Name: Intel 500 Series Network Adapters
Rating: 9.6 (11 reviews)
Author: Intel Corporation

Customer Engagement

Help Desk

Web and Video Conferencing

Customer Support

Attendance Tracking

Online Proctoring Software

Education

Association Management

Business Intelligence (BI)

Collaboration

Contract Analysis

Document Generation

File Sync

Enterprise

Accounting

CTRM

Cryptocurrency Mining

Financial Research

SaaS Spend Management

Finance and Accounting

Applicant Tracking

Corporate Learning Management

Corporate Volunteering

HR Compliance

HR Management

Payroll

Recruitment Agency

Succession Planning

Talent Intelligence

Talent Management

Workforce Analytics

Workforce Management

Human Resources

API Design

Cloud Data Warehouse

Cloud Storage

Container Management

DevOps

Fraud Detection

Hadoop-Related

IT Alert Management

Incident Response

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS)

Mobile Data Security

Network Access Control (NAC)

Network Performance Monitoring

Phishing Detection and Response

Relational Database Management Systems

Requirements Management

Tower Servers

Information Technology

A/B Testing

Ad Serving & Retargeting

All-in-One Marketing

Content Management

Conversion Rate Optimization

Customer Loyalty Program

Digital Experience Platforms (DXP)

Email Marketing

Location Intelligence

Marketing Automation

Personalization Engines

Product Management

Social Media Management

Survey & Forms Building

Web Analytics

Marketing

AI Meeting Assistants

Email Signature

Project Management

Professional Services

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Sales

Automotive

Geographic Information

Hotel Management

Insurance Claims Management

Law Practice Management

Mental Health

Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Pharmacy

Telemedicine

Vertical-Specific

Find top rated software and services based on in-depth reviews from verified users. 400+ software categories including PaaS, NoSQL, BI, HR, and more.

Cisco Unified Computing System Adapters (UCS VICs)

Cisco

ATTO FastFrame Converged Network Adapters

ATTO Technology

Broadcom CNA

Broadcom

Broadcom OneConnect

HP StoreFabric Converged Network Adapters

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Intel 700 Series Network Adapters

Intel Corporation

Intel 800 Series Network Adapters

Top Rated awards to be awarded in April 2022.

Top Rated 2022

### Cost Efficiency and Savings
Reviewers consistently praise the Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X540 for its cost efficiency and savings features. Users highlight the affordability of upgrading to 10GbE speeds without the need for extensive infrastructure changes, resulting in significant cost savings. The ability to utilize existing Cat6/7 cabling and switches further enhances the cost-effectiveness of this adapter. Additionally, users appreciate the low cost of entry to 10GbE speeds and the overall reduction in infrastructure and administrative costs associated with this product. (Source Reviews: [1](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-500-series-network-adapters-2022-02-28-23-02-49), [2](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-500-series-network-adapters-2022-02-28-15-56-56), [3](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-05-06-04-28-52), [4](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-27-13-38-48), [5](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-28-08-35-45), [6](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-27-16-27-51), [7](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-28-01-33-44), [8](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-28-14-21-56))

### Compatibility and Upgrades
Reviewers consistently praise the compatibility and upgrade capabilities of Intel's 500 Series Network Adapters. Users appreciate the ability to extend the lifespan of older servers by upgrading them from 1GbE to 10GbE without the need for complete replacements. The adapters' backward compatibility with existing infrastructure, such as Cat6 cabling, is highlighted as a cost-effective solution that saves both time and money. Additionally, the stability of drivers on various operating systems and the ease of installation contribute to a positive user experience when upgrading network capabilities. (Source Reviews: [1](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-500-series-network-adapters-2022-02-28-15-56-56), [2](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-500-series-network-adapters-2022-02-28-23-02-49), [3](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-27-13-38-48), [4](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-500-series-network-adapters-2022-02-23-14-50-10), [5](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-05-06-04-28-52), [6](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-27-23-17-05), [7](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-28-14-21-56))

### Driver and OEM Support
Reviewers consistently highlight the robust driver support and OEM functionality of Intel network adapters, emphasizing the stability and reliability they provide across various operating systems. Users appreciate the ease of installation and the seamless integration with both Windows and Linux systems, underscoring the importance of reliable driver support in ensuring optimal performance. Additionally, the positive feedback regarding the longevity and compatibility of these adapters with different cables further reinforces the value of strong driver and OEM support in enhancing overall user experience. (Source Reviews: [1](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-500-series-network-adapters-2022-02-23-14-50-10), [2](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-500-series-network-adapters-2022-02-28-15-56-56), [3](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-28-14-21-56), [4](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-06-16-22-45-28))

