Cisco NVDA MCX631432AC-ADAB CX6 LX 2x25G SFP28 x8 OCP NIC

The Cisco NVDA MCX631432AC-ADAB CX6 LX is a high‑performance OCP NIC designed to deliver unmatched speed, scalability, and reliability for modern data centers. Built to optimize server-to-network throughput, this 25G Ethernet adapter unlocks workloads ranging from virtualization and cloud services to AI-assisted analytics and storage‑heavy applications. With a robust feature set, enterprise-grade security, and seamless integration into Cisco‑driven environments, this NIC helps organizations accelerate digital initiatives while simplifying deployment and operations.

• High‑throughput 25G connectivity for dense workloads: The MCX631432AC-ADAB CX6 LX supports multiple 25G SFP28 ports to deliver sustained bandwidth for virtualized environments, high‑performance storage traffic, and GPU‑accelerated compute. The design minimizes bottlenecks in multi‑tenant clouds and data‑centers, enabling consistent, predictable performance under heavy I/O pressure.
• Flexible 8‑port design with dual uplinks: Equipped with 8 x 25G SFP28 ports and dual 25G uplinks, this NIC provides abundant interior connectivity for East‑West traffic while maintaining strong spine‑leaf uplink options. This configuration supports scalable topologies, NIC teaming, and rapid scale‑out without sacrificing latency or efficiency.
• OCP NIC 3.0 form factor for modern data centers: Engineered for plug‑in compatibility with contemporary servers, the CX6 LX adheres to the OCP NIC 3.0 standard, enabling straightforward installation in compatible chassis while freeing PCIe lanes for other critical components. The form factor supports streamlined field upgrades and easier maintenance in dense server racks.
• Optimized for virtualization and cloud workloads: Advanced offloads, SR‑IOV support, and virtualization friendly features enable near‑bare‑metal performance for virtual machines and containers. Administrators can configure virtual functions, harness NIC teaming, and implement quality of service (QoS) policies to guarantee performance isolation and predictable latency across workloads.
• Secure, reliable operation with broad OS and hypervisor support: Cisco’s NICs are tested for interoperability with leading hypervisors and operating systems, including VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper‑V, and popular Linux distributions. This broad compatibility minimizes driver friction, accelerates deployment, and ensures stable performance across diverse environments.

Technical Details of Cisco NVDA MCX631432AC-ADAB CX6 LX

Technical specifications are available from Cisco’s official catalogs and vendor pages. The MCX631432AC‑ADAB CX6 LX is designed to deliver high bandwidth with flexible porting, optimized for data‑center deployment, virtualization, and modern workloads. The highlights below reflect the core capabilities that organizations typically consider when assessing 25G Ethernet adapters for server connectivity and scale‑out architectures.

• Form Factor: OCP NIC 3.0 compliant adapter designed for modular server slots.
• Data Rate: 25G Ethernet per port, enabling high‑throughput data paths suitable for storage, analytics, and compute‑dense applications.
• Ports: 8 x 25G SFP28 ports to support large‑scale East‑West traffic within the data center.
• Uplinks: Dual 25G SFP28 uplink capability to connect to core or spine layers and accommodate scalable network designs.
• Interface: PCIe‑based network adapter suitable for installation in compatible servers and chassis supporting OCP NICs.
• Compatibility: Compatible with major operating systems and hypervisors, with driver support and certification for common data center platforms.

How to install Cisco NVDA MCX631432AC-ADAB CX6 LX

• Prepare your server by powering down, unplugging power sources, and opening the chassis according to the vendor’s guidelines. Ensure you’re working on a grounded surface to protect sensitive components.
• Locate an available OCP NIC 3.0 slot in the server motherboard or riser card. Remove any protective covers or blanks from the slot to expose the connector.
• Carefully align the MCX631432AC‑ADAB CX6 LX with the slot and firmly seat the card until it is securely latched in place. Confirm that the retention mechanism engages and the card sits flush against the backplane.
• Attach any required 25G SFP28 cables to the 8 ports and to the network fabric as dictated by your topology. If using uplinks, connect the dual 25G SFP28 uplink ports to the appropriate switch or fabric interconnects.
• Power the server back on and boot into the operating system. Install the recommended Cisco NIC drivers and management utilities provided by Cisco or your OS vendor. Follow the on‑screen prompts or the driver installation wizard to complete the setup.
• Configure network settings to deliver the desired performance. This may include enabling SR‑IOV, creating virtual functions for virtualization workloads, configuring NIC teaming orBonding, and applying QoS policies to meet latency and throughput targets. Validate connectivity with basic network tests and throughput measurements.

Frequently asked questions

• What workloads is the Cisco NVDA MCX631432AC-ADAB CX6 LX best suited for? It is designed for data centers, virtualization environments, cloud services, storage‑intensive applications, and AI/ML workloads that require high bandwidth, low latency, and scalable connectivity.
• How many ports does the NIC provide? The model features 8 x 25G SFP28 ports, with dual 25G uplinks for scalable interconnects. Exact SKU configurations may vary slightly by deployment or region.
• Is this NIC compatible with VMware and other hypervisors? Yes, Cisco NICs are typically certified for major hypervisors including VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper‑V, and Linux platforms, ensuring driver support and reliable operation.
• What advantages does the OCP NIC 3.0 form factor offer? OCP NIC 3.0 provides plug‑in flexibility, modular upgrades, reduced PCIe lane usage, and streamlined deployment in modern servers, helping data centers scale more efficiently.
• Do I need special transceivers or cables? You will need appropriate 25G SFP28 transceivers or direct‑attach cables suited to your network topology and distance requirements. Always verify compatibility with your switch fabric and cables before purchasing.