Cisco Intel X710T2LG 2x10 GbE RJ45 PCIe NIC

The Cisco Intel X710T2LG 2x10 GbE RJ45 PCIe NIC delivers enterprise-grade performance for servers, storage systems, and virtualized environments. Built around the Intel X710 chipset, this dual-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet network interface card provides fast, reliable copper-based 10GBASE-T connectivity to meet demanding data center workloads. With a compact, half-height design, it fits neatly into dense server chassis and blade servers, enabling scalable upgrades without compromising space. This NIC is engineered to reduce CPU overhead, enable high-throughput networking, and support modern virtualization features—making it an ideal upgrade for workloads ranging from hyper-converged infrastructure to high-performance databases and large-scale virtualization clusters. Whether you’re upgrading a rack of servers, building a resilient storage array, or boosting a hypervisor host, the X710T2LG is designed to deliver consistent performance, low latency, and flexible LAN connectivity.

• Dual 10GbE RJ45 ports (10GBASE-T) provide fast, scalable uplinks and server connections with copper cabling, enabling flexible network topology and easy integration with existing copper infrastructure.
• Intel X710T2LG chipset delivers high throughput with hardware offloads, low latency, and robust virtualization support to optimize VM density, networking performance, and traffic isolation.
• Low-profile, half-height PCIe card with a short bracket height for dense server racks, blade servers, and small form factor systems—designed to maximize slot utilization in data centers.
• Copper twisted-pair connectivity using 10GBASE-T, offering broad compatibility with standard switches and switches’ copper ports, while enabling flexible distance options within data center racks.
• Plug-in card with broad OS and platform support for modern servers and virtualization platforms, enabling straightforward deployment, NIC teaming, and optional features such as VLAN offloads and link aggregation for fault tolerance and higher throughput.

Technical Details of Cisco Intel X710T2LG 2x10 GbE RJ45 PCIe NIC

• Product: Cisco Intel X710T2LG 2x10 GbE RJ45 PCIe NIC
• Interface: PCI Express
• Ports: 2 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 (10GBASE-T)
• Chipset: Intel X710T2LG
• Data transfer rate: Up to 1.25 GB/s per port (10 Gbps full-duplex)
• Form factor: Low-profile, half-height PCIe card with corresponding bracket height
• Cable type: Copper twisted-pair (RJ-45)
• Standards supported: 10GBASE-T and associated Ethernet standards via copper cabling
• Compatibility notes: Designed for broad server, hypervisor, and OS compatibility with driver support from Intel/Cisco

How to install Cisco Intel X710T2LG 2x10 GbE RJ45 PCIe NIC

Install the X710T2LG in a compatible PCIe slot to upgrade or replace networking capabilities in your server. Follow these steps to ensure a proper, stable installation and optimal performance:

• Prepare the server: Power down the system, disconnect power cables, and ground yourself to avoid static discharge. Remove the chassis cover to access the motherboard and available PCIe slots.
• Choose the right slot: Locate a PCIe x8 (or larger) slot that is unoccupied. The X710T2LG works in standard PCIe slots, and the half-height design fits most dense server enclosures.
• Insert the card: Align the NIC with the slot and firmly press until it sits securely. Ensure the connectors are fully seated and that the card is flush with the motherboard. If necessary, use a screw to secure the bracket to the chassis.
• Close the chassis and power on: Reattach the chassis cover, reconnect power, and boot the server. Watch for any POST messages indicating new hardware recognition.
• Install drivers and firmware: After the OS boots, install the latest Intel X710 drivers from the official Intel/Cisco source. Apply any available firmware updates to ensure compatibility with your operating system and to unlock full feature support such as NIC teaming and virtualization offloads.
• Configure network settings: Set up the NIC within the operating system. Create NIC teams or bonds if required, enable offloads, configure VLANs, and verify link status for both ports. Connect 10GBASE-T copper cables to appropriate switches or uplink devices, ensuring the link is up on both sides.
• Validate connectivity: Run throughput tests, latency measurements, and basic network tests to confirm expected performance. Check for stability under load and monitor for any errors or dropped frames.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the maximum data rate per port? A: Each port supports up to 10 Gbps, which corresponds to approximately 1.25 GB/s in full-duplex operation.
• Q: Is this NIC suitable for virtualization environments? A: Yes. The Intel X710 chipset includes virtualization-friendly features and, with the appropriate drivers, supports NIC teaming, SR-IOV, and other offloads beneficial for virtualized workloads.
• Q: What cables are required? A: Copper twisted-pair RJ-45 cables are used for 10GBASE-T connectivity. Use Cat6a or better for reliable performance over longer distances, per your network design.
• Q: Which operating systems are supported? A: The NIC supports a wide range of operating systems with drivers provided by Intel and Cisco. Typical environments include various Windows Server editions, Linux distributions, and popular hypervisors; always verify driver availability for your specific OS version.
• Q: Can I use both ports for link aggregation? A: Yes. The dual-port design supports NIC teaming and LACP to increase throughput and provide failover protection when configured in a supported environment.
• Q: What form factor is the card? A: It is a low-profile, half-height PCIe card designed for dense server deployments while still providing two full 10GBASE-T ports.
• Q: Do I need special firmware? A: Keeping the NIC firmware and drivers up to date is recommended to maximize performance, stability, and compatibility with newer OS versions and virtualization platforms.