Intel Ethernet Network Adapter XX710DA2 - Dual-Port 10GbE SFP+ PCIe 3.0 x8, Low Profile, SR-IOV, iSCSI/FCoE

Data centers and enterprise networks demand high throughput and low latency, but many servers are bottlenecked by outdated network interfaces. The Intel Ethernet Network Adapter XX710DA2 solves this by delivering dual-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet over SFP+ connections, leveraging the Intel X710 controller for efficient packet processing and advanced virtualization features. This adapter is ideal for upgrading existing servers or building new high-performance systems.

Who is it for

IT administrators and system integrators managing virtualized environments, cloud infrastructure, or high-traffic servers. It suits businesses needing reliable 10GbE connectivity for data-intensive applications like database servers, storage nodes, and network appliances.

Main features

• Dual SFP+ ports for 10GbE connectivity, supporting fiber or direct-attach copper cables.
• PCI Express 3.0 x8 interface for ample bandwidth and backward compatibility.
• Intel Ethernet Controller X710 with advanced offloads: TCP/UDP/IP checksum, TSO, LRO, RSS.
• SR-IOV support with up to 128 virtual functions per port, enabling efficient VM networking.
• VMDq, FCoE, and iSCSI support for storage and virtualization workloads.
• Low-profile form factor with full-height bracket included, fitting both 2U and standard chassis.
• Jumbo frame support up to 9.5 KB for improved large-transfer performance.
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az) reduces power consumption during idle periods.
• PXE boot and NC-SI management for remote deployment and monitoring.

Specifications

• Controller: Intel Ethernet Controller X710
• Ports: 2 x SFP+
• Data rate: 10 Gbps per port
• Host interface: PCI Express 3.0 x8
• Form factor: Low-profile PCIe card (full-height bracket included)
• Network standards: IEEE 802.3ae, 802.3aq, 802.3ap, 802.1Q, 802.1p, 802.3ad, 802.3x, 802.3az
• Virtualization: SR-IOV (up to 128 VFs), VMDq, FCoE, iSCSI
• Jumbo frames: up to 9.5 KB
• Power consumption: ~10.5 W typical
• Operating temperature: 0°C to 55°C
• LED indicators: Link/Activity per port
• Management: NC-SI, PXE boot
• Supported OS: Windows Server, Linux, VMware ESXi, FreeBSD

Tips

For optimal performance, use SFP+ direct attach copper (DAC) cables for short distances or fiber optic transceivers for longer runs. Ensure your server has an available PCIe x8 or x16 slot and adequate airflow. Enable SR-IOV in BIOS and hypervisor settings to maximize VM density and reduce CPU overhead.