Network adapter INTEL E830-CQDA2 OCP 3.0 — 100Gb / 200Gb Ethernet

Intel E830-CQDA2 OCP 3.0 — 100Gb / 200Gb Ethernet is a network adapter in an OCP 3.0 form factor that provides multi-rate Ethernet connectivity for servers and data centre platforms. It is designed to deliver high-bandwidth links with support for both 100Gb and 200Gb Ethernet physical interfaces, and includes Intel-class offload features to help reduce host CPU utilization for network processing. The adapter targets environments requiring dense, low-latency connectivity such as hyper-converged infrastructure, virtualization hosts and storage networks.

Advantages

The adapter offers multi-rate Ethernet capability, enabling flexible deployment across 100Gb and 200Gb links within the same OCP 3.0 slot. Offload features help shift packet processing, reducing CPU overhead and improving application throughput. The OCP 3.0 form factor supports modern server architectures and data centre top-of-rack designs, allowing for higher port density and efficient cabling. Compatibility with common Ethernet fabrics and storage networking scenarios makes it suitable for mixed workloads.

Suitable for

• High-throughput networking in data centres and service provider racks
• Virtualized server hosts and hypervisor environments
• Storage networking and software-defined storage clusters
• Top-of-rack and leaf-spine network deployments

When it may not be suitable

This adapter is intended for servers and environments that support OCP 3.0 form factor cards and require 100Gb or 200Gb links. It may not be suitable for older servers that lack OCP 3.0 slots or for deployments that only need lower-speed connections such as 1Gb or 10Gb where a simpler NIC would be more cost-effective. Additionally, environments that cannot make use of offload features or do not have drivers compatible with the host operating system may not realize the adapter's full benefits.

Key specifications

• Form factor: OCP 3.0 compatible server adapter
• Data rates: native support for 100Gb and 200Gb Ethernet
• Physical interfaces: QSFP28 and QSFP56 type high-speed ports (multi-rate capable)
• Target use: high-bandwidth, low-latency server and data centre networking
• Features: hardware offload capabilities for packet processing and reduced CPU load

How to use

Install the Intel E830-CQDA2 into a server that provides an OCP 3.0 slot following your server vendor's installation procedures. Connect QSFP-compatible cables or transceivers for the required 100Gb or 200Gb links and verify link negotiation on the host. Install and configure the appropriate Intel drivers and firmware supported by your operating system to enable hardware offloads and advanced features. Validate network configuration on switches and end-points and monitor link performance and CPU usage to confirm expected offload benefits.

What to consider before purchase

• Ensure your server chassis and motherboard support OCP 3.0 form factor cards.
• Confirm host operating system support and availability of Intel drivers and firmware.
• Verify cabling and transceiver types (QSFP28/QSFP56) required for 100Gb or 200Gb connectivity.
• Assess whether your network and switch infrastructure support the required 100Gb/200Gb speeds and multi-rate operation.

Usage recommendations

For best results, pair the adapter with compatible QSFP28/QSFP56 optics and ensure drivers and firmware are up to date. Use hardware offload features when running latency-sensitive or CPU-intensive network workloads to maximize throughput and reduce host CPU consumption.