Intel OCuLink* 2U 4 Port Switch Cable Kit

Overview

The Intel A2U4PSWCXCXK1 is a four-port OCuLink cable kit designed to connect a switch add-in card to the PCIe NVMe backplane inside Intel R2208, R2208+8, and R2224 servers. With a length of 755 mm, it fits perfectly within 2U rack systems, providing reliable connections to up to four NVMe drives. This cable kit ensures optimal signal integrity and maintains full PCIe speed, making it an essential component for scaling storage or replacing cables in live data centers.

Key features

• Connects switch add-in cards directly to high-speed PCIe SSD backplane ports, enabling fast NVMe storage access
• Supports up to four NVMe drives through a single cable, reducing cable clutter and simplifying installation
• Includes both straight and right-angle SFF-8611 OCuLink connectors for efficient routing and airflow management inside the server chassis
• Pre-assembled and ready to install without the need for crimping or special tools, minimizing downtime during maintenance
• Validated by Intel to maintain signal integrity and prevent latency spikes or link drops during sustained I/O operations
• Compatible with riser 1 or riser 2 positions in supported Intel server models, ensuring flexible installation options

Key specs

• Cable length: 755 mm
• Connector types: Straight and right-angle SFF-8611 OCuLink
• Number of ports: 4
• Supported devices: Intel R2208, R2208+8, and R2224 servers
• Interface: PCIe lanes carrying four lanes to four NVMe drives

Connectivity and compatibility

This cable kit is specifically engineered to link switch add-in cards with the PCIe NVMe backplane in select Intel server models. The straight connectors attach to the add-in card side, while the right-angle connectors fit neatly under riser 1 or riser 2, preserving airflow and maintaining a clean internal layout. Its design supports full PCIe lane bandwidth to each NVMe drive, ensuring high-speed data transfer and compatibility with Intel’s server architecture.

Installation and setup

The Intel A2U4PSWCXCXK1 arrives fully assembled and ready for immediate installation, eliminating the need for custom cabling or specialized tools. Simply snap the connectors into place and secure the cable bundle to maintain a tidy setup. This straightforward installation process helps reduce server downtime and simplifies hardware refreshes or expansions in data center environments.

Ideal uses and environments

This cable kit is well suited for IT professionals managing Intel R2208, R2208+8, or R2224 servers who need to expand or maintain NVMe storage capacity. It works effectively in data centers where maintaining high-speed, low-latency storage connections is critical. The cable’s length and connector orientation make it a strong choice for 2U rack systems requiring neat cable management and reliable performance under continuous heavy I/O workloads.