Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter - X550-T2 - Black
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Product Information
Full details
The Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X550-T2 is designed for IT professionals and data center managers looking to upgrade to 10GbE networking without the complexity of optical cabling. Its key benefit is the ability to use standard copper CAT6 and CAT6A infrastructure while maintaining backward compatibility with 1GbE, 2.5GbE, and 5GbE networks. One caveat to keep in mind is that this adapter is specifically engineered for server environments, so it may require specific driver support for non-standard workstation operating systems.
All features
| Colour | Black |
|---|---|
| Model Part Number | X550-T2 |
| Brand | Intel |
Extended Product Information
FAQs
Does this card support fiber optic connections?
No, this is a copper-based interface adapter using RJ45 connectors.
What is the maximum cable length?
The maximum distance is 100 meters using CAT6A cabling, or 55 meters using standard CAT6 cabling.
Is this card backward compatible with 1GbE networks?
Yes, the X550-T2 supports autonegotiation to work with 1GbE, 2.5GbE, 5GbE, and 10GbE equipment.
Does the card require a PCIe 3.0 slot?
Yes, it is designed for a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot to reach its full 8 GT/s data transfer capability.
Can I use this in a desktop PC?
While the interface is standard, this card is designed and validated for server environments; desktop compatibility may vary based on OS and driver availability.
Does it require an active cooling fan?
No, the card uses a single-chip design that is highly efficient and does not require an active heatsink or cooling fan.
Troubleshooting
Adapter not detected by host OS
Verify the card is fully seated in the PCIe slot and check the BIOS to ensure the PCIe slot is enabled.
Slow speeds on a 10GbE network
Ensure you are using CAT6A cables for the full 100m reach; CAT6 is limited to 55m for 10G speeds.
Virtual machine network performance issues
Check that your hypervisor settings are correctly configured to utilize SR-IOV features provided by the card driver.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Uses familiar, cost-effective RJ45 copper cabling
- Seamlessly migrates legacy 1GbE networks to 10GbE
- Low-power design with no active heatsink requirements
- Excellent support for virtualization and cloud-ready architectures
Cons
- Not compatible with fiber optic cable infrastructures
- Primary focus on server-grade OS support
- Requires PCIe 3.0 slot for optimal performance
Setup, Compatibility & Care
- Installation: Ensure the server is powered down and the adapter is securely seated in a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot. The card comes with both Low-Profile (LP) and Full-Height (FH) brackets to accommodate different chassis types.
- Drivers: Download the latest drivers from the official Intel support portal, specifically looking for your host operating system (e.g., Windows Server 2012 R2 or supported Linux distributions).
- Cabling: Use CAT6 cables for distances up to 55 meters and CAT6A for maximum performance up to 100 meters. Avoid sharp bends in the copper cabling to maintain signal integrity.
- Thermal Management: While the card is designed for high efficiency, ensure your server chassis maintains adequate airflow to keep the adapter within its 0-55 °C operating range.