Mellanox MCP1650-H003E26 Compatible 200GBase-CU HDR QSFP56 to QSFP56 Direct Attach Cable (Passive Twinax, 3.0m)

Experience breakthrough speed and reliability in your data center with the Mellanox MCP1650-H003E26 Compatible 200GBase-CU HDR QSFP56 to QSFP56 Direct Attach Cable. Engineered to mirror Mellanox performance while delivering a cost-efficient, plug-and-play solution, this passive Twinax DAC is designed for high-density, low-latency interconnects between servers, switches, and storage devices. Built for HDR-enabled 200G networking, it provides a seamless, secure copper link that supports demanding workloads such as AI inference, high-performance computing, and real-time analytics. Whether you’re upgrading a hyperscale fabric or outfitting a compact data hall, this DAC delivers consistent, predictable throughput with minimal footprint and minimal power draw.

• Unparalleled 200G HDR performance: This QSFP56-to-QSFP56 Direct Attach Cable supports 200GBase-CU HDR connections, enabling ultra-fast data transfer with low latency across short-reach links. It’s optimized for backplane and rack-level interconnects where speed and reliability are non-negotiable, helping your applications scale without bottlenecks. The HDR capability ensures robust performance even in dense, multi-node deployments, making it ideal for data-center fabrics that demand peak throughput.
• Passive Twinax design with low power and simple cooling: As a passive copper DAC, it contains no active components or electronics that require power or cooling overhead. This translates to lower total cost of ownership, cooler operation, and fewer points of failure, which is especially valuable in dense racks and high-throughput switch fabrics where energy efficiency and reliability are priorities.
• 3.0-meter length for flexible deployments: The 3.0-meter reach provides excellent flexibility in modern data centers, allowing you to route cables cleanly between adjacent racks or across modest expansion lanes. This length is well-suited for top-of-rack to spine connections in compact footprints, while still maintaining a neat, organized cabling scheme that supports airflow and serviceability.
• Plug-and-play compatibility: Designed to be a drop-in replacement for 200G HDR QSFP56 DACs, this cable requires no driver installation or configuration. It’s engineered to work with compatible devices and ports that support QSFP56 Direct Attach Cables, providing instant, reliable connectivity as soon as the cable is connected. This simplicity minimizes downtime during upgrades and ensures swift deployment across data-center expansion projects.
• Cost-effective, high-density solution for modern fabrics: By delivering the essential performance of a high-end DAC at a competitive price point, this Mellanox MCP1650-H003E26-compatible cable helps reduce capex while preserving throughput and reliability. It’s an excellent choice for scaling 200G HDR networks, enabling data centers to achieve ambitious bandwidth goals without overprovisioning or paying for more complex optical solutions.

Technical Details of Mellanox MCP1650-H003E26

• Product type: Direct Attach Cable (Passive Twinax)
• Interface: QSFP56 to QSFP56
• Data rate: 200 Gbps per link (200GBase-CU HDR)
• Cable length: 3.0 meters
• Compatibility: Mellanox MCP1650-H003E26-compatible 200G HDR QSFP56 devices; designed to mirror official specifications for plug-and-play interoperability

How to Install Mellanox MCP1650-H003E26 DAC

• Power down or ensure the equipment supports hot-swapping for DAC connections, then identify the QSFP56 ports on both devices you intend to connect. The connectors are keyed to prevent incorrect orientation, so align the cable ends carefully with the ports.
• Insert one end of the DAC firmly into the QSFP56 port until it seats with a gentle click. Do the same with the opposite end into the corresponding QSFP56 port on the other device. Ensure both ends are evenly seated and that no cabling is strained or twisted.
• Power on the devices (if not using hot-swappable operation) and verify link status through the management interface or LEDs on the port. In HDR configurations, confirm that the devices recognize and negotiate a 200G link. Allow a brief warm-up period for the fabric to stabilize.
• Monitor baseline performance metrics such as throughput, error rates, and latency. If you are deploying across a larger fabric, validate end-to-end paths to ensure consistent performance and identify any routing bottlenecks early in the process.
• Document the installation for future maintenance. Keep cabling neat and labeled to simplify future upgrades, swaps, or reconfigurations, and ensure that airflow around the cables remains unobstructed for optimal cooling in busy data-center environments.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is 200GBase-CU HDR? A: 200GBase-CU HDR refers to a high-density copper Direct Attach Cable system designed to support 200 Gbps data rate over short reaches, with HDR indicating enhanced data-rate capabilities for demanding workloads. It uses QSFP56 connectors on both ends and is intended for close-proximity interconnects inside data centers.
• Q: Is this DAC plug-and-play? A: Yes. The cable is designed for plug-and-play use with compatible QSFP56 ports and devices that support 200G HDR DACs. No driver installation is required, making it a straightforward upgrade or deployment option for 200G-ready fabrics.
• Q: What is the advantage of a passive Twinax DAC? A: Passive Twinax DACs offer low latency, low power consumption, and a simple, compact form factor. They have no active electronics, which reduces potential failure points and cooling needs while delivering reliable short-reach connectivity in data centers.
• Q: What applications is this cable best suited for? A: This DAC is ideal for high-density server-to-switch interconnects, top-of-rack to spine architectures, and other short-reach links in 200G HDR deployments where speed, reliability, and cabling efficiency are critical.
• Q: What should I check before purchasing? A: Verify that your devices support 200G HDR QSFP56 DACs, confirm the required length (3.0 meters in this model), and ensure your data-center fabric can sustain HDR-enabled 200G links across the QSFP56 interfaces you plan to connect.