@Dajinn , You are right about the integrated ConnectX-3 expansion.
Few years back , I managed to find few Intel S2400LPF ( with integrated ConnectX-3 ) nodes for $100 each.
Then I had to waited another year for the Intel chassis to become affordable.
Waited another year, fast forward to last month, found some affordable ( 18 x E5-2450 ) CPU coming from overseas.
Today, I am still nervously waiting for the overseas shipment to arrive, been checking DHL shipping status page few time a day.
Few years back , I managed to find few Intel S2400LPF ( with integrated ConnectX-3 ) nodes for $100 each.
Then I had to waited another year for the Intel chassis to become affordable.
Waited another year, fast forward to last month, found some affordable ( 18 x E5-2450 ) CPU coming from overseas.
Today, I am still nervously waiting for the overseas shipment to arrive, been checking DHL shipping status page few time a day.