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Green circuit board with two SFP+ cages and full-height metal bracket

Intel

Intel X520-DA2 Dual-Port 10Gb Ethernet expansion card

SKU CH-VGBY-CFE21 MPN X520-DA2

Adds two 10 Gbps SFP+ network ports via a PCI Express x8 slot for desktop or server systems

  • External connectors2 × SFP+ (10Gb fiber or DAC support)
  • Internal portsPCI Express x8 slot
  • Supported standardsIEEE 802.3ae, IEEE 802.3ap, IEEE 802.3an, IEEE 802.3ad
  • Transfer speedUp to 10 Gbit/s per port
  • Supported operating systemsWindows, Linux, VMware ESXi, FreeBSD
  • Product typeDual-Port 10 Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter
  • Dual 10 Gbps ports deliver high-throughput networking
  • PCI Express x8 interface fits desktop and server systems
  • Two SFP+ cages accept 10 Gb fiber or DAC cables
  • Low-profile bracket included for compact chassis builds
  • Windows, Linux, VMware ESXi and FreeBSD driver support

Dual-port 10 Gb Ethernet adapter

The Intel X520-DA2 is a PCI Express x8 add-in card that provides two SFP+ ports for 10 Gbps fiber or direct-attach copper links. It targets workstation and server builders who need deterministic, low-latency bandwidth for storage fabrics, virtualization clusters or high-throughput editing workflows.

Two independent 10 Gbps lanes

Each port negotiates up to 10 Gbps full duplex, giving 20 Gbps aggregate throughput when both links are active. The card implements IEEE 802.3ae, 802.3ap, 802.3an and 802.3ad standards, so it integrates with existing LACP bundles and data-center switches without proprietary extensions.

Replaces single-port or 1 Gb NICs

Upgrading from a single 10 Gb port or multiple 1 Gb adapters removes the need for link aggregation at the server edge and cuts cable count in half. The jump is worthwhile when sustained throughput regularly saturates a single 10 Gb link or when fail-over between two physical paths is required.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in PCIe Expansion Cards, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $45.99
Pricier than about 68% of the 891 comparable items (median $30.99).

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Specifications

Product
Brand nameIntel
Product lineX520-DA2
Model nameX520-DA2
Product typeDual-Port 10 Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter
Performance
Transfer speedUp to 10 Gbit/s per port
Connectivity
Supported standardsIEEE 802.3ae, IEEE 802.3ap, IEEE 802.3an, IEEE 802.3ad
Ports & slots
External USB portsNone
Internal USB portsNone
External 1394 portsNone
Internal 1394 portsNone
External connectors2 × SFP+ (10Gb fiber or DAC support)
Internal portsPCI Express x8 slot
Size & build
Product dimensions6.6 in × 2.7 in × 0.7 in
Product weight0.5 lb (0.23 kg)
Compatibility
Supported operating systemsWindows, Linux, VMware ESXi, FreeBSD
Compatible withDesktop and server systems with a PCI Express x8 or higher slot; supports SFP+ 10Gb fiber or DAC connections
In the box
In the boxIntel X520-DA2 Dual-Port 10Gb Ethernet Network Adapter
Low-profile bracket

Questions about this item

Will the X520-DA2 fit in my older server that only has a PCI Express x8 slot?

Yes, the card installs in any PCI Express x8 or higher slot, so it works with older desktops and servers that provide at least an x8 lane.

How can I verify both 10 Gbps ports are active after installing the Intel X520-DA2?

Check the link LEDs on each SFP+ port and confirm the OS reports a 10 Gbps connection in the network adapter settings or via ethtool on Linux.

The listing says "No SFPs" — what else do I need to buy to get the X520-DA2 running?

You must purchase two compatible SFP+ transceivers or direct-attach cables separately; the box includes the adapter and a low-profile bracket only.

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