NVIDIA Mellanox Unveils MCP1600-E003E26: The High-Density, Cost-Effective DAC Solution for Modern Data Centers

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, data center architects and network engineers face constant pressure to balance performance, density, and cost. Addressing this critical need, NVIDIA Mellanox announces the launch of its latest direct-attach copper (DAC) cable solution: the MCP1600-E003E26. This 100Gb/s passive copper DAC is engineered to provide a reliable, low-latency, and economical connectivity option for high-speed intra-rack links, empowering enterprises to scale their networks without compromising on agility or budget.

The NVIDIA Mellanox MCP1600-E003E26 is strategically positioned as a foundational building block for spine-leaf architectures, high-performance computing (HPC) clusters, and cloud infrastructure. It eliminates the complexity and higher costs associated with optical transceivers and active cables for short-reach applications, typically within the same rack or between adjacent racks. The solution is designed for network professionals who prioritize deployment speed, operational simplicity, and total cost of ownership (TCO).

At its core, the MCP1600-E003E26 QSFP28 DAC cable is a passive, 100 gigabits per second bidirectional cable assembly. Its plug-and-play design requires no external power, significantly reducing power consumption and heat generation compared to active optical cables (AOCs). This makes it an inherently reliable and energy-efficient choice.

• High Performance & Reliability: Built to meet rigorous MCP1600-E003E26 specifications, it ensures robust signal integrity over its specified distance, supporting high-bandwidth applications with minimal latency.
• Superior Flexibility: Available in various lengths, it offers unparalleled deployment flexibility for organizing cable management within dense racks.
• Broad Compatibility: The MCP1600-E003E26 compatible design ensures seamless interoperability with a wide range of NVIDIA Mellanox Spectrum® and Quantum® switches, as well as ConnectX® adapters, simplifying integration into existing infrastructure.
• Economic Efficiency: As a passive DAC, it presents a significantly lower MCP1600-E003E26 price point per port than optical alternatives, delivering immediate capital expenditure (CapEx) savings.

For detailed electrical and mechanical parameters, engineers can refer to the official MCP1600-E003E26 datasheet.

The MCP1600-E003E26 100Gb/s passive copper DAC excels in several common data center scenarios. It is the ideal choice for connecting top-of-rack (ToR) switches to leaf switches within the same rack, establishing high-speed links between servers and storage arrays in HPC environments, and creating cost-effective backend networks for hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI). Its reliability and simplicity make it a go-to solution for rapid deployment and scaling.

The MCP1600-E003E26 for sale through authorized NVIDIA networking partners and distributors worldwide. Organizations looking to enhance their data center agility and economics are encouraged to evaluate this MCP1600-E003E26 QSFP28 DAC cable solution. By choosing this DAC, teams can achieve faster time-to-market for new services, simplify network operations, and direct savings toward other strategic investments.

To explore how the MCP1600-E003E26 can optimize your network's performance and cost structure, contact an NVIDIA Mellanox specia list today or request a sample for qualification in your specific environment.