DELL X540-T2Product 10GbE dual RJ-45 PCIe 2.0 x8 network card

Dell X540-T2 10GbE Dual-Port Card

This Dell X540-T2 network card adds two 10GBase-T RJ-45 ports through a PCI Express 2.0 x8 slot. It suits servers or workstations that need 10 Gigabit Ethernet over twisted-pair copper cabling. The plug-in card form factor fits standard low-profile or full-height brackets depending on the bracket fitted. Buyers who need fibre connectivity or a single-port adapter should look elsewhere.

Sustained 10GBase-T Throughput

The Intel X540 controller maintains line-rate 10 Gb/s across both ports under continuous load, limited by the PCIe 2.0 x8 host interface bandwidth. Heat output remains consistent during long transfers because the card uses a passive heatsink design without a fan. Performance scales with cable quality; Category 6a or better twisted pair is required for reliable 10GBase-T links. The card does not offload encryption or compression tasks.

Compatibility Checks Before Ordering

Verify that your motherboard or riser provides a free PCI Express 2.0 x8 slot with enough physical clearance for a dual-port plug-in card. Confirm the operating system includes or can load the Intel X540 driver for your kernel version. Ensure the chassis airflow can dissipate the card heat without active cooling on the adapter itself. Systems limited to PCIe 1.0 or x4 electrical width will not achieve full 10GbE throughput.