Qlogic Compatible QLE8242-CU-CK: 10Gb Dual-Port PCI Express NIC with Open SFP+ Ports

Upgrade your server’s networking capabilities with the Qlogic Compatible QLE8242-CU-CK, a high-performance 10 Gigabit Ethernet dual-port NIC built on the trusted Intel 82599 chipset. Designed to deliver fast, reliable connectivity without added complexity, this PCI Express x8 network interface card features two Open SFP+ ports, giving you flexible optics options, simple scalability, and lower total cost of ownership for data centers, virtualization hosts, and mission-critical applications. Whether you’re expanding bandwidth for storage, guest VMs, or multi-node workloads, this NIC is engineered to accelerate IT services, reduce CPU load, and improve overall system efficiency while remaining easy to deploy in standard server chassis.

• Dual 10GbE ports for abundant bandwidth: Achieve up to 20 Gbps of theoretical aggregate throughput with two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports. The dual-port design enables link aggregation, active-active failover, and rich traffic segmentation for virtualized environments, storage networks, and high-performance computing clusters.
• Flexible Open SFP+ ports: Each port is an Open SFP+ interface, allowing you to choose from a wide range of 10Gb transceivers and direct-attach copper (DAC) cables. This flexibility supports both long-haul fiber and short-range copper installations, helping you optimize fiber plant and cabling costs while preserving future-proofing as your network evolves.
• Intel 82599 chipset-based performance: Leveraging the proven capabilities of the Intel 82599 family, this NIC delivers robust offloads, enhanced virtualization support, and efficient data processing. Expect improved CPU efficiency, better interrupt handling, and smoother performance under virtualization technologies such as SR-IOV and RSS, which translates to lower latency and higher throughput for dense workloads.
• Broad OS and virtualization compatibility: Built to integrate with a wide array of operating systems and hypervisors, including Windows Server, Linux distributions, VMware ESXi, and Hyper-V environments. Driver support and firmware updates from trusted sources ensure reliable operation within existing data-center stacks and minimize deployment friction.
• Designed for reliability and scalability: This NIC is engineered to meet the demands of busy data centers, with a compact PCIe form factor that fits standard server slots and chassis. The open-architecture design supports future upgrades, while its energy-efficient operation helps reduce power and cooling requirements in dense rack deployments.

Technical Details of Qlogic Compatible QLE8242-CU-CK

• Product type: Dual-Port 10GbE Network Interface Card (NIC)
• Host interface: PCI Express (PCIe) x8
• Ports: 2 x Open SFP+ ports (transceivers/cables not included)
• Chipset: Intel 82599-based architecture for robust performance
• Form factor: PCIe expansion card compatible with standard server slots; available in full-height/low-profile configurations depending on chassis
• Networking speed: 10 Gbps per port (20 Gbps combined theoretical bandwidth)
• Driver and OS support: broad compatibility through vendor-provided drivers and common operating systems; suitable for Windows Server, Linux, VMware ESXi, and other virtualization platforms
• Compatibility and deployment: open SFP+ flexibility allows mixed optics; suitable for data centers seeking scalable uplinks and flexible cabling options

How to install Qlogic Compatible QLE8242-CU-CK

• Step 1: Power down the server and disconnect power sources. Remove the chassis cover to access the motherboard and PCIe slots.
• Step 2: Identify a suitable PCIe x8 slot with available lane bandwidth and adequate clearance for the card. Ensure there is space for the Open SFP+ connectors and any required cooling around the slot.
• Step 3: Remove the PCIe slot filler if present and align the NIC with the slot. Gently seat the card into the connector until it is firmly seated and the bracket aligns with the chassis.
• Step 4: Secure the NIC to the chassis with a screw and replace the chassis cover. Attach Open SFP+ transceivers or DAC cables to the two SFP+ ports as needed for your network topology.
• Step 5: Reconnect power, boot the server, and install the appropriate drivers. Visit the vendor or chipset manufacturer’s site (or your OS vendor’s repository) to obtain the latest NIC drivers for your operating system and virtualization platform.
• Step 6: Configure the NIC in the operating system. Create or bind virtual networks as required, set up VLANs, enable any hardware offloads, and verify link status on both ports. For virtualization hosts, attach the NICs to VMs or use SR-IOV/VMDq features as supported by your hypervisor.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the primary benefit of the QLE8242-CU-CK NIC? It provides high-bandwidth, dual-port 10GbE connectivity with flexible Open SFP+ optics, enabling scalable network performance for servers, storage networks, and virtualized environments without requiring complete hardware replacements.
• Do I need to install special drivers? Yes. Install the latest drivers from the vendor or chipset manufacturer to ensure full feature support, stability, and optimal performance on your operating system and virtualization platform.
• Can I use any SFP+ transceiver with this NIC? The ports are Open SFP+ and are designed to work with a variety of standard SFP+ modules or DAC cables. Verify compatibility with your transceiver model and your network switch to ensure proper operation and support from your environment.
• Is this NIC suitable for virtualization environments? Yes. With Intel 82599-based capabilities and vendor-supported drivers, the card is well-suited for virtualized workloads, SR-IOV, RSS, and other virtualization features that improve VM throughput and reduce CPU overhead.
• What servers and operating systems support this card? The NIC is designed to be compatible with a wide range of server platforms and operating systems, including Windows Server, Linux, and VMware ESXi. Check your OS version and hypervisor compatibility with the latest drivers for best results.
• What about installation in dense data centers? The dual-port design improves uplink density per server, while the PCIe x8 interface preserves motherboard PCIe bandwidth for other components. The low-profile/standard-form-factor variants fit most chassis, making it ideal for dense racks and upgrade projects.