MBF2H516C-CESCOT: NVIDIA BlueField-2 DPU Dual-Port 25GbE SFP28 16GB Arm Crypto PCIe 4.0 x8 Data Processing Unit
Also listed as: BlueField-2 DPU 25GbE, MBF2H516C-CESCOT-SP, MBF2H516C, MBF2H516C-CESCO · made by NVIDIA
The NVIDIA BlueField-2 DPU (model MBF2H516C-CESCOT) is an enterprise data processing unit integrating eight 64-bit Arm Cortex-A72 CPU cores, 16GB of onboard DDR4 memory, and a dual-port 25GbE ConnectX-6 Dx networking subsystem on a single PCIe 4.0 card. It offloads software-defined networking, NVMe storage emulation (SNAP), and host security firewalls directly into isolated hardware. When buying used BlueField DPUs, connect via 1GbE out-of-band management port to verify BFB operating system boot, clear OEM root credentials, and inspect cooling fans.
Specifications
| Part number | MBF2H516C-CESCOT |
|---|---|
| Brand | NVIDIA |
| Made by | NVIDIA |
| Type | Network adapters |
| Other numbers | BlueField-2 DPU 25GbE, MBF2H516C-CESCOT-SP, MBF2H516C, MBF2H516C-CESCO |
| Status | current |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x8 |
| Form factor | PCIe Low Profile |
| Ports | 2x 25GbE SFP28 |
| Speed | 25GbE |
| Cores | 8 |
| Generation fit | PCIe Gen4 enterprise hypervisors and cloud bare metal servers |
About the MBF2H516C-CESCOT
MBF2H516C-CESCOT is NVIDIA's BlueField-2 DPU (Data Processing Unit), combining eight 64-bit Arm Cortex-A72 CPU cores, 16GB of onboard DDR4 memory, and a dual-port 25GbE ConnectX-6 Dx networking subsystem on a single PCIe 4.0 x8 card. It offloads software-defined networking, NVMe storage emulation (SNAP), and host security firewalls directly into isolated hardware.
Compatibility
Installs into standard PCIe 4.0 x8 or x16 slots in enterprise servers from Dell, Lenovo, HPE, and Supermicro. Features dual SFP28 25GbE ports and a 1GbE out-of-band management RJ-45 port. Runs NVIDIA DOCA software environment on the embedded Arm cores. Fits standard low-profile and full-height PCIe slots.
How to identify a genuine unit
The card features a black full-coverage heatsink with active cooling fan, two SFP28 cages, and an RJ-45 management jack. A label displays model MBF2H516C-CESCOT and BlueField-2 DPU branding. In Linux, it presents both an Arm-based SoC subsystem and ConnectX-6 Dx network interfaces.
Buying used
Connect via the 1GbE out-of-band management port to verify that the internal BFB Linux operating system boots cleanly. Ensure that previous administrative root passwords have been wiped and that the onboard cooling fan operates smoothly without bearing noise.
Reference prices (last 14 days, updated 2026-10-27)
New: USD 1,400 (1 sighting, Oct 2026)
Used: USD 850 (1 sighting, Oct 2026)
All sightings
| Seller | Condition | Price | Note | Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| serversupply.com | new | USD 1,400 | 2026-10-27 | |
| ebay.com | used | USD 850 | 2026-10-27 |
Prices seen on public listings on the dates shown, before tax and shipping. Not an offer.
Fits these models
Equivalent part numbers
- Dell 540-BDTL Dell NVIDIA BlueField-2 Dual Port 25GbE DPU SmartNIC
FAQ
What operating system runs on the BlueField-2 Arm cores?
NVIDIA DOCA Linux environment based on Ubuntu LTS.
What is NVMe SNAP on BlueField-2?
Storage, Network and Architecture Programmability allows presenting remote network storage as local hardware NVMe drives to the host.
Buying or selling MBF2H516C-CESCOT?
New, refurbished or used. Tell us the quantity and condition and we connect you with a vetted reseller in your region, usually within one working day.
Sources
- NVIDIA BlueField-2 DPU User Guide, checked 2026-10-27