Overview

The NICGIGA 10Gb Dual SFP+ PCIe Card is a 10Gbps network interface card built around the Intel 82599 (X520-DA2) controller. It features two SFP+ ports, allowing you to take advantage of up to 20Gbps of combined bandwidth across the two connections.
This card installs into a PCIe x8 slot and is designed for desktop PCs, workstations, and servers that need a fast wired network connection. It is particularly useful for transferring large files to and from a NAS or storage server, or for building a 10GbE environment across multiple machines.
In terms of market positioning, this card sits in the entry-to-mid tier of 10GbE adoption. It uses an Intel chipset while remaining relatively affordable, which makes it an attractive option for users who want 10GbE without spending a fortune.

Connectivity & Compatibility

The card uses a PCI Express x8 interface and can be installed in either x8 or x16 slots. Note that it is not compatible with legacy PCI slots, so older machines without PCIe x8 or x16 slots cannot use this card.
On the network side, it provides two SFP+ ports for 10Gbps SFP+ modules or DAC cables. It supports IEEE 802.3an, 802.3, 802.3u, and 802.3ab protocols, along with automatic backward negotiation.
Supported operating systems include Windows, Windows Server, Linux, and VMware, covering both general desktop use and server deployments. The package includes both standard and slim brackets, making it easier to fit the card into mini-tower cases and other compact chassis.

Product Info

This product is a 10GbE network card released under the NICGIGA brand, featuring the Intel 82599 (X520-DA2) controller. Its dual SFP+ port configuration is a key highlight, providing two 10Gbps connections for flexible network setups.
Check the retailer's page for the latest price. The combination of an Intel chipset at this price point is the card's main competitive advantage in the market.

Best Use Cases

  • Home users or small offices building a 10GbE network: the dual-port design allows direct connection to two devices without a switch, simplifying the setup.
  • NAS or file server owners frustrated with transfer speeds: upgrading to 10GbE offers a significant speed improvement over gigabit environments for large data transfers.
  • Users running VMware or Linux servers at home: the broad OS support makes this card a reliable choice for server workloads and homelab experimentation.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: NICGIGA
  • Seller: Amazon Global Store
  • ASIN: B0HMZNST4R
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.