps
- Protocols & Features Support:25Gbps Ethernet, single fiber port, high-speed
- Form Factor Compatibility:PCIe card, standard form factor
- Warranty & Support:30-day return, warranty details online
- Additional Feature:Optical fiber port included
- Additional Feature:5-star customer reviews
- Additional Feature:Discontinued by manufacturer
Mellanox CX456A Dual-Port EDR ConnectX-4 Network Adapter
If you’re seeking a high-performance network adapter for demanding data center or HPC environments, the Mellanox CX456A Dual-Port EDR ConnectX-4 offers an excellent solution. Supporting 100GbE connectivity, it’s tailored for intense workloads and large-scale deployments, especially in WCT NeXtScale nx360 systems. This dual-port EDR adapter, based on ConnectX-4 architecture, delivers fast, reliable networking performance. Although it was first released in 2018 and is now discontinued, it remains a solid choice for those needing high-speed, enterprise-grade connectivity. Pricing varies depending on where you shop, and user feedback helps keep market prices competitive.
- Ports:Dual 100GbE QSFP28 ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0 / PCIe 4.0 (supporting PCIe 4.0)
- Supported Data Rates:Up to 100GbE
- Protocols & Features Support:100GbE, high-speed, enterprise-ready
- Form Factor Compatibility:PCIe card, compatible with servers and HPC
- Warranty & Support:Support links, warranty info online
- Additional Feature:Supports 100GbE connectivity
- Additional Feature:Designed for HPC environments
- Additional Feature:Supports block-level encryption
Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx EN Network Adapter (MCX4121A-ACAT)
Designed for data centers seeking flexible, high-performance networking solutions, the Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx EN Network Adapter (MCX4121A-ACAT) stands out with its open compute project (OCP) form factor and broad compatibility. It supports x86, Power, ARM, GPU-based compute, and storage platforms, making it highly versatile. With industry-leading throughput and low latency, it maximizes data center ROI through multi-host technology and excels in virtualized overlay networks. Its smart interconnect technology guarantees efficient, scalable data transfer, making it ideal for web access, storage, and virtualization workloads. This adapter offers cutting-edge performance tailored for demanding data center environments.
- Ports:Not specified (likely similar to others)
- Interface Type:Not explicitly specified (assumed PCIe 3.0 or higher)
- Supported Data Rates:25GbE
- Protocols & Features Support:Low latency, multi-host tech
- Form Factor Compatibility:OCP form factor
- Warranty & Support:Warranty info available
- Additional Feature:Industry-leading throughput
- Additional Feature:Multi-host technology
- Additional Feature:Supports virtualized overlay networks
Mellanox ConnectX-6 VPI Network Adapter PCIe 4.0
For data centers and high-performance computing environments demanding ultra-fast, secure connectivity, the Mellanox ConnectX-6 VPI Network Adapter PCIe 4.0 stands out with its impressive 100Gb Ethernet and Infiniband support. It delivers up to 200Gb/s per port and can handle 215 million messages per second with latency below 0.6 microseconds. The adapter features block-level XTS-AES hardware encryption for FIPS compliance and advanced storage offloads, guaranteeing data security and integrity. Supporting both 50G SerDes and 25G SerDes ports, it offers remarkable flexibility. Its compatibility with PCIe Gen 3.0 and 4.0 ensures seamless integration into high-performance, secure, and scalable network infrastructures.
- Ports:Dual 100GbE ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 4.0 x16
- Supported Data Rates:100GbE, 200Gbps (per port)
- Protocols & Features Support:100GbE, encryption, storage offloads
- Form Factor Compatibility:PCIe 4.0 x16, standard and high-performance servers
- Warranty & Support:Not explicitly specified
- Additional Feature:Supports 200Gb/s per port
- Additional Feature:Hardware encryption included
- Additional Feature:Advanced storage offloads
Mellanox ConnectX4 LX 25Gb Ethernet Network Adapter
The Mellanox ConnectX-4 LX 25Gb Ethernet Network Adapter stands out as an excellent choice for data centers seeking high-performance, multi-host connectivity. Its dual SFP28 ports and PCIe 3.0 x8 interface deliver versatile, multi-rate support up to 25Gb, 10Gb, and 1Gb speeds. With hardware-based I/O virtualization and multi-host technology, it connects up to four independent hosts, reducing complexity and costs. Compatible with Windows, Linux, VMware, and various server environments, it features alloy heat sinks for reliable heat dissipation and thickened connecting fingers for durability. Easy to install with both low-profile and full-height brackets, it ensures stable, efficient network performance over the long term.
