E10G42BTDA – Intel Ethernet Server Adapter X520-DA2 Dual-Port 10Gbps SFP+ PCIe 2.0 x8 Low Latency SFP+ Direct Attach Copper & Fiber Support

Overview on Intel Ethernet Server Adapter X520-DA2

The Intel Ethernet Server Adapter X520-DA2 is a highly reliable, dual-port 10 Gigabit networking solution designed for high-performance server environments. Utilizing the proven Intel 82599 10 Gigabit Ethernet controller, this adapter is engineered to meet the demanding needs of data centers. It features two SFP+ ports that support both fiber optic modules and Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables.

Because it offers high-speed throughput and low latency, it is an ideal choice for virtualization and storage networking. Therefore, it serves as a stable and cost-effective foundation for modern IT infrastructures.

High-Speed Connectivity and Versatility

This adapter provides the flexibility needed to support diverse cabling infrastructures. Specifically, it includes the following:

• Dual 10Gbps SFP+ Ports: Delivers up to 20Gbps of total theoretical bandwidth for data-intensive applications.

• Fiber and Copper Support: Compatible with SFP+ SR/LR optical modules and cost-effective Direct Attach Copper cables.

• PCI Express 2.0 x8: Provides the necessary bus bandwidth to handle full-duplex 10Gbps traffic on both ports simultaneously.

• Low Latency Architecture: Optimized for high-frequency trading and high-performance computing (HPC) environments.

Advanced Virtualization Features

The X520-DA2 is designed to excel in virtualized environments by offloading tasks from the host CPU. Specifically, it offers:

• Intel Virtualization Technology for Connectivity (VT-c): Enhances overall system performance and virtual machine (VM) scalability.

• VMDq (Virtual Machine Device Queues): Reduces I/O overhead by offloading data sorting from the hypervisor to the network controller.

• SR-IOV Support: Enables virtual machines to share a single physical network resource with near-native performance levels.

• Direct Cache Access (DCA): Improves CPU efficiency by allowing the network controller to place data directly into the CPU cache.

Enterprise-Grade Reliability and Management

Intel has integrated professional-level features to ensure maximum uptime. For example, the adapter supports iSCSI remote boot, allowing servers to boot directly from a Storage Area Network (SAN). It also includes Intel PROSet Utility for Windows, providing a simple interface for advanced configuration and diagnostics. Furthermore, its low-profile design ensures it can fit into high-density 1U and 2U rack servers.

Power and Thermal Efficiency

The X520-DA2 is engineered for energy efficiency in large-scale deployments. It features a low typical power consumption, which helps reduce cooling costs in the data center. The passive heatsink design ensures silent and reliable cooling within standard server airflow environments. Consequently, it is a sustainable choice for organizations looking to lower their total cost of ownership (TCO).

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Intel

• Controller: Intel 82599 10 Gigabit Ethernet Controller

• Interface: Dual SFP+ ports

• Bus Type: PCI Express 2.0 (5.0 GT/s) x8 lane

• Data Rate: 10 Gbps per port

• Form Factor: Low-profile or Full-height

• Cabling: SFP+ Direct Attach Copper (DAC) or SFP+ Fiber (SR/LR)

Conclusion

The Intel Ethernet Server Adapter X520-DA2 stands as a industry-standard solution for 10GbE networking. It combines the flexibility of SFP+ connectivity with advanced virtualization offloads and the reliability of Intel silicon. Moreover, its broad compatibility with fiber and copper makes it adaptable to any data center layout. Therefore, it is a smart investment for any business requiring high-speed, low-latency connectivity.