StarTech.com 10G Network Card - MM/SM - 1x Single 10G SPF+ Slot - Intel 82599 Chip - Gigabit Ethernet Card - Intel NIC Card

The StarTech.com 10G Network Card is engineered to deliver exceptional performance and versatile connectivity for servers and high-powered workstations. It features a single open SFP+ slot that lets you upgrade to a 10 Gigabit fiber network using the SFP+ module of your choice, giving you the flexibility to match your existing fiber infrastructure or prepare for future upgrades. Driven by the Intel 82599 Ethernet controller, this NIC card combines reliability with high throughput, making it ideal for data-intensive workloads such as virtualization, high-speed storage, and large file transfers. Whether you are building a data center, expanding a server rack, or upgrading a workhorse workstation, this card offers stable performance, efficient CPU offloads, and easy scalability with SFP+ modules.

• Flexible 10G fiber upgrade with 1x SFP+ slot: Easily adopt 10G Ethernet by selecting the appropriate 10GBASE-SFP+ transceiver module. Supports both multi-mode (MMF) and single-mode (SMF) fiber, enabling you to connect over shorter campus distances or longer backbone links without replacing your existing network cables.
• Intel 82599 Ethernet controller for robust performance: The proven Intel NIC architecture delivers high-throughput, low-latency data transfer, and reliable offloads that reduce CPU utilization. This makes it well-suited for virtualization, dense workloads, and streaming applications where consistent 10G performance matters.
• PCIe host interface for broad compatibility: Designed to plug into standard PCIe slots, providing ample bandwidth to sustain line-rate 10 Gbps transfers. The card is built to integrate with modern servers and workstations that rely on PCIe for expansion and performance.
• Advanced networking features for enterprise workloads: Supports jumbo frames, VLAN tagging, and other offload capabilities that optimize throughput and efficiency in data-center and enterprise environments. These features help you maximize utilization of your 10G link and simplify network management.
• Wide OS and virtualization compatibility: Works with major operating systems and virtualization platforms, including Windows Server, Linux distributions, VMware ESXi, and other hypervisors. Drivers from Intel and StarTech simplify deployment and keep your network running smoothly across different environments.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 10G Network Card

• 1x 10G SFP+ slot for fiber connectivity (10GBASE-SFP+), supports MMF and SMF transceivers
• Intel 82599 10 Gigabit Ethernet controller for high-performance networking
• PCIe interface for host connection (commonly PCIe x4 capable; compatibility with standard PCIe slots)
• 10 Gbps network performance with low latency and CPU offloads to optimize virtualization and storage workloads
• Supports jumbo frames, VLAN tagging, and link aggregation compatibility for scalable network design
• Driver and software support for Windows, Linux, and common virtualization platforms (Intel drivers plus StarTech guidance)

How to install StarTech.com 10G Network Card

• Power down your server or workstation and unplug all cables before handling the hardware.
• Open the chassis and locate an available PCIe slot that matches the card’s interface. Remove any slot cover if necessary and ensure adequate clearance for the card.
• Insert the StarTech 10G NIC into the PCIe slot firmly, then attach the bracket to secure the card to the chassis. Replace the chassis cover.
• Power on the system and boot into the operating system. Install the appropriate driver package from Intel and/or StarTech to enable full 10G functionality and SFP+ support.
• Insert your SFP+ transceiver module into the SFP+ slot, connect the fiber optic cable, and configure your network interface (IP, VLANs, and any required offloads) as you would with any other NIC.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What type of fiber module do I need for the SFP+ slot?
  A: You will need a compatible 10GBASE-SFP+ fiber transceiver module (e.g., SR, LR, or other appropriate variant) based on your fiber type and distance. The NIC itself provides the slot; the transceiver and fiber cable determine the actual reach.
• Q: Is this card compatible with VMware ESXi and other hypervisors?
  A: Yes. The Intel 82599-based StarTech 10G NIC is designed to work with common virtualization platforms such as VMware ESXi, Linux KVM, and Windows Server environments. Ensure you install the correct drivers for your hypervisor version.
• Q: Does the card support 10GBASE-T?
  A: This model uses an SFP+ slot for fiber connectivity, not 10GBASE-T copper. If you require 10GBASE-T, you would need a different card that provides an RJ-45 port on the card or an adapter that supports 10GBASE-T.
• Q: What operating systems are supported?
  A: The card is compatible with major Windows and Linux distributions and works with common virtualization platforms. Always verify the exact driver version and compatibility with your OS version before deployment.
• Q: Can I use multiple NICs for link aggregation?
  A: Yes. The card supports standard NIC teamings and link aggregation configurations when used in environments that require higher throughput, fault tolerance, or traffic distribution across multiple NICs.