Intel Compatible E10G42BTDA - PCIe x8 Dual Open SFP+ 10GbE NIC with Intel 82599 Chipset

Designed for demanding data center workloads, the Intel Compatible E10G42BTDA is a high-performance PCI Express network interface card that brings missing speed and reliability to servers, storage systems, and virtualization hosts. Equipped with two Open SFP+ ports and powered by the proven Intel 82599 chipset, this NIC delivers robust 10 Gigabit Ethernet performance, flexible fiber connectivity, and strong driver support across major operating systems. Whether you’re building a dense hyper-converged environment, optimizing storage networks, or aggregating multiple uplinks for workload isolation, the E10G42BTDA provides a scalable, future-proof solution that accelerates data movement and reduces bottlenecks.

• Dual 10GbE Ports with Open SFP+ Flexibility — The E10G42BTDA provides two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports via Open SFP+ interfaces. This configuration enables flexible fiber connectivity, supports high-bandwidth uplinks, and makes it easy to implement link aggregation (LACP) for fault tolerance and increased throughput across multiple servers or storage arrays.
• Intel 82599 Chipset for Reliability and Performance — Built around the trusted Intel 82599 family, this NIC combines stable performance with broad driver support. The chipset is known for solid throughput, low CPU overhead, and compatibility with a wide ecosystem of operating systems and virtualization platforms.
• PCIe x8 Interface for Maximum Bandwidth — The card uses a PCI Express x8 interface to deliver ample bandwidth to modern servers. It’s designed for high-throughput workloads and is compatible with standard PCIe slots (x8, with backward compatibility to x4/x1 slots as needed).
• Open SFP+ Ports for Versatile Transceivers — You can choose from a wide range of SFP+ transceivers to match your fiber type (e.g., SR, LR) or DAC options. Transceivers are sold separately, giving you the flexibility to tailor the network fabric to your exact distance and fiber requirements.
• Broad OS and Driver Support — This NIC is designed to work with Intel ixgbe drivers, ensuring solid support across Windows, Linux, and virtualization platforms such as VMware ESXi. With NIC teaming, VLAN support, and virtualization features, it fits into diverse environments from bare metal to virtualized clouds.

Technical Details of Intel Compatible E10G42BTDA

• Model: Intel Compatible E10G42BTDA
• Chipset: Intel 82599-based 10GbE controller
• Ports: 2 x Open SFP+ ports
• Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) x8
• Max Throughput: Up to 2 x 10 Gbps aggregate bandwidth (per-port speeds up to 10 Gbps each)
• Transceivers: SFP+ modules required for fiber or copper connectivity (sold separately)
• Driver and Software: Intel ixgbe drivers; compatible with Windows, Linux distributions, and virtualization platforms
• OS Support: Windows Server editions, Linux (RHEL/CentOS/Ubuntu/Debian), VMware ESXi and other ixgbe-supported environments
• Form Factor: PCIe expansion card for standard server interfaces

How to Install Intel Compatible E10G42BTDA

• Prepare your server: Power down the system, unplug power cables, and discharge any residual static before handling internal components. Remove the chassis cover if needed to access the PCIe slots.

• Choose a suitable PCIe slot: Locate a free PCI Express x8 (or higher) slot on the motherboard. Ensure that the slot is enabled in the system BIOS/UEFI and that there is enough clearance for full-height or standard-height card installation.

• Insert the NIC: Gently insert the E10G42BTDA into the chosen PCIe x8 slot until it is firmly seated. If the motherboard requires a full-height bracket, secure the card with the screw at the rear of the chassis.

• Connect the bracket and power: Attach the PCIe card bracket, and ensure there are no loose cables near the card. No additional power connectors are typically needed for this NIC, but verify your server’s documentation if you are unsure.

• Install drivers and firmware: Boot the system and install the appropriate Intel ixgbe drivers for your operating system. For Windows, install the driver package from Intel or your hardware vendor. For Linux, install the ixgbe driver (and any required firmware) via your distribution’s package manager or from Intel’s site. Reboot if prompted.

• Configure networking: After the system comes back online, configure the two SFP+ ports in your operating system or hypervisor. Create NIC teams or bonds (e.g., LACP) if you require aggregated bandwidth or failover protection, and assign VLANs as needed for your network segmentation.

• Install transceivers and connect cables: Insert your chosen SFP+ transceivers into the Open SFP+ ports. Connect fiber optic cables or DAC cables appropriate for your distance and network design. Verify optical link status and speed in your OS or switch.

• Validate performance: Use standard networking tools to confirm link speeds, throughput, and latency. Check for driver messages or firmware updates if you encounter any anomalies, and adjust MTU, offload settings, or RSS (Receive Side Scaling) to optimize performance for your workload.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What is the Intel Compatible E10G42BTDA?

  A: It is a dual-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet PCIe NIC featuring two Open SFP+ ports and driven by the Intel 82599 chipset, designed to deliver scalable, high-performance networking in servers and virtualization hosts.

• Q: Do I need to buy SFP+ transceivers separately?

  A: Yes. The card provides the ports, but SFP+ transceivers (and DAC cables, if applicable) are sold separately. Choose transceivers that match your fiber type and distance requirements (SR/LR, etc.).

• Q: Which operating systems are supported?

  A: The E10G42BTDA supports a broad range of operating systems via the Intel ixgbe driver, including Windows Server editions, Linux distributions (such as RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian), and virtualization platforms like VMware ESXi. Always verify driver compatibility with your exact OS version.

• Q: Can I use link aggregation or NIC teaming with this card?

  A: Yes. The two 10GbE ports can be configured for NIC teaming or link aggregation (LACP) to increase throughput, provide failover, and optimize traffic distribution across multiple uplinks.

• Q: What is the maximum throughput?

  A: Each port supports up to 10 Gbps, for a total potential aggregate bandwidth of up to 20 Gbps when both ports are active and properly configured. Actual performance depends on your workload, drivers, and switch configuration.

• Q: Is this card suitable for virtualization environments?

  A: Absolutely. With dual 10GbE ports, compatibility with ixgbe drivers, and support for features like NIC teaming and SR-IOV (where supported by the OS/hypervisor), it is well-suited for virtualization hosts and virtual machine networking.