Lekuo Dual-Port 10G RJ45 PCIe x4/x8 Network Card – Intel X550 10GbE Adapter for Server / NAS / Workstation

Dual 10GbE Ports

Two RJ45 ports with multi-speed support: 100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10G. Use both ports simultaneously for link aggregation to achieve 20Gbps total bandwidth, or configure them as separate independent connections for maximum flexibility.

Intel X550 Chipset

Enterprise-class controller with SR-IOV and virtualization support. Trusted by data centers worldwide for consistent performance, low CPU overhead, and advanced offload capabilities.

Universal Compatibility

Windows Server, Linux, VMware ESXi, FreeBSD - PCIe x4/x8/x16 slots. Mature, stable drivers maintained by Intel and the open-source community ensure broad compatibility.

Low Profile Ready

Includes both standard and low-profile brackets for compact 1U/2U servers, small form factor PCs, and standard ATX cases.

💾 System Compatibility

• Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012
• Windows 11/10
• Linux (RHEL, SLES, Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS)
• VMware ESXi 5.x/6.x/7.x+
• FreeBSD 9/10+
• UEFI 2.1/2.3+

🌡️ Environmental Specs

• Operating: 0°C to 55°C
• Storage: -40°C to 70°C
• Humidity: 5% to 90% non-condensing

🔌 Will this card work in a PCIe x4 slot?

Yes! The PI50R21 is designed for PCIe x4 slots and is also compatible with x8 and x16 slots. It will work at full 10Gbps speed per port in any of these configurations. The PCIe 3.0 x4 interface provides 8.0 GT/s bandwidth, which is more than sufficient for dual 10Gbps ports without any bottlenecks.

💻 Is this compatible with my NAS (Synology/QNAP/TrueNAS)?

Absolutely! This card works with most NAS systems including Synology, QNAP, TrueNAS, and Unraid. Make sure your NAS has an available PCIe slot and supports the Intel X550 chipset (most modern systems do). Many users have successfully deployed this card in DS920+, DS1621+, TVS-h674, and similar models. The Intel X550 chipset is widely supported and provides excellent compatibility with NAS operating systems.

🌐 Do I need a 10G switch to use this card?

Not necessarily! The card supports multi-speed operation (100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10G), so it will work with standard 1G switches at 1Gbps speed. For full 10Gbps performance, you'll need a 10G switch or direct connection to another 10G device. Many users start with a direct connection between two 10G-equipped systems (such as a NAS and workstation) before investing in a 10G switch. This point-to-point configuration is perfect for home labs and small office setups.

🔧 Do I need to install drivers?

For basic functionality, most modern operating systems include inbox drivers for the Intel X550 chipset. However, for optimal performance and access to advanced features like SR-IOV, VMDq, and hardware offloading, we recommend downloading the latest drivers from Intel. A driver package link is provided in the download section below. The Intel X550 benefits from mature, well-maintained drivers across all major operating systems.

⚡ What cables do I need?

For 10Gbps operation: Use Cat6a or Cat7 Ethernet cables for distances up to 100 meters. Cat6 cables work reliably for shorter runs (up to 55 meters at 10Gbps). For 1Gbps and below: Standard Cat5e or Cat6 cables are sufficient. Avoid using old or damaged cables as they can cause connection issues, packet loss, or reduced speeds. Quality cables are essential for maintaining stable 10GbE connections.

🖥️ Can I use both ports simultaneously?

Yes! Both ports can be used at the same time. You can configure them for link aggregation (LACP/802.3ad bonding/teaming) for 20Gbps total bandwidth, or use them as separate independent 10G connections. Link aggregation also provides redundancy - if one connection fails, traffic automatically fails over to the other port. This is particularly useful for mission-critical applications where network uptime is essential.

🌡️ Does this card require active cooling?

The card has a passive heatsink and typically doesn't require additional cooling in well-ventilated systems. Maximum power consumption is only 13W, which is relatively low for a dual-port 10GbE card. Ensure your case has adequate airflow, especially in compact or densely populated systems. The passive design means silent operation without any fan noise.

🔄 Can I use this for virtualization (VMware/Proxmox)?

Absolutely! The Intel X550 chipset supports SR-IOV with up to 64 virtual functions per port, making it perfect for VMware ESXi, Proxmox VE, KVM, and other virtualization platforms. SR-IOV allows you to allocate virtual network interfaces directly to virtual machines, providing near-native network performance. The chipset also supports VMDq (Virtual Machine Device Queues) and other virtualization-optimized features that reduce CPU overhead and improve overall system performance.

📏 Will this fit in my small form factor (SFF) PC?

Yes! The package includes a low-profile bracket, making it compatible with both full-height and low-profile cases. Card dimensions are 130mm × 64mm. Verify that your system has an available PCIe slot with sufficient clearance. This makes the PI50R21 suitable for compact 1U/2U servers, small form factor workstations, and standard ATX cases.

🛡️ What's the warranty coverage?

This product comes with a standard manufacturer warranty. Please contact our support team for specific warranty terms and conditions in your region. We stand behind the quality of our products and are committed to providing excellent customer support.

💾 Can I use this card for iSCSI storage networking?

Yes! The Intel X550 chipset is well-suited for iSCSI deployments. It provides hardware offload capabilities that reduce CPU overhead and deliver consistent low-latency performance. Many enterprise storage systems and NAS devices use Intel-based network adapters for iSCSI connectivity. The 10GbE speed ensures high throughput for storage traffic, making it ideal for SAN environments.

🔗 Does this support link aggregation (LACP/bonding)?

Yes! You can configure the dual ports for IEEE 802.3ad link aggregation (LACP) or other bonding modes supported by your operating system. This provides increased bandwidth (up to 20Gbps combined) and redundancy. Note that your switch must also support LACP for dynamic link aggregation. Alternative bonding modes like active-backup, balance-rr, and balance-xor are also supported depending on your OS.