Dell Dell M1601P Mellanox 10Gbe Pass Through Module — 10GbE Pass-Through Module for Dell Systems (Dell)

How Much Does Dell M1601P Mellanox 10Gbe Pass-Through Module Cost in 2026?

As of July 2026, the Dell M1601P Mellanox 10Gbe Pass-Through Module is priced in the $106 range for a used, refurbished unit in condition grade B. Refurbished units from vendors like Axus Technology and Ferrotec typically fall within this price range, depending on the module's age and usage history. A new unit from Dell or an authorized reseller would cost approximately $260–$300, meaning buyers can save 40–60% by opting for a used, well-maintained version.

The cost of failure is significant: a single failed module can lead to server downtime lasting 2–4 days, with potential losses of $1,500–$2,500 per day in enterprise environments. That’s why it’s critical to ensure the module has been properly tested and certified for use. Modules in condition grade B are typically 3–5 years old and have been verified for basic functionality, but they may not support all advanced features or diagnostics. Always verify with the seller that the part has been tested under load and is compatible with your system's firmware version.

Dell M1601P Mellanox 10Gbe Pass-Through Module Specifications and Compatible Tools

The Dell M1601P Mellanox 10Gbe Pass-Through Module is a 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) network interface card designed for use in Dell PowerEdge servers. It typically supports up to 10,000 hours of continuous operation and is commonly used in systems from 2015 to 2018, such as the Dell PowerEdge R730 and R630. The module is a PCIe-based card and features dual 10GbE ports, commonly used in high-performance computing and data center environments.

However, it is not compatible with newer systems using the Dell M1602P or M1603P part numbers. Using an incompatible module can result in system instability, boot failures, or even hardware damage. The failure of a 10GbE module can lead to loss of network connectivity, requiring emergency replacement and potentially costing $1,000–$3,000 in downtime and labor.

Always verify the exact model and firmware compatibility before installation. Modules from this era typically require firmware updates to function correctly with modern OS versions.

What to Check Before Buying a Used Dell M1601P Mellanox 10Gbe Pass-Through Module in 2026

1. Verify Production Year: Modules produced before 2016 may have lower reliability due to earlier manufacturing tolerances. Modules from 2016 onward are generally more stable.

2. Check for Physical Damage: Look for bent PCIe connectors, visible burn marks, or corrosion. A damaged PCIe edge connector can prevent the module from seating properly, leading to boot failures.

3. Run Functional Tests: Request a full PCIe link test and a 24-hour stress test under load. A module that fails a 10GbE throughput test at 9.5 Gbps or higher should be rejected.

4. Confirm Firmware Version: The module must support firmware version 2.10 or later. Older versions may not be compatible with modern OSes like Windows Server 2022 or RHEL 9.

5. Reject if No Diagnostic Logs Are Available: If the seller cannot provide logs from a PCIe diagnostic tool like Mellanox's MLNX_PCIe_DIAG, reject the unit. Lack of diagnostics is a red flag for potential failure.

Purchasing a faulty module can result in $1,200–$2,000 in lost productivity and repair costs. Always request a 30-day return policy and a full test report before finalizing the purchase.

FAQ

Q: Can I use the Dell M1601P in a Dell PowerEdge R740 server?
A: No. The M1601P is not compatible with the R740, which uses the M1602P or M1603P part numbers. Attempting to install it may cause boot failure or hardware damage.

Q: Should I buy a used Dell M1601P Mellanox 10Gbe Pass-Through Module with more than 5 years of age?
A: Not recommended. Modules over 5 years old typically have a 30–40% higher failure rate. Stick to units aged 3–5 years for best reliability.

Q: How long can I expect a used Dell M1601P to last in a production environment?
A: With proper maintenance and firmware updates, a used module in condition grade B can last 2–3 years in a production setting. Beyond that, failure risk increases by 20% annually.

Q: What’s the difference between the Dell M1601P and the M1602P?
A: The M1602P supports newer firmware and is compatible with systems from 2017 onward. The M1601P is limited to systems from 2015–2016 and lacks support for newer OS versions.

Q: Is it worth buying a used Dell M1601P if the price is over $120?
A: No. At $120, the savings drop below 30%, and the risk of failure increases. Stick to the $106 price range for optimal cost-to-reliability ratio.