Mellanox ConnectX-3 QDR

[Serhan]

Hi,

I just got a Mellanox ConnectX-3 QDR. I see that the outside surface of one of the components that says 2R2 is rough compared to the other. I am sure these cards have been around for some time, it is working fine but could this be a concern for its remaining useful life?

 

[larrysb]

That's an inductor, used as part of the power supply to step down 12V from PCIe to something lower, like 1.8v or 1.2v to run the core of the main chip and transceiver.

Inductors can handle a lot heat. If you don't see any burn or significant discoloration on the circuit near it, I would not worry about it. It looks like left over varnish to me.

 

[Serhan]

That's an inductor, used as part of the power supply to step down 12V from PCIe to something lower, like 1.8v or 1.2v to run the core of the main chip and transceiver.

Inductors can handle a lot heat. If you don't see any burn or significant discoloration on the circuit near it, I would not worry about it. It looks like left over varnish to me.

Thank you for looking into this. The other components around it looks good, no discoloration.