### Ethernet Connectivity
User feedback on the Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X540 largely praises its ethernet connectivity capabilities. Reviewers consistently highlight the adapter's robust ethernet connectivity, emphasizing its reliability and performance in various networking scenarios. The adapter's ethernet connectivity is particularly commended for its ability to enhance network speeds and support high-performance networking requirements. Additionally, users appreciate the adapter's compatibility with existing network infrastructure, such as Cat6 cabling and switches, making it a versatile solution for upgrading network speeds without the need for a complete overhaul. (Source Reviews: [1](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-27-23-17-05), [2](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-500-series-network-adapters-2022-02-23-14-50-10), [3](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-05-06-04-28-52), [4](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-27-16-27-51), [5](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-06-16-22-45-28), [6](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-28-01-33-44), [7](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-28-08-35-45))

### Network Interface Cards (NIC
Reviewers consistently highlight the Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X540's network interface cards (NIC) as a dependable and versatile component in networking environments. Users appreciate the ease of integration and the stability these NICs provide, especially in scenarios where upgrading to 10GbE speeds is necessary without the need for fiber optics. The use of RJ45 ports and the wide support from various operating systems further enhance the appeal of these NICs for users looking to optimize their network performance. (Source Reviews: [1](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-500-series-network-adapters-2022-02-28-15-56-56), [2](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-28-08-35-45), [3](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-05-06-04-28-52), [4](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-06-16-22-45-28), [5](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-28-01-33-44), [6](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-27-23-17-05))

### Converged Networking
Reviewers consistently highlight the Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X540's effectiveness in supporting high-performance environments, particularly in data centers and office networks. The adapter is commended for its stable performance and reliability in handling networking demands within hyper-converged infrastructure setups. While some users mention the absence of RDMA support as a drawback for scenarios with high bandwidth requirements, the X540 is generally regarded as a dependable choice for entry-level to office workloads. (Source Reviews: [1](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-28-01-33-44), [2](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-06-16-22-45-28), [3](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-27-16-27-51), [4](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-28-14-21-56), [5](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/intel-ethernet-converged-network-adapter-x540-2021-04-27-23-17-05))

The default Ethernet adapter has become a go-to solution for users looking to replace failed on-board adapters or add additional NICs. It is commonly used by end-users, servers, and storage devices. The reliability and performance of this adapter have been highly valued by users, even without the use of 10 Gig switches on the other end. In fact, it is being considered for implementation in every desktop on the headquarters LAN as the company transitions to a 10 gig network. In a university setting, particularly on non-blade servers, the Intel 500 Series Network Adapters are widely used to leverage 10Gbe connections. These adapters have proven to be reliable in terms of hardware longevity and software/drivers, while achieving high throughput approaching the expected 10 GbE performance.

Another valuable use case for these adapters is their ability to upgrade machines to 10 GbE speeds while utilizing existing Cat6 cabling and switches. This has been successfully achieved using the Intel X540 adapter. Additionally, the Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X540 is utilized as Storage NICs for entry-level hyper-converged Ethernet solutions, providing suitable 10GbE NIC speed for 2-node clusters with virtual office workloads. One notable advantage of these adapters is their cost-effectiveness as they deliver the best price/performance ratio on the market, especially when directly connected without a switch.

In high-performance environments such as data centers, the Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapters x540 play a crucial role as the primary connectivity option for hardware-level networking. They serve as the backbone for datacenter and inter-site communication. Moreover, these adapters are part of the standard build of materials for all servers, providing stable and well-supported network interface connections.

The versatility of Intel network adapters is evident in their ability to upgrade several old servers from 1Gbe to 10 Gbe, including NAS servers, internet proxies, and speed test servers. By leveraging the Intel 500 adapter along with additional RAM, users have been able to upgrade existing servers without the need for complete replacement. Finally, these Intel CNAs have been instrumental in simplifying data centers by converging Storage Area Network devices with the remaining infrastructure. This reduces complexity and administrative effort while maintaining performance and reliability.

Packaging: Some users have expressed their dissatisfaction with the packaging of the product and suggested that it could be more eco-friendly. They believe that using more sustainable materials in the packaging would be beneficial for the environment. 

Tech Support: A few reviewers have mentioned that they encountered issues with tech support. They feel that there is room for improvement in terms of responsiveness and effectiveness in addressing customer inquiries and resolving technical problems.

Power Consumption: Several users have commented on the power consumption of the product, stating that it could be better optimized. This indicates a desire for more energy-efficient performance from the device to minimize electricity usage and reduce environmental impact.

The Intel 500 Series network adapters are backward compatible with existing 1000BASE-T networks, simplifying the transition to 10Gb Ethernet when more bandwidth is needed. Available in both PCIe and OCP form factors. Available models include the X550, the X540, and the X520.

Intel 500 Series Network Adapters

A converged network adapter (CNA) is a dual-function network appliance for consolidating IT setups, achieved by connecting servers to an FC-based storage area network (SAN) and to an Ethernet-based local area networks (LAN), the hardware itself connecting to the server through a PCIe interface; essentially it spares one the need for two separate adapters.

