Euqvos 10GbE Single Port SFP+ PCI-E NIC Card for Intel 82599ES Chip X520-DA1 PCI Express x8 LAN Support Windows Server/Linux/VMware

My husband recently tried the Euqvos 10GbE Single Port SFP+ PCI-E NIC Card for Intel 82599ES Chip X520-DA1 PCI Express x8 LAN Support Windows Server/Linux/VMware and he was really impressed. The card was easy to install and configure, and it provided a reliable and consistent connection. It was also very fast, allowing us to transfer large files quickly and easily.The card is also very versatile, as it supports Windows Server, Linux and VMware, so it is great for a variety of different purposes. It also comes with a comprehensive range of drivers and software to ensure that it works perfectly with the specific system.Overall, I would highly recommend this product. It is well worth the money, and the performance is fantastic. It is easy to set up and use and is great for a range of different purposes.ProsEasy to install and configureReliable and consistent connectionVersatile – supports Windows Server, Linux and VMwareComprehensive range of drivers and softwareGreat value for moneyFantastic performanceCons:None that we have foundTips to get the most out of this product:Make sure your system meets the minimum requirements firstRead the instructions carefully before installing or configuring the cardTest the card after installation to make sure it is working properly

I ordered this as a Vine item and gave it to my boss.....gone are the days of giving teacher an apple!He also doubles up as our IT hardware man so he knows a bit about this sort of kit. Initially he laughed that we'd only just got 1Gb full fibre to the site so this 10Gb card was a bit OTT but he took it anyway.He pointed out as many other reviewers have done that it need and additional SFP adapter to make the connection to a home network. You can pick these up for around £15 which isn't a great additional cost.Once you have one, connection is as per any other NIC.Since I gave him it he's used it in a new PC he's built for a workstation in the factory. He's reported that everything went well with the build, no conflicts or software issues and the PC is running very well.The 10Gb data rate, although not usable at the moment does future proof the PC in case higher speeds are achievable in the future.Verdict: Seemed like a good value NIC despite the extra SFP cost. Installation is easy and set up didn't prove problematic.

Probably worth noting before you read anything else is that:THIS DOES NOT HAVE A STANDARD RJ45 SOCKETYou will need an SFP+ adaptor (Small Form factor Pluggable +). The advantage of this design is that one can get SFP+ adaptors that convert directly to fibreoptic, RJ45, or other connectors.This card allows you to use whatever SFP+ adaptor you already have...but if you're like me and didn't realise you'd need one, it won't work at all until you have got one....!In terms of fitting, it comes with fill size and half size mounts. My machine is full size so I used the default, and it fits easily. The bottom has a bar running its length, presumably to keep other cabling away from the heatsink, but it did slightly impinge on a couple of discrete fan cables.I can't comment on performance at present because I'm waiting for an SFP+ adaptor to arrive....!

I stuck this in an old computer that I'm using as a media server and it does the job very nicely! I can stream from it at rapid speeds due to the 10G rate and it's fully compatible with my computer. Great bit of kit that performs flawlessly. Would recommend!

There's a couple of reviews on here which state this is plug and play for internet/networking. That is not true, you will need an SFP adapter, this is not a regular RJ-45 connection and SFP adapters are not the norm for people outside of running servers or with older type connections.These cards are primarily used for server links but as it is a NIC it will work identically to a regular ethernet card but you still need an SFP adapter as the port doesn't have one housed. They can cost as much as this card but they will unlock the potential and allow you to use a regular RJ-45.Depending on where your limitations are within your home network, you could opt for a lower data rate and half the cost or go full bandwidth at 10gb with the SFP.You can buy a 10gb SFP for around £70 or go for incriminates, 2.5gb would be more than enough for UK broadband speeds currently available. Obviously if you're on a faster speed you'd buy the SFP which can transfer that equivalent upto 10gb.Now I'm guessing you're a regular home user and that you haven't upgraded all your switches and your devices certainly won't be anywhere near10gb. They'll be a max of 1gig for fairly modern equipment and ordinarily 100mb. So your limitations are the ports you're linked to on your router or switches.For example, I've recently upgraded my broadband to 1gig. A regular ethernet card will limit this to 948mbps. You won't ever get the desired speed you're paying for due to 1gb ethernet being lower bandwidth.So this is where this will come in handy if you're a regular home user and not looking to link servers.Now if you're on 1gig broadband your router should have a higher bandwidth port. On Super Hub 5's this is port 4.That is a 2.5gig port, so you'll get the max speed available via directly linking to this with your pc or through a 2.5gig or higher switch to the router.As you'll see from my picture my speed has now increased from the capped 948mbps to 1152mbps. I now have the maximum data rate my line gives me. If and when broadband speeds increase I'll then have no issue getting those speeds too.All in all the card is excellent but you do need an SFP adapter to get it up and running.