StarTech.com 10G Network Card — 2x 10G Open SFP+ Multimode LC Fiber Connector with Intel 82599

Upgrade your server or high-performance workstation with the StarTech.com 10G Network Card and unleash the power of true 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Designed for demanding workloads, this dual-port NIC combines a robust Intel 82599 chipset with two Open SFP+ slots, delivering high throughput, low latency, and flexible fiber connectivity. Whether you’re accelerating backups, accelerating database pipelines, or enhancing virtualization environments, this card is built to handle heavy traffic with reliability and ease. Its Open SFP+ design supports a wide range of transceivers and fiber types, giving you the freedom to tailor your network to your exact needs.

• Dual 10GBASE-SFP+ ports for scalable bandwidth. The card provides two independent 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, enabling both link aggregation (bonding) and parallel data streams. This enables you to partition traffic by workload, run separate storage and compute networks, or aggregate links to a single high-capacity path. With 10 Gbps per port, you’ll experience dramatically faster file transfers, smoother live migrations, and improved performance for virtual machines, backups, and high-definition media workflows. The dual-port design also offers redundancy opportunities, so you can configure failover paths to maintain service continuity in busy data centers or remote office deployments.
• Intel 82599 chipset for high throughput and efficiency. The Intel 82599 controller is renowned for reliable performance in busy environments. It provides hardware offloads that reduce CPU overhead—streaming checksums, segmentation, and large receive offloads help free processor cycles for applications rather than packet handling. The result is lower latency, higher sustained throughput, and better overall system responsiveness even under heavy multi-threaded workloads. This makes the card particularly well-suited for virtualization, storage arrays, and data-intensive server applications where deterministic performance matters.
• Open SFP+ slots with multimode LC fiber connectors for flexible deployment. The two Open SFP+ ports accept a broad catalog of 10GBASE-SFP+ transceivers, allowing you to mix and match fiber types and distances without swapping the card. The multimode LC fiber connectors enable straightforward fiber installations in data centers and labs, making it easy to align with your existing fiber infrastructure. Open SFP+ design also makes it simple to upgrade to longer reach or different fiber standards in the future without needing a new NIC.
• Versatile form factor and easy installation. This StarTech NIC is designed to fit a wide range of server chassis, offering both standard full-height and low-profile bracket options. The PCIe interface delivers solid compatibility with modern motherboards and server backplanes, while the included brackets ensure a clean, tool-free installation in diverse environments. In addition to physical compatibility, the card supports virtualization workflows and can be teamed with supported switch configurations to create scalable, high-performance networks for virtualized hosts, containers, and private clouds.
• Broad OS support, robust drivers, and long-term reliability. StarTech provides driver support for major operating systems including Windows and Linux, with ongoing updates to keep pace with new kernel releases and software ecosystems. The card’s stable driver stack ensures reliable link detection, stable performance under load, and compatibility with popular virtualization platforms such as VMware, Hyper-V, and KVM. Backed by StarTech’s warranty and support network, this 10G NIC is a dependable backbone for enterprise-grade networks, labs, or remote offices seeking dependable, high-speed connectivity.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 10G Network Card

• Host interface: PCI Express (PCIe) add-in card, compatible with PCIe 2.0 x8 slots (minimum) and backward/forward compatible with PCIe 3.x/4.x motherboards.
• Chipset: Intel 82599 10G controller for high throughput and efficient offloads.
• Ports and connectors: 2 x 10GBASE-SFP+ Open SFP+ slots with multimode LC fiber connectors.
• Supported speeds per port: Up to 10 Gbps per port, dual-port capable of aggregated throughput up to 20 Gbps (subject to network hardware and configuration).
• Transceivers: Open SFP+ modules required; supports a broad range of 10GBASE-SFP+ transceivers compatible with multimode fiber. Modules sold separately.
• Form factor: Standard height PCIe add-in card with included low-profile bracket for compact chassis compatibility.
• Operating system compatibility: Drivers and support for Windows and Linux environments; virtualization-ready for common hypervisors (VMware, Hyper-V, KVM) when paired with proper networking configurations.
• LED indicators: Link and activity indicators to quickly verify port status and data flow at a glance.
• Power and cooling: Typical PCIe NIC power profile; designed for standard server environments with adequate airflow.
• Warranty and support: Backed by StarTech’s limited warranty and access to technical support resources.

how to install StarTech.com 10G Network Card

• Power down the server or workstation and disconnect the power cables. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge.
• Open the chassis and identify an available PCIe expansion slot that meets the card’s requirements (preferably PCIe x8 or higher for optimal bandwidth).
• Remove the slot cover plate and insert the StarTech NIC firmly into the PCIe slot until it sits securely. If necessary, secure the card with a screw to hold it in place.
• Attach any required Open SFP+ transceivers into the two SFP+ slots. Ensure the modules click into place and are firmly seated.
• Replace the chassis cover, reconnect power, and boot the system. Install the appropriate drivers from StarTech’s website or the included driver package for your operating system.
• Configure the NIC in your operating system or virtualization platform. Set up link aggregation if desired, select the correct SFP+ transceivers for your fiber, and verify that both ports come online with LED indicators showing activity as traffic flows.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Is this card compatible with Windows 11 and Linux distributions?

  A: Yes. The StarTech 10G NIC offers drivers for major Windows and Linux platforms and is designed to work with current server and workstation configurations. Ensure you install the latest drivers from StarTech to maximize compatibility and performance.

• Q: Are 10GBASE-SFP+ transceivers included with the card?

  A: No. The two SFP+ slots are Open SFP+ ports, which means you will need to purchase 10GBASE-SFP+ transceivers (and matching fiber cables) separately according to your network requirements.

• Q: Can I use both ports simultaneously for active traffic?

  A: Absolutely. The two 10G ports can operate concurrently. You can configure NIC teaming or link aggregation on the host or switch to increase aggregate bandwidth and provide redundancy for critical workloads.

• Q: What kind of fiber should I use with these ports?

  A: Use 10GBASE-SFP+ transceivers configured for multimode fiber with LC connectors, suitable for your network’s distance requirements and fiber type. The transceivers and fiber path must match the capabilities of your SFP+ modules and network design.

• Q: Does this card come with a warranty?

  A: Yes. StarTech typically provides a limited warranty on PCIe network cards, along with access to technical support resources. Check the product page or packaging for the exact warranty terms in your region.

• Q: Is there any virtualization or cloud-ready feature support?

  A: The dual 10G ports, combined with robust drivers, make the card well-suited for virtualization workloads. You can configure NIC teaming, SR-IOV, and other virtualization networking features on compatible hypervisors to optimize VM networking performance, throughput, and isolation.