When choosing a Network Interface Adapter (NIC), it’s important to review your requirements in advance to ensure compatibility and performance. In this article, we’ll cover key aspects to consider when working with Intel’s X520, X550, and X710 NICs. Specifically, supported link speeds, transceiver types, differences in locked and unlocked firmware, PCIe configurations, and other useful details to help you either select the right NIC or configure it effectively.

Supported Speeds:

Intel X520

(X520-SR1, X520-SR2, X520-LR1, X520-DA2)

•10 Gbps (10GBASE-SR, 10GBASE-LR, SFP+ DAC, 10GBASE-T*)
•1 Gbps (1000BASE-SX, 1000BASE-LX) / (10GBASE-SR, 10GBASE-LR, 10GBASE-T*)

Intel X550

(X550-T1, X550-T2)

•10 Gbps(10GBASE-T)
•5 Gbps (NBASE-T)
•2.5 Gbps (NBASE-T)
•1 Gbps (1000BASE-T)
•100 Mbps (100BASE-TX)

Intel X710

(Intel X710-DA2, Intel X710-DA4)

•10 Gbps (10GBASE-SR, 10GBASE-LR, SFP+ DAC, 10GBASE-T*)
•1 Gbps (1000BASE-SX, 1000BASE-LX, 1000BASE-T**)

*10GBASE-T (RJ-45) can be used only if optical coding is used on the transceiver.
**1000GBASE-T (RJ-45) can be used only if optical coding is used on the transceiver

Locked vs Unlocked Firmware

Locked Firmware

Some vendors like Dell, Cisco, HPE, and others have custom firmware on the NICs, restricting them only to the vendor-specific transceivers. When using third-party transceivers, ensure that they are programmed to be compatible with the vendor’s firmware. For instance, Intel NICs require transceivers coded for Intel-specific compatibility.

Unlocked Firmware

Unlocked firmware on a NIC is firmware that allows the NIC to accept any third-party compatible transceivers, making them preferred for laboratories and custom setups due to their flexibility.

Firmware version

On Windows, you can use the PROSet Adapter Configuration Utility to check the firmware versions, and on Linux, you can use the ethtool utility.

Firmware updating

Intel’s NVMUpdate64e tool can show whether a NIC has any OEM restrictions. It can also be used to update the firmware of an Intel NIC. The process involves downloading the update package, running the update tool, and then power cycling equipment for the changes to take effect.

PCIe Requirements

When using NICs, it’s essential to ensure your hardware has the correct PCIe slot with the appropriate lane configuration and PCIe version. Be sure to consult the vendor’s documentation or datasheet for the recommended PCIe generation and lane configuration for your specific NIC. For a more detailed breakdown of PCIe slots and their differences, you can refer to our PCIe Network Interface Card Guide.

Breakout Cable Support

A Network Interface Card must support lane partitioning / breakout mode to have the ability to use breakout cables. If you have an Intel NIC that supports this, you can use the Ethernet Port Configuration Tool (EPCT) from Intel to change the port configuration. This used to be done through Intel’s QCU (QSFP+ Configuration Utility), but it has been discontinued.
Drivers and firmware can also play a role in the compatibility, so make sure you have the appropriate drivers and firmware (NVM) versions. Required NVM image versions and drivers can usually be found in the NIC’s documentation. We’ll cover this more in-depth later as well.

40G to 4x10G breakout compatibility.

A 40G port, QSFP+ carrying 4 lanes of 10Gb/s, can be used with a QSFP+ to 4x10G SFP breakout cable, giving you four independent 10G links from a single 40G port. For example, the Intel XL710-QDA1/-QDA2 series cards specify this support of 40G to 40G DAC and 40G to 4x10G breakout cable.

100G to 4x25G breakout compatibility.

Similarly, a 100G port, QSFP28 carrying 4 lanes of 25Gb/s, can be used with a QSFP28 to 4x25G SFP28 breakout cable, and can give you four independent 25G links from a single 100G port.

How to Use a Breakout Cable with a NIC (40G QSFP+ to 10G SFP+)

Verify the hardware and firmware support in the NIC datasheet.
Install or update the NIC’s driver to the required version if needed.
Update the NIC firmware (NVM) to the required version if needed.
Set the port to 4x10G mode for breakout using EPCT or vendor equivalent method.
Connect your equipment using the breakout cable.
Configure the 10G side ports, speeds, VLAN, etc.
On the NIC, verify that four independent links appear, traffic flows across each link as expected, and monitor for any errors.
Revert if needed – using EPCT or vendor equivalent method, configure back to non-breakout mode.

Drivers Requirements

Intel’s X520, X550, and X710 series cards are widely supported across the major operating systems, like Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD, but ensuring the correct drivers are installed is key to ensuring everything is working as expected.

Windows

Most Intel NICs work out-of-the-box with Windows inbox drivers, but you can also use the Intel® Driver & Support Assistant or manually find and install them from their Download Center. Intel’s PROSet drivers are recommended for full feature support, which includes configuration tools and management utilities.

Linux

For X520 and X550, Linux uses the ixgbe driver, and for the X710, it uses the i40e driver. Compatibility and performance may depend on the kernel version, as newer kernels might have better support, improved stability, and additional feature support. Older distributions may require updating or installing the latest Intel driver package manually to ensure full compatibility and functionality.

FreeBSD / pfSense

Intel’s X520 and X550 cards use the ix driver, while the X710 uses the i40e driver. Some older pfSense or FreeBSD versions may include outdated drivers, which can negatively impact link stability or other features like VLAN tagging and hardware offloads.

Key Takeaways

When choosing or setting up Intel X520, X550, or X710 NICs, it’s recommended that you review the points covered above to ensure full compatibility and stable performance. Verify that the NIC supports your required link speeds and transceiver types, and check whether its firmware is locked or unlocked. If the firmware is locked, use transceivers coded for compatibility with that NIC. Make sure it’s installed in a suitable PCIe slot and verify the breakout cable support if it will be needed.

Intel X520/X550/X710 NIC Guide