- Ports:Dual SFP28 ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0 x8
- Supported Data Rates:25GbE
- Protocols & Features Support:RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo Frames
- Form Factor Compatibility:PCIe 3.0 x8, standard server fit
- Warranty & Support:Warranty info online
- Additional Feature:Multi-rate support (1/10/25Gb)
- Additional Feature:Alloy heat sinks
- Additional Feature:Hardware-based I/O virtualization
Mellanox NVIDIA ConnectX-6 Dx Ethernet SmartNIC
Looking to boost your network’s performance with ultra-fast data transfer? The Mellanox NVIDIA ConnectX-6 Dx Ethernet SmartNIC is designed for that purpose. It features a 101 Gigabit Ethernet card with dual 100Gbps ports, supporting PCIe 4.0 x16 for seamless data flow. This SmartNIC handles optical fiber connections, enabling long-distance transmission without sacrificing speed. Perfect for servers, clients, or workstations, it adds two network ports in a single slot, reducing management complexity. Its high bandwidth and extended reach make it ideal for service provider networks, easing bandwidth bottlenecks while delivering reliable, high-speed connectivity.
- Ports:Dual 100GbE ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 4.0 x16
- Supported Data Rates:100GbE
- Protocols & Features Support:100GbE, optical fiber support
- Form Factor Compatibility:PCIe 4.0 x16, high-end servers and data centers
- Warranty & Support:Warranty details upon request
- Additional Feature:Supports optical fiber cables
- Additional Feature:100Gbps transfer rates
- Additional Feature:PCIe 4.0 x16 interface
Factors to Consider When Choosing Mellanox Connectx‑4 Card
When selecting a Mellanox ConnectX-4 card, I focus on key factors like system compatibility, network speeds, and port options to guarantee it meets my needs. It’s also important to take into account supported protocols, the card’s physical form factor, and the warranty and support available. These points help me make a well-informed choice for maximum performance and reliability.
Compatibility With Systems
Ensuring compatibility with your system is essential when selecting a Mellanox ConnectX‑4 card. First, check that the card’s interface matches your system’s expansion slot, typically PCIe 3.0 x8 or x16. Next, verify that your operating system supports the Mellanox driver software to avoid driver issues. Also, confirm your server or workstation can physically accommodate the card’s form factor, whether low-profile or full-height. Additionally, guarantee your network infrastructure, including cabling and switches, supports the card’s maximum speeds, such as 25GbE or 40GbE. Finally, update your system’s BIOS and firmware to recognize and optimize the card’s performance. These steps help guarantee seamless integration and reliable operation of your Mellanox ConnectX‑4 card within your system.
Network Speed and Ports
The network speed and port configuration of a Mellanox ConnectX-4 card are crucial factors that determine its performance and versatility. This card supports network speeds of 1Gbps, 10Gbps, and 25Gbps, offering flexible options for various high-speed applications. It typically features dual SFP28 ports, which allow for simultaneous connections and increased bandwidth, enhancing data transfer capabilities. Compatibility with different transceivers and DAC cables ensures you can match the cabling to your network needs. To achieve maximum performance, it’s important that both the card’s ports and connected devices support the same speeds and protocols. The number and type of ports directly impact network throughput and the ability to connect multiple high-speed devices efficiently.
Supported Protocol Features
Choosing the right Mellanox ConnectX-4 card involves considering the supported protocol features that align with your network needs. These cards support advanced protocols like iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo Frames, and RDMA (RoCE v1 and v2), essential for high-performance storage and data transfer. Hardware offloads for TCP/IP, UDP/IP, and iSCSI reduce CPU load during intensive transfers, improving efficiency. Compatibility with VLAN tagging standards such as IEEE 802.1Q and link aggregation protocols like 802.3ad (LACP) enhances network flexibility and resilience. Additionally, Mellanox ConnectX-4 supports QoS features, including Priority-Based Flow Control (PFC), ensuring traffic prioritization and congestion management. Its virtualization capabilities, multi-host support, and multi-rate features make it versatile for various enterprise and data center environments.
