The HPE NVMe-oF 100GbE 2-port Host Bus Adapter (commonly listed under official HPE part number R3B29A, with some references to spares or variants like P26391-001) is a high-performance network interface card designed for enterprise storage environments. It enables ultra-low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity using NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF) over Ethernet, ideal for modern data centers running all-flash arrays, virtualization, AI/ML workloads, big data, and cloud-native applications.

The part number you mentioned, R3B13-80503, appears in some third-party listings (e.g., eBay sales of used or refurbished units) but does not match HPE’s standard public SKU. It is likely an internal/spare part identifier, manufacturing code, or regional variant/revision tied to the same product family as R3B29A.

Key Features and Specifications

• Ports: 2 x 100 Gigabit Ethernet (using QSFP28 connectors for high-speed fiber or DAC cabling).

• Protocol Support: NVMe-oF (primarily over RoCEv2 for lossless Ethernet transport), with hardware offload for NVMe/TCP or similar to reduce CPU overhead and latency.

• Interface: PCIe Gen4 (typically x16 lanes for full bandwidth).

• Use Cases: Primarily for host-side connectivity in servers connecting to NVMe-oF storage targets (e.g., HPE Alletra 9000 series arrays, where it expands drive enclosure connectivity or provides host initiator support). It accelerates access to remote NVMe storage with performance close to local PCIe NVMe.

• Compatibility: Optimized for HPE ProLiant servers, Alletra Storage systems (e.g., Alletra 9000 for backend drive expansion), and similar enterprise platforms. It supports secure boot and cryptographic features in related variants.

• Performance Benefits: Extremely low latency (sub-10µs in optimized setups), high throughput (up to 200 Gbps aggregate), and offload capabilities to free up server CPU for applications.

This adapter is part of HPE’s storage networking lineup, often bundled or recommended for high-end storage like Alletra 9000, where NVMe-oF enables disaggregated, scale-out storage architectures.

The HPE NVMe-oF 100GbE 2-port Host Bus Adapter R3b13-80503 is a high-performance network card designed by HPE. With 2 ports, it provides fast and efficient connectivity for various computer components. The model specifically features NVMe-oF technology, ensuring reliable and high-speed data transfer. Ideal for those looking to improve their computer's networking capabilities, this host bus adapter offers a seamless and powerful solution for both personal and professional use.