Intel

Intel E10G42BTDABLK X520-DA2 10Gb Ethernet Network Adapter

Dual-port 10Gb Ethernet adapter on a low-profile PCIe x8 card for high-throughput server and storage networking.

$80.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X520-DA2 (E10G42BTDABLK) is a dual-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet card designed to bring high-speed network connectivity to servers, workstations, and storage appliances. Built around Intel's 82599ES controller — one of the most widely supported 10Gb Ethernet chips in the industry — it provides two SFP+ ports capable of delivering up to 20Gbps of aggregate bandwidth. The adapter slots into a PCIe 2.0 x8 lane and comes in a low-profile form factor, making it compatible with a wide range of server chassis from compact 1U rackmounts to full-tower workstations.

Driver support is a significant strength of the X520-DA2, with native or readily available drivers for Windows Server, major Linux distributions, VMware ESXi, and other hypervisor platforms. Features like SR-IOV (Single Root I/O Virtualization) and VMDq (Virtual Machine Device Queues) make it particularly effective in virtualized environments where network traffic needs to be efficiently distributed across multiple VMs. Whether used for iSCSI storage networking, inter-server communication, or general-purpose high-speed LAN connectivity, the X520-DA2 has earned its reputation as a dependable and cost-effective way to bring 10Gb networking to existing infrastructure.

Specifications

Brand
Intel
Model
E10G42BTDABLK (X520-DA2)
Interface
PCI Express 2.0 x8
Ports
2x 10Gb Ethernet (SFP+)
Form Factor
Low Profile
Controller
Intel 82599ES

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Dual 10Gb SFP+ ports deliver high bandwidth for demanding server, storage, and virtualization networking
  • Low-profile PCIe design fits in both standard and compact server chassis
  • Intel's proven controller provides broad driver support across Windows, Linux, and VMware platforms
  • PCIe 2.0 x8 interface offers sufficient throughput to support full dual-port 10Gb operation

👎 Cons

  • SFP+ transceivers or direct-attach cables are required but not included, adding to the total cost
  • PCIe 2.0 interface is an older generation, which may limit future upgrade paths on newer platforms
  • Does not support 25Gb or higher Ethernet speeds if network requirements grow beyond 10Gb
  • Can generate noticeable heat under sustained high-throughput loads, potentially requiring adequate chassis airflow

Frequently Asked Questions

It provides two 10Gb Ethernet ports, allowing dual high-speed network connections from a single adapter.
The X520-DA2 uses SFP+ ports, which require compatible SFP+ transceivers or direct-attach copper cables (sold separately).
Yes, it has a low-profile form factor and is designed to fit in standard and low-profile PCIe expansion slots.
It requires a PCIe 2.0 x8 slot, though it is also compatible with x16 slots.