HP Compatible 468332-B21: PCIe x8 NIC with 2x Open SFP+ Ports (Intel 82599)

Enhance your HP server's networking with the HP Compatible 468332-B21 PCI Express x8 Network Interface Card. This high-performance NIC is built around the Intel 82599 chipset and delivers robust, reliable 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity through two Open SFP+ ports. Designed to integrate seamlessly into HP environments, it supports flexible fiber and DAC (Direct Attach Cable) options, making it an ideal upgrade for data centers, virtualization hosts, and demanding workloads where low latency and steady throughput matter. Whether you’re expanding an existing HP infrastructure or refreshing aging network hardware, this NIC helps you maximize bandwidth, improve application responsiveness, and streamline management with proven, enterprise-grade reliability.

• Efficient 10GbE performance with Intel 82599: Each port supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet via SFP+, enabling high-throughput data transfers, virtualization acceleration, and improved storage networking. The Intel 82599 chipset is renowned for solid latency performance and reliable drivers across multiple operating systems, helping your workloads run smoother with fewer bottlenecks.
• Dual Open SFP+ ports for flexible connectivity: Equipped with two open SFP+ ports, this NIC accommodates a wide range of transceivers and copper/dac options. You can mix fiber and copper links as your network evolves, simplifying upgrades and reducing the need to replace cabling infrastructure. Hot-swappable SFP+ modules allow on-site adjustments without replacing the card.
• PCIe x8 interface for broad compatibility: Designed to sit in standard PCI Express x8 slots, the card fits neatly into most HP servers and other enterprise systems. The PCIe x8 bandwidth ensures ample headroom for multi-queue processing, virtualization tasks, and simultaneous network operations, helping to keep CPU overhead low and throughput high.
• HP-ready reliability with broad driver support: Built to align with HP server ecosystems, this NIC provides dependable performance in data centers and enterprise environments. Intel-provided drivers and integrated OS support help ensure compatibility with common operating systems, easing deployment and ongoing maintenance.
• Simple deployment and management: The plug‑and‑play nature of this NIC allows quick installation into supported HP servers. Once installed, configure the two SFP+ ports with your preferred transceivers and drivers, then monitor link status and throughput through standard NIC management tools and OS utilities.

Technical Details of HP Compatible 468332-B21

• Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) x8 slot connection for full bandwidth and compatibility with modern servers
• Network ports: 2x Open SFP+ ports for flexible 10GbE connectivity
• Chipset: Intel 82599, a trusted foundation for reliable 10GbE networking
• Networking capabilities: 10 Gigabit Ethernet per port; supports link aggregation and high-throughput workloads (configurations vary by system and transceivers)
• Transceivers: Open SFP+ interfaces support a range of compatible transceivers and Direct Attach Cables (DAC) as required
• OS and driver support: Broad driver availability through Intel and OS vendors; typically compatible with Windows and Linux distributions commonly used in data centers
• Form factor considerations: Standard NIC form factor designed for server PCIe slots; compatibility with HP server chassis and brackets when installed in supported configurations

How to install HP Compatible 468332-B21

To install the HP Compatible 468332-B21 NIC, follow these steps to ensure a clean, reliable deployment:

1) Prepare the server: Power down the HP server, unplug the power cords, and discharge any static charge. Open the chassis according to the manufacturer’s guidance, and locate an available PCI Express x8 slot suitable for a NIC. If your chassis supports a mezzanine slot alternative, verify that you’re using a PCIe slot that is compatible with NIC expansion cards.

2) Insert the NIC: Carefully align the card with the PCIe slot and press firmly until it seats fully. Secure the bracket with the appropriate screw to ensure the card remains stationary under operation. Confirm there are no bent connectors and that the card is firmly seated in the slot.

3) Prepare SFP+ transceivers: If you already have SFP+ transceivers or DAC cables, have them ready for installation into the two Open SFP+ ports. If you’re planning to use fiber, install the appropriate SFP+ transceivers that match your fiber type (short-range, long-range, or multi-mode). For copper DAC, connect the DAC cables to the transceiver ports as needed.

4) Power up and install drivers: Reassemble the server chassis, reconnect power, and boot into your operating system. Install or update the NIC drivers from the Intel website or your OS vendor’s repository. In many environments, the NIC will be recognized automatically, but for optimal performance, install the latest Intel 82599 drivers and any HP-specific firmware updates that apply to your server model. Confirm that both SFP+ links are detected and show the expected speed (10GbE per port) in your network configuration tools.

5) Configure network settings: Assign IPs as required, set up VLANs, and enable any link aggregation if your environment uses NIC teaming. If you use OS-level bonding or NIC teaming, follow your OS guidelines to create a robust, fault-tolerant configuration. Validate connectivity with ping tests, transfer benchmarks, and, if applicable, virtualized workloads to ensure the NIC is delivering the expected throughput and latency characteristics.

6) Verify ongoing performance and firmware: Periodically check for firmware and driver updates that can improve stability, performance, and security. Maintain a monitoring routine to watch for link status changes, error rates, and any signs of hardware degradation. In HP environments, you may also refer to HP’s management tools to keep an eye on the NIC alongside other server components.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the HP 468332-B21 NIC used for? A: It is a PCIe x8 network interface card with two Open SFP+ ports that provides 10 GbE connectivity for HP servers, enabling high-speed networking for virtualization, storage networks, and data-center workloads.
• Q: Is this NIC compatible with all HP servers? A: The 468332-B21 is designed to work with HP servers that require this specific compatibility profile. Always verify your server model and firmware requirements to ensure proper fit and support, and consult HP documentation or support for exact compatibility with your hardware revision.
• Q: Do I need to purchase SFP+ transceivers separately? A: Yes. The two Open SFP+ ports require compatible SFP+ transceivers or DAC cables. The choice of transceivers depends on your fiber type (single-mode or multi-mode) and distance requirements, so plan transceivers accordingly.
• Q: Which operating systems are supported? A: In typical deployments, Intel-provided drivers cover common Windows and Linux distributions used in data centers. Ensure you install the latest drivers from Intel or your OS vendor to maximize compatibility and performance.
• Q: Can the two ports be aggregated? A: Yes, link aggregation or NIC teaming can be configured in most environments to increase throughput and provide redundancy. Follow your OS and switch documentation to set up bonding or teaming across the two 10 GbE ports.