Physical Form Factor
Selecting the right Mellanox ConnectX-4 card requires paying close attention to its physical form factor to guarantee compatibility with your hardware. These cards come in low-profile, full-height, and tall versions, ensuring they fit various server and workstation chassis. The full-height models typically measure around 7.6 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches, designed for standard PCIe slots in enterprise setups. Some models feature an open compute project (OCP) form factor, suited for high-density data center deployments. Weight varies from about 5.4 ounces to a pound, depending on the variant and cooling solutions. While most connect via PCI Express 3.0 x8 slots, it’s crucial to verify the form factor to prevent fit issues and ensure seamless integration within your existing hardware environment.
Warranty and Support
A thorough warranty and support plan are essential when investing in a Mellanox ConnectX-4 card, especially for enterprise environments. I recommend ensuring the card comes with at least a one-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects and hardware failures. It’s also imperative to check if support includes 24/7 technical assistance, so you can get help whenever issues arise. Some vendors offer lifetime technical support, which provides ongoing help beyond the initial warranty—very beneficial for critical systems. Additionally, review the hardware replacement policy, including turnaround times and whether on-site support is available. Finally, confirm that all warranty and support details are clearly documented and easily accessible through the manufacturer or authorized reseller, ensuring reliable coverage when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Throughput Supported by Mellanox Connectx-4 Cards?
The Mellanox ConnectX-4 cards support a maximum throughput of up to 100 Gbps, which is ideal for high-performance networking. I find this impressive because it permits rapid data transfer, minimized latency, and efficient handling of demanding workloads. Whether you’re running large data centers or high-speed storage solutions, these cards ensure you get the speed and reliability needed for modern enterprise environments.
How Compatible Are These Cards With Different Server Operating Systems?
Like a trusted bridge, Mellanox ConnectX-4 cards are highly compatible with a wide range of server operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and VMware. I’ve found they seamlessly integrate, ensuring smooth performance across different environments. Their versatile design means you won’t hit many compatibility roadblocks, making them a reliable choice whether you’re building a new system or upgrading an existing one.
Do Mellanox Connectx-4 Cards Support Virtualization Features?
Yes, Mellanox ConnectX-4 cards support virtualization features. I’ve found they enable efficient network virtualization, allowing multiple virtual machines to share the same physical hardware seamlessly. They support SR-IOV (Single Root I/O Virtualization), which helps reduce latency and improve network performance in virtualized environments. If you’re setting up a virtualized server environment, these cards can boost your system’s flexibility and efficiency considerably.
What Is the Typical Latency Associated With Mellanox Connectx-4 Network Cards?
They say, “time is money,” and that’s true for network latency too. Typically, Mellanox ConnectX-4 cards offer latency around 1 microsecond for intra-server communication and a bit higher for longer distances. I’ve found these cards excel in low-latency environments, making them ideal for high-performance computing and data centers. Their fast response times guarantee data flows smoothly, so I recommend them if low latency is your priority.
Are There Specific Cooling Requirements for High-Performance Mellanox Connectx-4 Adapters?
Yes, high-performance Mellanox ConnectX-4 adapters do have specific cooling requirements. I recommend ensuring proper airflow within your server or chassis to prevent overheating. Using heatsinks or additional cooling solutions can help maintain ideal operating temperatures. I always check the manufacturer’s specifications and consider supplemental cooling options, especially in dense or high-utilization environments, to keep these cards running efficiently and avoid thermal throttling.
Conclusion
In the end, choosing the right Mellanox ConnectX-4 card is like finding the perfect key to access your network’s potential. With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—like trying to pick a star from the sky. But remember, understanding your needs will guide you to the brightest one. So, trust your instincts, and let your network shine brighter than ever. After all, a great connection makes all the difference.
