Network Card MicroConnect MC-PCIEX8-X520-DA2 PCIe x8 Dual Port

MicroConnect MC-PCIEX8-X520-DA2 PCIe x8 Dual Port is a server- and workstation-class network adapter that fits into a PCIe x8 slot to provide two 10Gb Ethernet interfaces. The card is engineered to increase available LAN connectivity, offering higher aggregate throughput and redundancy for network-intensive environments. It is compatible with common server configurations where additional high-speed network ports are required for virtualization, storage access, or link aggregation.

Advantages

The dual-port design enables parallel traffic flows and failover capability without relying on external devices. Installation into a PCIe x8 slot delivers a balance between bandwidth and slot compatibility, allowing deployment in systems with limited expansion lanes. The adapter supports features commonly expected in data center deployments such as high throughput, low latency, and reduced CPU overhead for network processing.

Suitable for

• Virtualization hosts that require multiple high-speed NICs
• Storage servers using network-based storage (iSCSI, NFS)
• Link aggregation and load balancing configurations
• Workstations and servers needing redundancy and increased throughput

Key specifications

• Interface: PCI Express x8
• Ports: 2 × 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• Form factor: Low-profile / full-height compatible (adapter bracket-dependent)
• Typical use: Server and workstation network connectivity
• Performance focus: High bandwidth and low latency for network-intensive tasks

How to use

Turn off the host system and disconnect power before installing the card. Insert the network adapter into an available PCIe x8 slot, secure the bracket, and reconnect power. After booting, install the appropriate drivers for the operating system in use or allow automatic driver detection if available. Configure IP settings, bonding, or link aggregation as required by the network topology and operating system network tools. Verify that both ports are recognized and test throughput and redundancy according to your environment's requirements.

Recommendations

Use shielded network cabling and compatible SFP+ or direct-attach modules where applicable. For virtualized environments, assign separate interfaces to traffic classes (management, storage, VM traffic) to ensure predictable performance. Ensure system BIOS and chipset drivers are up to date to avoid compatibility issues with PCIe lane allocation.