Converged Network Adapters (CNAs)

Likelihood to Recommend

Ubiquiti Networks UniFi

Scale Computing Platform

Synology DiskStation

Director Of Information Technology and HIPAA Privacy Officer

Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X540 2021-04-28 08:35:45

ManageEngine OpManager

VMware vCenter

Wireshark

CCIE/CISSP, ISO/IEC 27001 Administrador de Seguridad y Riesgo & Gerente de SOC

Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X540 2021-04-27 16:27:51

SolarWinds Security Event Manager (SEM)

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)

SolarWinds IP Address Manager (IPAM)

Intel 500 Series Network Adapters 2022-02-28 15:56:56

Intel 500 Series Network Adapters 2022-02-23 14:50:10

Intel 500 Series Network Adapters 2022-02-28 23:02:49

TrustRadius is a technology and business research firm based in Austin, Texas. The company is known as a review platform for verified B2B technology and software reviews through a proprietary algorithm and human verification.

TrustRadius

Added value

Sales and support

Lead time

Mac os

Server configuration

Tech support

Power consumption

New users

Easy to install

Windows and linux

Form factor

Low latency

Enterprise support

Backward compatibility

Low cost

Easy installation

Well supported

Connectivity options

Home

This is the default Ethernet adapter we purchase for end-users, servers, and storage when we need to replace a failed on-board adapter or add additional NICs. We find its reliability and performance are well worth the price, even when not using 10 Gig switches on the other end. As we move to a 10 gig network over the next year, we will likely be putting the adapter into every desktop on the headquarters LAN.

Throughput
Fit - Low Form Factor
Manageability

easy dual port configuration for link aggregations
easy dual port configuration for redundancy
10gig Ethernet over copper support
Ease of installation
Ease of management

It has enabled us to affordably moved to 10gig for those who need it
it will enable us to affordably move the HQ network to 10gig in the near future
It has simplified and helped us standardize on a NIC across all device types except laptops

Synology DiskStation, Scale Computing HC3, Ubiquiti Networks UniFi

Price
Product Features
Product Usability
Product Reputation
Prior Experience with the Product

I might look closer at Broadcom. That's really the only thing I would change.

Is it being used by a department specifically by SOC. One problem that we faced is that the support should be improved.

Relaibility. Because we can trust the hardware.
Easy installation
Hardware good dimensioned.

Tech Support
Maybe improved Power consumption
Better cost

On-chip QoS and Traffic Management
Storage Over Ethernet
Flexible Port Partitioning

Meet the requirements of operations
Not so good ROI
Better Security of operations

Wireshark, VMware vCenter Server, ManageEngine OpManager

In the University where I work, we use Intel 500 Series Network Adapters on almost all of our non-blade servers. These adapters allowed us to leverage 10Gbe connections which our datacenter switching infrastructure already supported.

10Gbe
Stable driver
RJ45 ports
Supported by Windows and Linux

Ability to upgrade existing servers, saving us from buying new servers
RJ45 ports allowed us to connect to existing infrastructure

The positive impact saved a significant sum upgrading servers to 10Gb instead of replacing entire Servers.
Saved money allowing us to use existing network cabling and switches within the datacenter

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM), SolarWinds IP Address Manager (IPAM), SolarWinds Security Event Manager (SEM)

The Intel 500 Series Network Adapters are great for CAT6 10 GbE. We have used these in place of Broadcom for 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections used by NAS and Dell PowerEdge servers. The adapters have been very reliable in terms of hardware longevity and software/drivers. We have measured high throughput approaching the 10 GbE real-world expected performance.

10 GbE speeds - very fast - measured.
Reliable.
Driver Support.

Expensive (especially when purchased through Dell server configuration).

Fast 10 GbE.
No Compatibility Issues yet with various CAT6 cables.
Excellent Longevity.
Good driver support.

Faster local backups to NAS.
Fast vCenter access to shared SAN storage in a few cases.
Very affordable.

We have several old servers that we use Intel network adapters to increase then from 1Gbe to 10 Gbe. This include NAS server, internet proxy and speed test servers. We were originally looking to replace the servers with new ones but then we found these Intel 500 adapter and also purchased additional RAM and was able to upgrade our present servers.

Stable drivers on both Linux and Widows
10GbE over existing Cat6/Cat7
Low latency

Price could be more competitive.
Overheating issue, these cards run hot so make sure you have cooling for your severs.

Saved us money by allow us to upgrade servers to 10Gbe without replacing entire server.
Saved us money by allowing us to use our existing Cat6 infrastructure.

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM), SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM), HPE Aruba Ethernet Switches

Intel 500 Series Network Adapters

Overview

What is Intel 500 Series Network Adapters?