Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx vs Intel X710-DA2 — NIC Comparison
The Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx (now NVIDIA Networking) and Intel X710-DA2 are the two most-deployed dual-port server NICs in modern data centers. Both PCIe Gen3, both well-supported across hypervisors.
Quick Verdict
Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx wins on raw performance (25 GbE), RDMA / RoCE v2 support, and kernel-bypass DPDK. Intel X710 is more conservative (10 GbE), strong VMware integration, and slightly cheaper.
Side-by-Side Spec Comparison
| Spec | Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx | Intel X710-DA2 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 25 GbE (SFP28) | 10 GbE (SFP+) |
| Ports | 2 | 2 |
| PCIe Interface | PCIe Gen3 x8 | PCIe Gen3 x8 |
| RDMA / RoCE v2 | Yes | No (iWARP option only) |
| DPDK Support | Yes | Yes |
| SR-IOV (VFs) | 64 | 64 |
| VMware HCL | Yes (vSphere 7/8) | Yes (vSphere 7/8) |
| Power | 12W | 6.7W |
| Refurbished Price (dual-port) | $300-500 | $200-400 |
Green-highlighted cells indicate the winner for that spec.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get 10GbE or 25GbE for new builds?
25 GbE — modest cost premium, 2.5× bandwidth, same SFP-style optics. Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx is the typical 25 GbE entry choice.
Does VMware support Mellanox NICs?
Yes — Mellanox ConnectX-4/5/6 are fully VMware HCL approved. ESXi 7.0/8.0 includes built-in drivers. NVIDIA Networking (the new name) is a first-class hypervisor partner.
Our Recommendation
Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx for new builds (25 GbE future-proof, RDMA). Intel X710 for cost-optimized 10 GbE upgrades.
Need help deciding?
Email sales@prodisknetwork.com with your specific requirements. Our team will match you to the right product based on your workload, budget, and existing infrastructure.