NVIDIA ConnectX-8 Adapter Family
NVIDIA ConnectX-8 VPI adapters. 800G XDR single port and 400G NDR dual port Socket-Direct models; PCIe 6.0 x16, hardware encryption.
NVIDIA ConnectX-8 Adapter Family
NVIDIA ConnectX-8 VPI adapters. 800G XDR single port and 400G NDR dual port Socket-Direct models; PCIe 6.0 x16, hardware encryption.
- 800Gb/s XDR — for Blackwell-class GPU nodes
- PCIe 6.0 x16 host interface
- Socket-Direct architecture with direct paths to both CPU sockets
- Hardware encryption and secure boot
ConnectX-8 is the 800Gb/s server adapter that arrives with the XDR generation. Two models are available: a single-port 800G OSFP card and a dual-port 400G QSFP112 card — both built on Socket-Direct architecture with a PCIe 6.0 x16 interface and hardware encryption.
These cards make sense for newly built Blackwell-class clusters. If you are expanding an existing NDR fabric, ConnectX-7 is the better fit on both compatibility and cost, since the link will negotiate down to the lowest common speed and the XDR premium never materialises.
Specifications
| Specification | 800G OSFP, single port 900-9X81E-00EX-ST0 | 400G QSFP112, dual port (C8240) 900-9X81Q-00CN-ST0 |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | ||
| Controller | ConnectX-8 | ConnectX-8 |
| Data rate | 800GbE / XDR (2 x 400GbE) | 400GbE / NDR |
| Interface type | OSFP | QSFP112 |
| Ports | Single | Dual |
| Architecture | Socket-Direct | Socket-Direct |
| Host interface and capabilities | ||
| Host interface | PCIe 6.0 x16 | PCIe 6.0 x16 |
| Technology | VPI (InfiniBand + Ethernet) | VPI (InfiniBand + Ethernet) |
| Hardware crypto | Yes | Yes |
| Secure boot | Yes | Yes |
| RoCE | Yes | Yes |
| NVMe-oF | Yes | Yes |
| ASAP² / SR-IOV | Yes | Yes |
Specifications follow the manufacturer datasheet. The exact configuration is confirmed in your quote.
Connectivity Solutions
XDR fabric for next-generation GPU nodes
800G XDR is designed for Blackwell-class nodes where per-port bandwidth is the bottleneck. The spine opposite the card must also support XDR; plugged into an existing NDR fabric, the link comes up at the lowest common speed.
Socket-Direct — direct paths to both sockets
The Socket-Direct architecture connects the card to both CPU sockets over separate PCIe lanes, removing traffic that would otherwise detour across the inter-socket link. On dual-socket servers this makes a measurable difference to latency and bandwidth.
The PCIe 6.0 requirement
Saturating an 800G port needs PCIe 6.0 x16. If your server is Gen5 the card works but bandwidth is capped — in that case the 400G ConnectX-7 models are often the more balanced choice.
Features
For tomorrow's cluster, not today's
XDR makes sense in newly built Blackwell-class GPU clusters. If you are expanding existing H100/H200 clusters, ConnectX-7 is the right call on both compatibility and cost.
Hardware encryption as standard
Crypto capability is present on both models in the ConnectX-8 family; multi-tenant environments and organisations with on-the-wire encryption requirements need no additional card.
Two protocols on one card
VPI selects InfiniBand or Ethernet mode per port. The same hardware can move to a RoCE fabric later.
Resources
- ConnectX-8 800G OSFP (900-9X81E-00EX-ST0) product page Datasheet
- ConnectX-8 400G dual port (900-9X81Q-00CN-ST0) product page Datasheet
- NVIDIA InfiniBand adapter category Compatibility
Documents open on the manufacturer's or supplier's own site.
Request a quote for this product
Tell us the quantity and the cluster it will join; we send a compatible part list with lead times — usually the same business day.
- Authorised dealer supply, manufacturer warranty
- Compatibility check for switch, adapter and optics
- Lead time per line item
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