10Gtek X520-10G-1S 10Gb PCI-E NIC Network Card User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, configuration, and operation of the 10Gtek X520-10G-1S 10Gb PCI-E NIC Network Card. This high-performance network adapter features a single SFP+ port and is powered by the Intel 82599EN controller, designed for demanding data center environments and high-speed networking applications.

The card supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows Server 2003/2008/2012, Windows 7/8/10, Linux, and VMware ESX/ESXi. It also supports storage over Ethernet protocols such as iSCSI, FCoE, and NFS.

2. Product Features

• High-Performance Controller: Equipped with an original Intel 82599EN controller, supporting I/O virtualization for enhanced server stability.
• 10 Gigabit Connectivity: Features a single SFP+ port for 10 Gigabit SFP+ modules, DAC (Direct Attach Copper), or AOC (Active Optical Cable) connections. Note: Does not support 1G/2.5G/5G.
• PCI-E X8 Lane: Compatible with both PCI-E X8 and PCI-E X16 slots for versatile installation.
• Broad OS Support: Compatible with Windows Server 2003/2008/2012, Windows 7/8/10, Linux, and VMware ESX/ESXi.
• Flexible Bracket Options: Includes both a standard profile bracket and an additional low-profile bracket for installation in various computer cases and servers.
• Storage over Ethernet: Supports iSCSI, FCoE, and NFS for efficient storage solutions.

3. Package Contents

The package includes:

• 10GbE PCI-E X8 Card X520-10G-1S (x2 units for the 2-pack variant)
• Low-profile Bracket (x2 units for the 2-pack variant)

Image: The 10Gtek X520-10G-1S 10Gb PCI-E NIC Network Card with its standard bracket.

4. Installation Guide

4.1 Hardware Installation

1. Power off your computer or server and disconnect all power cables.
2. Open the computer case.
3. Locate an available PCI-E X8 or X16 slot on your motherboard.
4. Remove the corresponding metal slot cover from the computer case.
5. Carefully insert the 10Gtek NIC into the PCI-E slot, ensuring it is fully seated.
6. Secure the NIC to the case with a screw.
7. Close the computer case and reconnect all power cables.

Image: Illustration of PCIe X8 and X16 slots, indicating compatibility for the network card.

4.2 Bracket Installation/Removal

If your computer case requires a low-profile bracket, follow these steps to change the bracket:

1. Unscrew the two screws securing the existing bracket to the NIC.
2. Hold the NIC vertically with the SFP+ ports facing upwards.
3. Gently press down on both ends of the bracket to detach it from the SFP+ ports.
4. Align the new bracket with the SFP+ ports, ensuring the ports are parallel.
5. Push the new bracket firmly into place until the screw holes align.
6. Tighten the screws to secure the new bracket.

Image: Visual guide for removing and installing the network card bracket.

4.3 Driver Installation

After hardware installation, you will need to install the appropriate drivers for your operating system.

For Windows 10/11:

For Windows 11, it is recommended to use the Windows 10 driver as Intel does not provide a dedicated driver for Windows 11 for this controller. Follow these steps:

1. Insert the NIC into your system and boot into Windows 11.
2. Confirm that the Ethernet Controller is recognized in Device Manager (it may appear under "Other devices" with a yellow exclamation mark).
3. Download the Windows 10 driver for the Intel 82599EN NIC from the official Intel website: Intel Network Adapter Driver for Windows 10.
4. Extract the downloaded driver files to a known location.
5. Open Device Manager, right-click on the "Ethernet Controller" (or the unrecognized device), and select "Update driver".
6. Choose "Browse my computer for drivers" and navigate to the extracted driver folder.
7. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the driver installation.

For other operating systems (Windows Server, Linux, VMware), please refer to the official Intel support website for the latest drivers and installation instructions for the Intel 82599EN controller.

5. Operating Instructions

1. After successful driver installation, the network card should be recognized by your operating system.
2. Connect your SFP+ module, DAC, or AOC cable to the SFP+ port on the NIC.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to your 10 Gigabit switch or another 10 Gigabit network device.
4. Verify network connectivity and speed through your operating system's network settings or network utility tools.
5. For advanced configurations, such as VLANs, teaming, or storage over Ethernet (iSCSI, FCoE, NFS), refer to your operating system's documentation and the Intel network adapter software suite.

Image: Diagram illustrating the application of the 10Gtek NIC in a network setup with a switch and fiber patch cord.

6. Troubleshooting

• No Network Connectivity:
  • Ensure the NIC is properly seated in the PCI-E slot.
  • Verify that the network cable (SFP+ module, DAC, or AOC) is securely connected to both the NIC and the network device.
  • Check the link lights on the NIC and the connected network device.
  • Confirm that the correct drivers are installed and updated.
• Driver Installation Issues:
  • For Windows 11, ensure you are using the Windows 10 driver as specified in Section 4.3.
  • Download drivers only from the official Intel website to ensure compatibility and integrity.
  • If the device appears as "Unknown Device" or "Ethernet Controller" with an error in Device Manager, try manually updating the driver by browsing to the extracted driver folder.
• Slow Network Speed:
  • Ensure all connected devices (switch, cables) support 10 Gigabit speeds.
  • Verify that the NIC is operating at 10Gbps in your operating system's network adapter settings.
  • Check for any network congestion or issues with other network components.
• System Instability:
  • Ensure your system's power supply is adequate for all installed components.
  • Verify that the NIC is not overheating. The integrated heatsink should provide sufficient cooling under normal operating conditions.

7. Specifications

Image: Dimensions of the 10Gtek X520-10G-1S network card.

8. Warranty and Support

This 10Gtek product comes with a 3-year warranty and lifetime technology support. For any technical assistance or warranty claims, please contact 10Gtek customer service.

For users of QNAP/Synology devices, due to specific compatibility considerations, it is recommended to contact 10Gtek before purchase for guidance.