ConnectX-8 technical selection questions
Technical evaluation questions with variant-specific scope and sources.
ConnectX-8 technical selection questions
These questions are prepared from the cited technical documentation and clearly scoped owner inputs. They are not a measured frequency ranking. Keep the applicability line with each answer; do not transfer board, cooling, crypto, protocol, cable length or firmware facts between variants.
Is its Ethernet mode the same as its 800 Gb/s InfiniBand mode?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 900-9X81E-00EX-ST0.
No. The order table lists 800 Gb/s XDR InfiniBand as the default and 2 x 400 GbE Ethernet. Validate the specific port configuration and interconnect.
Public references
- NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Specifications | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Supported Interfaces | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- General Cooling Recommendations for Partner-Cooled SuperNICs | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Troubleshooting | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
What extension type does this exact suffix provide?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 900-9X81E-00EX-ST0.
This suffix specifies an x16 Socket Direct extension option. The auxiliary kit is separate and needs a compatible server topology.
Public references
- NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Specifications | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Supported Interfaces | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- General Cooling Recommendations for Partner-Cooled SuperNICs | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Troubleshooting | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
Which OSFP cooling style is supported?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 900-9X81E-00EX-ST0.
The exact specification section requires an RHS, or Riding Heatsink, OSFP cage arrangement. Match the interconnect mechanical and thermal design.
Public references
- NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Specifications | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Supported Interfaces | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- General Cooling Recommendations for Partner-Cooled SuperNICs | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Troubleshooting | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
Can the partner-cooled card be deployed without a cooling design?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 900-9X81E-00EX-ST0.
This is the standard C8180 configuration. The SL0 partner-cooled version is a distinct variant; server cooling still needs validation.
Public references
- NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Specifications | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Supported Interfaces | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- General Cooling Recommendations for Partner-Cooled SuperNICs | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Troubleshooting | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
How is PPS exposed?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 900-9X81E-00EX-ST0.
NVIDIA lists PPS input/output access through the optional 930-9XCBL-000A-000 cable-extender debugging kit.
Public references
- NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Specifications | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Supported Interfaces | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- General Cooling Recommendations for Partner-Cooled SuperNICs | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Troubleshooting | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
Are all auxiliary-link generation claims consistent?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 900-9X81E-00EX-ST0.
No. The main card is PCIe 6 x16, but auxiliary-kit ordering, contents and technical tables use inconsistent Gen 6/Gen 5/rate wording. Confirm the complete auxiliary assembly before promising its generation or throughput.
Public references
- NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Specifications | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Supported Interfaces | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- General Cooling Recommendations for Partner-Cooled SuperNICs | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- Troubleshooting | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- PCIe Auxiliary Card Kit | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
- PCIe Auxiliary Kit Technical Specifications | NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC User Manual
Is C8240 an 800 Gb/s XDR OSFP card?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 900-9X81Q-00CN-ST0.
No. This exact C8240 uses dual QSFP112 ports and is listed for 400 GbE/NDR. C8180 is the distinct single-OSFP configuration with 800 Gb/s XDR support.
Public references
Which protocol is the default?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 900-9X81Q-00CN-ST0.
Ethernet is the documented default for 900-9X81Q-00CN-ST0. Verify the actual port configuration when moving between Ethernet and InfiniBand fabrics.
Public references
Does the optional extension operate at the primary PCIe generation?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 900-9X81Q-00CN-ST0.
The primary interface is Gen 6 x16 at 64 GT/s. The C8240 specification describes the optional passive-card extension as Gen 5 x16 at 32 GT/s. The selected accessory assembly must be checked separately.
Public references
Are crypto and secure boot enabled?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 900-9X81Q-00CN-ST0.
Yes. Both are explicitly enabled for the exact ST0 code in the model-specific specification.
Public references
Which cable family should be selected?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 900-9X81Q-00CN-ST0.
Start from its QSFP112 connectors and intended protocol/rate, then use the validated interconnect list for the hardware and firmware version. A C8180 OSFP cable choice is not automatically transferable.
Public references
What remains to be validated for a server?
Applicable canonical content subjects: 900-9X81Q-00CN-ST0.
Confirm the negotiated PCIe state, lane topology, auxiliary assembly, power and airflow, firmware support, connector clearance and intended port configuration under a representative workload.