What is a DMA Card? Complete Guide to PCIe DMA Hardware
What is a DMA Card?
A DMA card (Direct Memory Access card) is a PCIe expansion board that enables high-speed data transfers between system memory and connected hardware — bypassing the CPU for individual read/write operations. DMA cards are built on FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) architecture, which allows the hardware to be reconfigured through firmware for specific functions.
The most common FPGA chip used in professional DMA hardware is the Xilinx Artix-7, available in 35T and 75T configurations. The number (35T, 75T, 100T) refers to the density of logic cells on the FPGA — higher numbers mean more programmable capacity.
How Does a DMA Card Work?
A DMA card installs directly into a spare PCIe slot on your motherboard. Once installed and configured with compatible firmware, the card can read and write system memory independently, communicating directly with the memory bus without routing every operation through the CPU.
This makes DMA hardware significantly faster and more efficient than software-based approaches for memory-intensive operations. The card operates at hardware level, making it a professional-grade solution for users who need precise, reliable memory access.
What is a DMA Card Used For?
PCIe DMA cards are used across a range of professional and technical applications including:
- Hardware memory analysis and diagnostics
- FPGA development and testing environments
- Dual-PC hardware configurations requiring low-latency memory reads
- Research and development of hardware-level communication protocols
DMA Card Components: What Do You Need?
A complete DMA hardware setup typically requires:
- PCIe DMA card — the core hardware (Artix-7 35T or 75T)
- DMA fuser — manages and combines video signal output in dual-PC setups
- Input device — hardware input controller (KM Box, Makcu, or Ferrum)
- Custom firmware — configures the card for your specific hardware environment
Artix-7 35T vs 75T: What's the Difference?
The main difference between the 35T and 75T DMA cards is FPGA logic capacity:
- 35T — 33,280 logic cells. Suitable for standard DMA configurations. More affordable entry point.
- 75T — 75,520 logic cells. Greater capacity for complex firmware configurations and demanding workloads. The most popular choice for professional setups.
For most users, the 75T is the recommended choice due to its larger logic capacity and better long-term compatibility with advanced firmware configurations.
Does a DMA Card Require Firmware?
Yes. A DMA card ships as raw hardware and requires custom firmware to configure it for your specific PCIe environment. Firmware is not pre-installed — it must be selected at checkout or purchased separately and then custom-generated based on your hardware specifications.
At FTW DMA, firmware is developed in partnership with Project 7 and generated per customer order. After purchase, customers open a support ticket in our Discord server to begin the firmware generation and installation process.
What Motherboards are Compatible with DMA Cards?
DMA cards are compatible with most standard aftermarket motherboards that have an available PCIe x1, x4, x8, or x16 slot. Compatibility depends on your specific motherboard's PCIe configuration and BIOS settings. If you're unsure about compatibility, our support team can advise via Discord before purchase.
Where to Buy a DMA Card
FTW DMA is an Australian-based DMA hardware store shipping worldwide. We stock professional Artix-7 PCIe DMA cards in 35T and 75T configurations, along with compatible fusers, input devices, and custom firmware.
Every order includes:
- Secure FTW DMA protective packaging
- Worldwide tracked shipping — dispatched within 1–2 business days
- Access to our Discord support community
- 12-month hardware warranty