Mellanox Connect-IB FDR InfiniBand Network Card Review (MCB194A-FCAT) – 2026 Guide
Introduction
In today’s high-performance computing (HPC) and enterprise data center environments, network speed and reliability are crucial. The Mellanox Connect-IB FDR InfiniBand network card model: CB194A P/N: MCB194A-FCAT is engineered to meet the demands of modern HPC clusters, AI workloads, and large-scale data transfers.
This article provides a comprehensive review, covering specifications, performance benchmarks, and comparisons with other network adapters to help IT professionals and enthusiasts make informed decisions.
This article features the Mellanox Connect-IB FDR InfiniBand Network Card Review (MCB194A-FCAT) – 2026 Guide, providing key insights and analysis.
What is the Mellanox Connect-IB FDR InfiniBand MCB194A-FCAT?
The Mellanox Connect-IB FDR InfiniBand MCB194A-FCAT is a high-speed Host Channel Adapter (HCA) designed for FDR InfiniBand networks. It delivers up to 56 Gbps bandwidth per port, ultra-low latency, and advanced offloading capabilities, making it ideal for HPC clusters and enterprise workloads.
Key Highlights:
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Dual QSFP+ ports supporting 56 Gbps FDR
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Compatible with Mellanox OFED drivers and Linux/Windows servers
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Advanced congestion control and RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access) support
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Optimized for AI/ML workloads, data analytics, and virtualization
CB194A InfiniBand HCA Specs
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the CB194A InfiniBand HCA specs:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | MCB194A-FCAT |
| Ports | Dual QSFP+ |
| Speed | 56 Gbps FDR per port |
| Latency | Sub-microsecond |
| Bus Interface | PCIe 3.0 x8 |
| RDMA Support | Yes |
| OS Compatibility | Linux, Windows |
| Power | 25W typical |
These high-performance specifications make the MCB194A-FCAT one of the top choices for demanding networking environments in 2026.
MCB194A-FCAT Review and Performance
When reviewing the MCB194A-FCAT, users and experts highlight the following performance features:
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Ultra-Low Latency:
Perfect for HPC clusters and financial services where every microsecond counts. -
High Bandwidth:
Dual 56 Gbps ports allow simultaneous data transfers with minimal congestion. -
Scalability:
Supports large-scale deployment across data centers for multi-node HPC networks. -
Versatile Compatibility:
Works seamlessly with Mellanox switches, Ethernet NICs, and RDMA-enabled applications.
Performance Benchmarks:
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RDMA throughput: Up to 6.9 GB/s per port
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MPI latency: <1 microsecond
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IOPS: Extremely high for storage and AI workloads
Mellanox InfiniBand Network Card Review
Across the industry, the Mellanox Connect-IB FDR InfiniBand network card review reflects excellent reliability and speed. IT administrators report minimal downtime, easy integration, and consistent performance in both HPC and enterprise settings.
Compared to standard Ethernet NICs, this adapter significantly reduces latency, increases throughput, and enables advanced RDMA functions that Ethernet cannot match.
Best FDR InfiniBand Adapters for HPC
The MCB194A-FCAT ranks among the best FDR InfiniBand adapters for HPC in 2026. Other notable adapters include:
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Mellanox ConnectX-3 Pro – ideal for mixed Ethernet/InfiniBand networks
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Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx – excellent for cloud and virtualization workloads
When choosing an adapter, consider latency, bandwidth, scalability, and software support.
Mellanox InfiniBand Network Cards Comparison
| Model | Bandwidth | Latency | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCB194A-FCAT | 56 Gbps FDR | <1 µs | HPC clusters, AI workloads |
| ConnectX-3 Pro | 40 Gbps QDR | ~1 µs | Hybrid environments |
| ConnectX-4 Lx | 25-100 Gbps | 1-2 µs | Virtualized/cloud workloads |
Conclusion: The MCB194A-FCAT remains one of the top performers in speed and reliability for FDR InfiniBand networks.
InfiniBand HCA vs Ethernet NIC
While traditional Ethernet NICs are widely used, InfiniBand HCAs like the MCB194A-FCAT offer:
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Lower latency (sub-microsecond vs 10–100 microseconds)
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Higher throughput (56 Gbps vs 10/25/40 Gbps)
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Advanced RDMA support for high-performance computing
For HPC clusters, AI workloads, and large-scale data centers, InfiniBand HCAs provide significant performance advantages over Ethernet NICs.
Conclusion
The Mellanox Connect-IB FDR InfiniBand network card model: CB194A P/N: MCB194A-FCAT is a top-tier choice for enterprises, HPC clusters, and AI-driven infrastructures. Its ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and RDMA support make it a standout in the market.
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FAQs – Mellanox Connect-IB FDR InfiniBand Network Card (MCB194A-FCAT)
1. What is the Mellanox Connect-IB FDR InfiniBand MCB194A-FCAT?
The Mellanox Connect-IB FDR InfiniBand MCB194A-FCAT is a high-performance Host Channel Adapter (HCA) designed for FDR InfiniBand networks. It provides up to 56 Gbps bandwidth per port and ultra-low latency, making it ideal for HPC clusters, AI workloads, and enterprise data centers.
2. What are the key specifications of the CB194A InfiniBand HCA?
Key CB194A InfiniBand HCA specs include:
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Dual QSFP+ ports supporting 56 Gbps FDR
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Sub-microsecond latency
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PCIe 3.0 x8 bus interface
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RDMA support for high-speed data transfer
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Compatible with Linux and Windows servers
3. How does the MCB194A-FCAT perform?
The MCB194A-FCAT review and performance show excellent results:
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RDMA throughput up to 6.9 GB/s per port
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MPI latency below 1 microsecond
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Ideal for large HPC clusters and AI/ML workloads
4. How does InfiniBand HCA compare to Ethernet NICs?
InfiniBand HCAs like the MCB194A-FCAT offer:
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Lower latency (sub-microsecond) compared to Ethernet NICs
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Higher throughput (up to 56 Gbps per port)
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Advanced RDMA support
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Better performance for HPC, AI workloads, and storage-intensive applications
5. What are the best FDR InfiniBand adapters for HPC in 2026?
The MCB194A-FCAT ranks among the best FDR InfiniBand adapters for HPC. Other notable options include:
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Mellanox ConnectX-3 Pro – hybrid Ethernet/InfiniBand environments
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Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx – cloud and virtualization workloads
6. Can I use the MCB194A-FCAT in standard enterprise networks?
Yes, but it is optimized for high-performance computing. Standard enterprise Ethernet networks will not fully utilize its 56 Gbps FDR speed and RDMA features.
7. Where can I buy the Mellanox Connect-IB FDR InfiniBand MCB194A-FCAT?
The card is available through authorized distributors, online retailers, and enterprise hardware resellers. Ensure you check for the correct model number (CB194A, P/N: MCB194A-FCAT).
8. Why choose Mellanox InfiniBand network cards over other brands?
Mellanox InfiniBand network cards provide ultra-low latency, high throughput, and advanced RDMA capabilities. They are widely used in HPC, AI, and data center environments, making them more reliable and faster than standard Ethernet NICs for specialized workloads.