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Which ConnectX-3 firmware package should you download?
Use the firmware page for the adapter’s network type and confirm that the image matches its PSID. NVIDIA maintains separate pages for ConnectX-3 IB/VPI and ConnectX-3 EN; its firmware downloads index also separates ConnectX-3 and ConnectX-3 Pro by Ethernet and InfiniBand categories.
The card’s PSID is a 16-character ASCII identifier embedded in the firmware image that identifies its configuration. NVIDIA provides PSID identification help from the relevant firmware pages. Because the title alone does not identify the card’s exact model, OEM, or PSID, a specific filename cannot be named reliably.
How to identify the right firmware route
- Identify the adapter. Record whether it is ConnectX-3 or ConnectX-3 Pro, its exact model, OEM, and network mode.
- Find the PSID. Check the adapter’s firmware information and use the PSID identification help linked from the relevant NVIDIA firmware page. Match the image’s PSID to the card’s configuration.
- Choose the appropriate NVIDIA page. Use the IB/VPI page for an InfiniBand or VPI adapter, or the EN page for an Ethernet adapter. Check the firmware downloads index when confirming the family and category.
- Choose the tool for the job. NVIDIA describes MFT as the toolkit for querying firmware information, generating standard or customized images, and burning an image. Its mlxup utility scans adapters and can update firmware from NVIDIA’s website or local binaries.
- Check host software compatibility. Confirm that the driver and management-tool versions you intend to use support the adapter before changing firmware.
What “custom firmware package” means here
NVIDIA’s MFT documentation says the package is “a set of firmware management tools used to generate a standard or customized NVIDIA firmware image, query for firmware information, and burn a firmware image.” That describes a supported image-management workflow; it does not establish that one universal custom download fits every ConnectX-3 card. Start from the card’s identity and configuration, rather than selecting a package solely by the ConnectX-3 name.
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- 101 Gigabit Ethernet card will undoubtedly ease bandwidth and management constraints on service provider networks
- The PCI Express 4.0 x16 interface provides smooth data transfer and outstanding performance
- This dual port 100gigabit ethernet card lets you add two network ports using a single expansion slot to a client, server or workstation
- Supports optical fiber cable to span longer distances and provides data transmission rates par excellence between servers and network components
- With the 100GBase-X technology get up to 100Gbps data transfer rate over the supported network cable
Check driver and tool compatibility
NVIDIA’s MLNX_OFED support page, last updated July 20, 2023, states: “As of version 5.1, ConnectX-3, ConnectX-3 Pro or Connect-IB NICs are no longer supported.” The page points to MLNX_OFED 4.9 LTS as a version supporting these adapters. This is a statement about MLNX_OFED software support, not proof that official ConnectX-3 firmware is unavailable.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to interpret firmware revision 2.42.5032
Mellanox release notes document firmware revision 2.42.5032 and list MFT 4.7.1 as a tested tool for that revision. The same release notes include driver, boot firmware, and compatibility details. Their publication date is not stated in the retrieved document, and the revision is release-specific: it does not establish that 2.42.5032 is the newest available firmware or the correct image for a particular card. Consult the notes only after confirming the adapter and PSID match.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Ports: PCIe x8 3.0, 2x SFP28
- The maximum data transfer rate is 25 Gbit per second (downward compatible with SFP+ 10Gbit).
- The NIC is cooled passively.
- Full height and low height brackets are included.
- OEM version: The adapter can be labeled by different brands
Rank #4
- GPU Processor: NVIDIA T1000
- CUDA Cores: 896
- GPU Memory: 4GB GDDR6
- System Interface: PCI-Express 3.0 x16
- 4 x Mini-DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapter
Rank #3
- NVIDIA MCX516A-CCAT ConnectX-5 EN Adapter Card 100GbE Dual-Port QSFP28 PCIe 3.0 x16 Tall Bracket ROHS R6Up to 100Gb/s Ethernet Adapter Cards ConnectX-5 Ethernet net
Rank #2
- The network card has a PCIe x16 3.0 port.
- The server can be connected to your network via 1 QSFP28 port via transceiver modules or matching cables.
- The maximum data transfer rate is 100Gbit per second via EDR Infiniband.
- The card is passively cooled.
- To be able to use the NIC in any server chassis, you will receive both Full & Low Profile Brackets.
Before you flash
- Confirm the exact card family, model, OEM, network mode, and PSID.
- Use the corresponding official firmware page and verify that the image’s PSID matches the card.
- Check the image’s release notes for tool, driver, boot firmware, and operating-system compatibility.
- Use MFT when you need to inspect or create an image, and mlxup when you need to scan or update an adapter.
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