Overview

The Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X550-T2 is a PCIe add-in card that brings 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to desktop PCs and servers. With two RJ-45 ports, it leverages existing Cat6a/7 cabling for a straightforward upgrade path. Powered by Intel silicon, it delivers reliable high throughput and low latency.

Key Features

  • Dual 10GbE ports (RJ-45) — two independent 10 Gbps connections
  • PCI Express 3.0 x8 interface — ample bandwidth for both ports
  • Uses standard Cat6a/7 cables — no need to rewire
  • Supports iSCSI, FCoE, and Virtual Machine Device Queues (VMDq)
  • Intel chipset ensures stability and long-term driver support

Compatibility Guide

  • Slot requirement: PCI Express 3.0 x8 or higher (works in x16 slots)
  • OS support: Windows Server, Linux, VMware ESXi, and more
  • Power draw: ~15W (card only) — no additional power cable needed
  • Form factor: standard low-profile bracket included
  • Note: If your motherboard has "Above 4G Decoding" or "Resizable BAR" enabled, the card may not be detected. Try disabling those features if you encounter issues.

Ideal Use Cases

  • Home or small office users wanting 10GbE connectivity to a NAS or file server
  • Video editors and creative professionals who transfer large files frequently
  • Server administrators running multiple VMs that need dedicated bandwidth
  • Anyone planning a gradual upgrade from Gigabit to 10GbE

Upgrade Considerations

  • To achieve 10GbE speeds, your switch and NAS must also support 10GbE. A single 10GbE device connected to a Gigabit switch will be limited to 1 Gbps.
  • PCIe 3.0 x8 offers ~8 GB/s bidirectional bandwidth, well above the combined ~2.5 GB/s needed for two 10GbE ports.
  • The card runs relatively cool, but ensure adequate airflow in your case to prevent dust buildup on the heatsink.
  • This product is manufactured by Intel. Drivers and firmware updates are available from Intel's official website.

Specifications

  • Ports: 2 (RJ-45)
  • Max data rate: 10 Gbps per port
  • Interface: PCI Express 3.0 x8
  • Cable type: Cat6a / Cat7 (up to 100m)
  • Power consumption: ~15W
  • Supported OS: Windows Server 2012 R2+, Linux Kernel 3.x+, VMware ESXi 6.0+
  • Warranty: Intel standard warranty (check with your retailer)

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: INTEL
  • Brand: インテル
  • Seller: オフィス・モア (in 神戸)
  • Fulfilled by: オフィス・モア (in 神戸)
  • Model: X550T2
  • ASIN: B01D3ZE0FY
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.