IBM Power 9 Network card

9009 EC3A: PCIe3 LP 2-Port 40 GbE NIC RoCE QSFP+ Adapter (CCIN 57BD)

EC3A is IBM's PCIe3 LP 2-Port 40 GbE NIC RoCE QSFP+ Adapter (CCIN 57BD). Listed for 9009-22A.

A low profile network card with two very fast 40 Gb Ethernet ports that also supports low-latency RoCE traffic.

EC3A at a glance

DetailValue
Feature codeEC3A
NamePCIe3 LP 2-Port 40 GbE NIC RoCE QSFP+ Adapter (CCIN 57BD)
Part typeNetwork card
Ports2 x 40 Gb QSFP+
PCIePCIe3
Form factorlow profile
RDMARoCE
CCIN57BD
Other height versionEC3B
Listed for these Power 9 machine types9009-22A
Runs with IBM iYes

Before you order EC3A

Network cards come in two heights. Low profile cards fit the shorter 2U servers. Full height cards fit the taller 4U servers. If a card has a twin code, the twin is the same card in the other height.

Not sure which Power 9 you have? The Power 9 machine types page shows how to check. Collecting several parts for one quote? Use the Power 9 quote checklist. Or look up another feature code.

Source: IBM Docs: PCIe3 2-port 40 GbE NIC RoCE QSFP+ adapter (FC EC3A and FC EC3B; CCIN 57BD); REDP-5497 Table 2-21. Always confirm against your server's own configuration before you order.

Your 4 next moves with a Power 9

Every Power 9 owner lands on one of these. You can mix them, too. Keeping or upgrading buys time while you plan a replacement.

  1. Keep it running

    Your Power 9 does not stop working when IBM support ends. Third-party maintenance can cover parts and repairs, often for less than IBM charged.

    Best when the server is stable and you need one or two more years.

    Compare third-party maintenance
  2. You are reading about this move

    Upgrade the server you have

    More memory, bigger drives, or a faster network or Fibre Channel card can buy real time without a new server. Every part has an IBM feature code, so the upgrade starts there.

    Best when you are running out of room, not out of support.

    Browse Power 9 upgrades
  3. Buy a used or refurbished Power 9

    A matching used Power 9 makes a cheap spare, test box, or short bridge. Match the machine type first, because an A model and a G model carry different support dates.

    Best for a spare, a test system, or a stopgap of two years or less.

    Compare new, used, and refurbished
  4. Replace it with Power 10 or Power 11

    If you need IBM i 7.6, or want five or more years of IBM support, price a replacement. IBM i 7.6 does not run on any Power 9.

    Best when the server has to last past 2027 or the software needs a newer release.

    Compare Power 9 vs Power 11