Cisco
Cisco UCS Virtual Interface Card 1225
Best high-speed network adapter for enterprise data center virtualization.
The Cisco UCS Virtual Interface Card (VIC) 1387 is a dual-port QSFP mLOM adapter designed for Cisco UCS C-Series and C3160 Rack Servers. This advanced card supports 40 Gigabit Ethernet and Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), offering next-generation converged network adapter technology for enhanced data center infrastructure. It provides over 256 dynamically configurable PCIe interfaces, simplifying virtualization with VM-FEX technology. This VIC extends fabric interconnect ports to virtual machines, ensuring efficient and flexible network connectivity for demanding server environments.
$1214.77
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
14
/ 961
#14 in Network Cards & Adapters
Price vs Category Average
+21%
Above average
Host Interface
3.08
/ PCI Express x
Who it's for
- Enterprise architects requiring high-speed throughput for critical applications
- IT managers seeking to simplify complex data center cabling
- System administrators managing high-density virtualized server environments
Who should skip it
- Generalist IT staff lacking specialized Cisco UCS Manager expertise
- Organizations needing hardware flexibility outside the Cisco UCS ecosystem
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for standard, low-cost network connectivity
Performance breakdown
Throughput Capacity
Dual 40Gb ports handle high-density data traffic with ease.
Virtualization Efficiency
VM-FEX technology streamlines network management for complex virtual environments.
Fabric Flexibility
Dynamic PCIe interface configuration allows for highly adaptable server setups.
Converged Networking
Seamlessly integrates Ethernet and FCoE traffic on a single adapter.
Deployment Simplicity
Stateless infrastructure policies significantly reduce manual configuration overhead.
Hardware Compatibility
Purpose-built for Cisco UCS rack servers to ensure optimal performance.
Key Specs
Host Interface
PCI Express 3.0 x8
Network Technology
40GBase-X
Total Number of Ports
2
Expansion Slot Type
QSFP
Form Factor
Plug-in Module
Maximum Data Rate
40000.0 Mbps
Device Supported
Rack Server
Condition
New
Features
- Dual-port QSFP mLOM adapter
- Supports 40Gb Ethernet and FCoE
- Next-gen converged network adapter
- Dynamically configures over 256 PCIe interfaces
- Extends fabric interconnect ports to VMs
- Designed for Cisco UCS C-Series servers
- Policy-based, stateless infrastructure
- Simplifies virtualization deployment
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Cisco UCS Virtual Interface Card 1225 for its robust performance and reliability within the UCS environment. Professionals highlight its exceptional throughput and low latency, especially under high density virtualization loads. A key benefit is the seamless integration with UCS Manager, which simplifies provisioning by consolidating network and storage traffic onto one adapter. This unified fabric capability significantly boosts operational efficiency. While the initial cost is high, reviewers agree the card’s consistent operation and quality justify the investment for mission critical systems. Its value is rooted in I/O consolidation and simplified management, making it an essential, high performing component for maximizing UCS infrastructure potential.
Know before you buy
This adapter is specifically engineered for Cisco UCS C-Series and C3160 rack servers. It utilizes an mLOM form factor, so ensure your chassis supports this specific slot type before purchasing.
No, the Cisco UCS VIC 1387 does not provide support for Jumbo Frames. You should account for this limitation if your network architecture relies on larger MTU sizes for data transmission.
VM-FEX simplifies your network by extending the fabric interconnect directly to the virtual machine. This allows you to manage virtual network interfaces with the same policies and visibility as physical hardware, reducing management complexity.
Yes, the card supports both 40 Gigabit Ethernet and Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE). This converged networking capability allows you to consolidate your traffic over a single physical connection.
No, the card is powered directly through the PCIe slot. It does not require any additional power cables or external power sources.
The card supports a maximum data rate of 40 Gbps across its dual QSFP ports. It is designed to handle high-bandwidth demands typical of modern data center rack server environments.
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$1215