Comparison• NVIDIA

QM9700 vs SN4700 Buying Comparison

A commercial comparison page built for buyers deciding between InfiniBand and Ethernet switching paths in AI and data center projects.

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Products

Type

Comparison

Why buyers use this resource

A clearer comparison between Ethernet and InfiniBand buying paths

Links the decision to project context rather than specs alone

Shortens the path to the right model before quotation

Buyer interpretation

Use this resource to shorten review and improve RFQ quality

This page is written to interpret the technical topic in commercial terms, so the buyer can move faster from reading into model review, BOM preparation and quotation action.

This comparison is designed for early-stage project qualification. Instead of focusing only on raw specifications, it frames the discussion around deployment intent, compatibility dependencies, cable planning, switch role and quotation workflow. It is suitable for procurement teams that need to narrow down product direction before requesting a formal price and availability response.

What this resource helps validate

Key decisions this page is meant to support

The goal is not to replace official documentation, but to reduce uncertainty before your technical and purchasing teams send a structured inquiry.

When InfiniBand is the better path for the project

When Ethernet remains the better commercial decision

How to narrow the shortlist before asking for pricing

RFQ handoff

What to send after reading this page

A stronger inquiry usually includes the deployment target, preferred models, quantity and the exact compatibility or supply question that still needs confirmation.

Project type: AI, HPC or general data center

Preferred direction: Ethernet or InfiniBand

Target quantity and expected procurement timing

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Official docs references

Relevant NVIDIA documentation paths for deeper technical review

Use these official documentation areas as the technical source of truth, while keeping this page focused on buyer-side interpretation and RFQ preparation.

Quantum / Spectrum

Networking Switches

Documentation for NVIDIA Quantum and NVIDIA Spectrum networking switch solutions.

Official docs

Reference designs

Networking Solutions

Reference design guides for kick starting data center deployments using NVIDIA's technologies.

Official docs

Solution briefs

Networking Planning Resources

Briefs of NVIDIA accelerated networking solutions with adapters, switches, cables, and management software.

Official docs

Docs hub

Recommended products to continue the conversation

Continue with exact NVIDIA models

These products are practical follow-up points when the buyer wants to move from reading into exact part-number or BOM discussion.

MQM9700-NS2R

NVIDIA Quantum-2 QM9700-NS2R 64-Port 400G InfiniBand Managed Switch

64-port 400G InfiniBand managed switch with 51.2 Tb/s throughput, SHARPv3 acceleration, and ultra-low latency for AI/HPC clusters.

MQM9700-NS2R

Product photoCMS image ready

Ordering code: MQM9700-NS2R(920-9B210-00RN-0M2)
51.2 Tb/s aggregate bidirectional throughput; >66.5 billion packets per second (BPPS): x86 Coffee Lake i3, 8GB DDR4 SO-DIMM (2666 MT/s), 16GB M.2 SSD

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MSN3420-CB2F

NVIDIA Spectrum SN3420 MSN3420-CB2FC – 48-Port 25GbE & 12-Port 100GbE Top-of-Rack Switch with Cumulus Linux

High-performance 1U rack switch with 48x25GbE ports & 12x100GbE uplinks. Features 4.8Tb/s capacity, Cumulus Linux OS, and 425ns latency for data centers.

MSN3420-CB2F

Product photoCMS image ready

48x SFP28 (10/25GbE) + 12x QSFP28 (40/100GbE): 48 + up to 48 via breakout (total 96 logical 25GbE from QSFP28)
1x 100/1000 RJ45, 1x RJ45 serial, 1x USB: 2x hot-swappable (1+1 redundant), AC 100-264V, 50-60Hz

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FAQ

Questions buyers may still ask

Short answers that help turn reading into a clearer sourcing conversation.

Can QM9700 vs SN4700 Buying Comparison be used before sending an RFQ?01

Yes. This resource is written to help buyers prepare clearer technical and commercial context before quotation starts.

Is official documentation alone enough for sourcing?02

Official docs are important for technical truth, but buyers also need purchasing interpretation that connects the content to part numbers, quantity and compatibility.

Can I move from this resource directly into product review or inquiry?03

Yes. After reading, you can continue to the relevant product page or send an inquiry with target models, quantity and project notes.

Related resources

Continue with adjacent buyer resources

Use the next resource to compare options, verify compatibility or narrow the shortlist before sending an RFQ.

GuideNVIDIA

NVIDIA AI Networking Sourcing Guide

Commercial guide for buyers evaluating InfiniBand switches, Ethernet fabrics, adapters and interconnect planning for AI clusters.

Read resource

CompatibilityNVIDIA

ConnectX Adapter Compatibility Checklist

Checklist for buyers reviewing NVIDIA ConnectX adapter generation, host interface, speed, cable type and driver context before quotation.

Read resource

CompatibilityNVIDIA

NVIDIA Optics and Cables RFQ Checklist

Practical checklist for preparing optics, DAC, AOC, breakout and cable-length details before asking for NVIDIA interconnect pricing.

Read resource

Next step

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Send your target models, quantity range, project scope or compatibility blocker and we can continue with quotation and sourcing support.

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