NVIDIA MFA1A00-C005 5-Meter Active Optical Cable

Brand: NVIDIA | Category: Accessories & Components

SKU: NVIDIAMFA1A00C0055MACTIVEOPTICALCA | Part #: MFA1A00-C005 | MPN: MFA1A00-C005

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When you're deploying high-performance GPU clusters across multiple racks in a data centre, the cables connecting your compute nodes matter as much as the processors themselves. The NVIDIA MFA1A00-C005 is a 5-meter active optical cable designed specifically for NVIDIA GPU systems, and it solves a persistent problem in modern infrastructure: how to move 100 Gbps of data reliably over longer distances without the signal degradation that comes with traditional copper interconnects. Unlike passive cables that lose signal integrity beyond a few meters, this NVIDIA solution uses active optical fiber technology to maintain full bandwidth across the full 5-meter span, making it the preferred choice for network engineers and infrastructure teams building out AI labs and high-density compute environments where every gigabit of throughput translates directly to training time and inference performance.

The physical form factor of the MFA1A00-C005 reflects practical data-centre installation priorities. At approximately 3mm in diameter, the cable is substantially thinner than equivalent copper alternatives, which matters when you're routing interconnects through cable trays, under raised floors, or along the back of dense GPU server configurations. Installation is straightforward—the NVIDIA-specific connectors are designed to mate with compatible GPU and switch interfaces without requiring additional adapters or conversion modules. The cable draws power directly from the connected devices or an external power source, eliminating the need for separate power injection hardware in most deployment scenarios. This self-contained approach means a network engineer can stage, test, and deploy the cable without coordinating with separate power delivery teams, reducing both installation time and the potential for configuration errors during rack buildout.

Performance-wise, the MFA1A00-C005 delivers up to 100 Gbps throughput, which positions it as a backbone interconnect for GPU-to-GPU communication, GPU-to-storage, and switch uplink scenarios. In an NVIDIA-based data centre, this cable typically appears in three contexts: connecting GPUs within a node for NVLink bridging or peer access, linking GPU servers to high-speed switches in the fabric, or extending connections across multiple racks where optical isolation and signal integrity matter. The operating temperature range of 0°C to 50°C covers both standard air-cooled data centre environments and the warmer exhaust zones common in dense GPU clusters. NVIDIA engineered this cable to meet RoHS, CE, and FCC compliance standards, which means procurement teams in regulated industries or restrictive jurisdictions can source it without qualification delays. The part number MFA1A00-C005 is internationally recognized by NVIDIA's authorized distribution partners, making it a standard line item in enterprise GPU deployment bills of materials.

Data-centre architects and systems administrators select this cable when passive alternatives fall short. The active optics approach is particularly relevant for organizations running inference at scale or training large models where latency consistency and full-bandwidth utilization matter. Storage architects building tiered GPU memory architectures sometimes specify the MFA1A00-C005 to connect high-end NVMe storage systems to GPU nodes, leveraging the full 100 Gbps capacity for model checkpointing and dataset staging. AI infrastructure teams evaluating hyperscaler-style deployments find that NVIDIA's optical interconnect ecosystem—of which this cable is a core component—reduces the total cost of ownership when compared to managing mixed copper and optical fabrics from different vendors. The decision to use active optical cabling typically occurs at the planning stage, not as a retrofit, because it influences switch selection, node placement, and overall fabric topology.

Omnixon Global stocks the NVIDIA MFA1A00-C005 as part of our comprehensive GPU interconnect and data-centre accessory portfolio serving enterprises, AI labs, and cloud operators across the GCC region, South Asia, and Europe. We understand the integration challenges of GPU-dense environments and maintain technical knowledge of NVIDIA's full hardware ecosystem. Whether you are evaluating a new cluster deployment, scaling an existing AI infrastructure, or building a high-performance computing facility, our team can assist with specification review, bulk procurement, and on-site technical support. Please contact us with your requirements or submit an RFQ through our website to discuss availability, technical details, and delivery options tailored to your infrastructure timeline.

Performance Specifications and Compatibility

• Data transfer rate up to 100 Gbps with active optical fiber technology, sustaining full bandwidth across the 5-meter cable length
• NVIDIA-specific connectors ensure seamless integration with compatible GPU systems, switches, and high-speed interconnect fabrics
• Operating temperature range 0°C to 50°C supports standard and high-density data-centre thermal environments
• Cable diameter approximately 3mm enables efficient routing through constrained cable paths and raised-floor infrastructures
• Power sourced from connected devices or external supply, eliminating separate power injection complexity during installation
• RoHS, CE, and FCC compliance meets international regulatory requirements for data-centre and enterprise deployment
• 5-meter active optical cable extends reliable 100 Gbps interconnect capability beyond distance limits of passive copper alternatives