Dell Broadcom 57412 10Gigabit Ethernet Card – Dual Port PCIe NIC for High-Performance Server Networking

Dell Broadcom 57412 10Gigabit Ethernet Card is a dual-port PCIe NIC engineered to deliver high-throughput, low-latency networking for servers. It provides 10Gb Ethernet connectivity per port, enabling rapid data transfers for virtualization, backups, storage replication, and large-scale database workloads. This card is built around the Broadcom BCM57412 chipset and has been tested and validated on Dell systems, offering reliable performance that integrates seamlessly with Dell hardware and software ecosystems. With Dell's support backing the hardware, you can deploy with confidence, knowing you have access to Dell Technical Support. Whether you are expanding a data center, upgrading an existing server, or building a new cloud-ready infrastructure, this dual-port NIC helps ensure your network backbone has the bandwidth and resilience needed for today and tomorrow.

The Dell Broadcom 57412 NIC is designed for enterprise-grade reliability and agility. It supports standards-based 10Gb Ethernet, making it compatible with a wide range of switches, cables, and networking architectures. Its dual-port design delivers aggregated bandwidth and offers link redundancy, which is essential for mission-critical applications, virtualization clusters, and high-availability environments. The card’s PCIe interface provides fast, consistent data transfer between the server and the network, minimizing bottlenecks and enabling efficient utilization of multi-core CPUs during demanding workloads. In addition to raw speed, this NIC is optimized for virtualization workflows, with features that support NIC teaming (bonding), VLAN isolation, and scalable network offloads that reduce CPU overhead and free resources for guest VMs or container workloads.

Dell’s validation process ensures compatibility with Dell servers and interoperation with Dell management tools and support software. This means you can rely on a coherent hardware-software stack, streamlined firmware updates, and consolidated support when needed. The Broadcom 57412 NIC is a trusted choice for data centers, enterprise applications, and cloud deployments that require dependable 10Gb networking without compromise. For IT teams, this translates into faster deployment cycles, simpler maintenance, and a predictable path for future expansion as network demands grow. The card’s rugged design, together with Dell’s engineering and service ecosystem, helps reduce the total cost of ownership by minimizing troubleshooting time and accelerating time-to-value for network upgrades.

With its dual 10Gb Ethernet ports and PCIe connectivity, the Dell Broadcom 57412 is a versatile option for a variety of server roles. It is well-suited for virtualization hosts (e.g., hypervisor clusters), high-throughput file and object storage gateways, backup and recovery appliances, database servers with large I/O requirements, and performance-centric compute nodes. The NIC’s architecture supports modern network features such as low-latency paths, large MTU configurations for iSCSI or NAS traffic, and robust error handling to maintain stable connections under heavy load. Whether you are building a dense rack, deploying a virtual desktop infrastructure, or enabling fast data replication across sites, this card provides the performance headroom you need while blending seamlessly with Dell’s enterprise-grade infrastructure.

In operation, the Dell Broadcom 57412 delivers predictable performance, minimal CPU overhead, and scalable bandwidth that expands to match your growing workloads. The Broadcom BCM57412 chipset is known for efficiency and robust support across operating systems with available drivers from Dell and Broadcom. The card contributes to a tidy, low-latency network path that supports essential enterprise features such as NIC teaming for redundancy and bandwidth aggregation, which is particularly valuable in virtualized environments and multi-hypervisor deployments. With reliability at the core, this NIC is a practical investment for IT teams aiming to future-proof their server networks while maintaining solid compatibility with Dell’s hardware ecosystem and service offerings.

• Dual-port 10Gb Ethernet NIC delivering up to 20Gbps aggregate bandwidth for fast data transfers and scalable networking.
• PCIe-based add-in card designed for broad server compatibility and straightforward installation in Dell systems.
• Standards-based 10Gb Ethernet using the Broadcom BCM57412 chipset to support virtualization, clustering, and high-demand workloads.
• Tested and validated on Dell systems with Dell Technical Support available for enterprise deployments.
• Ideal for virtualization hosts, storage gateways, high-transaction databases, and cloud-ready server deployments with flexible networking options.

Technical Details of Dell Broadcom 57412 10Gigabit Ethernet Card

• Chipset: Broadcom BCM57412
• Ports: 2 x 10Gb Ethernet interfaces
• Interface: PCIe-based add-in card
• Form factor: PCIe expansion card compatible with standard server slots (Dell validated)
• Vendor support: Dell validated on Dell systems and covered by Dell Technical Support

How to Install Dell Broadcom 57412 10Gigabit Ethernet Card

• Power down the server and unplug all power sources. Remove the chassis cover to access the motherboard and PCIe slots.
• Identify an available PCIe slot (preferably PCIe x4 or higher) based on your server’s documentation and ensure compatibility with a PCIe add-in card.
• Carefully align the Dell Broadcom 57412 NIC with the slot and firmly press it into place until the connector seats securely. Secure the card’s rear bracket with a mounting screw.
• Reconnect power, close the chassis, and connect any required network cables depending on your deployment (RJ-45 copper cables for 10GbBASE-T or appropriate SFP+/fiber transceivers for fiber optic setups).
• Boot the server and install the latest drivers from Dell Support or Broadcom. Verify the NIC appears in the operating system, configure NIC teaming or bonding as needed, and test link integrity and throughput using standard network tools.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Dell Broadcom 57412 10Gigabit Ethernet Card used for? It provides reliable dual-port 10GbE connectivity to servers, enabling high-speed data transfers, virtualization, and scalable network performance.
• How many ports does it have? It features two 10Gb Ethernet ports for high-bandwidth connections and redundancy.
• Is it compatible with Dell servers? Yes. It is tested and validated on Dell systems and is supported by Dell Technical Support.
• What operating systems are supported? The card supports major server operating systems; download the appropriate Dell or Broadcom drivers to ensure full functionality for your OS and kernel.
• Do I need to configure NIC teaming or bonding? NIC teaming or bonding is common in data centers to improve throughput and provide redundancy; refer to your OS and switch documentation to configure teaming for your specific environment.