Dell Broadcom BCM5720 Dual Port 1GbE NIC – Low-Profile PCIe Card

The Dell Broadcom 5720 Dual Port 1GbE Network Interface Card delivers reliable, high-performance Ethernet connectivity for desktops and servers in a compact, low-profile form factor. Built around the Broadcom BCM5720 2-port 1 Gigabit Ethernet chipset, this Dell NIC is designed to slide into standard or compact chassis, providing a scalable networking upgrade without sacrificing space or airflow. Ideal for small offices, home labs, and growing data centers, the card combines solid throughput with enterprise-ready features, remote management compatibility, and easy integration into Dell-backed systems. With two independent 1 GbE connections, administrators gain flexible options for redundancy, load balancing, and efficient network segmentation, all while benefiting from Dell-tested compatibility and streamlined deployment in Dell ecosystems.

• Two 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports deliver reliable, steady throughput for everyday workloads, ensuring each connection can handle typical office and server traffic with ease.
• Low-profile, half-height design fits into compact desktops and mini-towe rs, expanding available PCIe slots without obstructing adjacent expansion cards or airflow.
• Remote management support enables efficient administration of Dell-enabled systems, helping IT teams maximize resources and manage network settings from a central console.
• PCIe interface with broad compatibility for modern desktops and servers, featuring straightforward installation and solid driver support across Windows and Linux environments.
• Dell-tested and validated on Dell systems, offering reliable performance, compatibility, and integration with existing Dell hardware and software ecosystems.

Technical Details of Dell Gigabit Ethernet Card

• Model: Dell Broadcom BCM5720 Dual Port 1GbE NIC
• Ports: 2 x 1 GbE Ethernet (RJ-45) ports
• Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) – typically PCIe x1 slot
• Form Factor: Low-profile / Half-height card for compact chassis
• Maximum Speed: 1 Gbps per port (the two ports operate independently for standard gigabit performance)
• Networking Features: Support for VLAN tagging, typical NIC offloads, and jumbo frame capability to improve efficiency on busy networks
• Management: Remote management support aligned with Dell systems to maximize administrative resources
• Compatibility: Designed to work with Dell systems; broad driver support expected for Windows and Linux operating environments

How to Install Dell Gigabit Ethernet Card

• Power down the computer or server, unplug the power cable, and open the chassis to access the expansion slots.
• Identify an available PCIe slot (preferably PCIe x1 for this low-profile NIC) and remove the adjacent slot covers if needed to accommodate the card.
• Gently insert the Dell Broadcom BCM5720 NIC into the PCIe slot until it sits firmly and the bracket aligns with the chassis opening.
• Secure the card with the appropriate screw to ensure stable mounting and proper electrical contact, then reassemble the chassis.
• Power on the system and install the required drivers from Dell’s support portal or the operating system’s hardware driver repository. Reboot if prompted to finalize installation.
• Configure network settings as needed (e.g., NIC teaming, VLANs, or PXE boot) through the operating system or Dell management tools to optimize performance and redundancy.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the Dell Broadcom BCM5720 Dual Port 1GbE NIC used for?
  A: It provides two independent 1 GbE Ethernet connections for desktops or servers, enabling reliable network access, potential NIC teaming for redundancy or load balancing, and easy upgrades in Dell environments.
• Q: Is this card compatible with non-Dell systems?
  A: While designed with Dell systems in mind and validated on Dell hardware, the BCM5720 NIC generally operates in other servers and desktops that support PCIe and have compatible drivers, though Dell-tested guarantees may be limited outside Dell platforms.
• Q: Do I need drivers to use the card?
  A: Yes. After installation, install the appropriate NIC drivers for your operating system (Windows or Linux). Dell’s support site or the OS vendor’s driver repository will provide the necessary software.
• Q: Can I use both ports simultaneously for higher throughput?
  A: Each port can run at up to 1 Gbps independently. For combined throughput, you can configure NIC teaming or link aggregation where supported by your OS and switch infrastructure.
• Q: What installation form factor does this card use?
  A: It uses a low-profile, half-height PCIe form factor, making it suitable for compact workstations and compact servers where space is at a premium.
• Q: Does this card support remote management features?
  A: Yes. The card includes remote management support aligned with Dell systems, helping administrators allocate network resources and monitor performance more efficiently from centralized management tools.