PCIe 10G SFP+ NIC for PC/workstation (not server)

Hardware MikroTik hardware general
1

Hi,
I’m looking for a budget 10G SFP+ NIC (can also be dual-port) that can be used in a normal PC (ie. it’s not server hardware).
I’ve tested the “HP 10GbE Network Adapter NC523SFP / SFP-H10GB-CU3M, 2 x SFP+, PCIe x8”,
but it’s designed to be used in server hardware as it requires active cooling, and gets also very hot.

So, either a new NIC, or an alternative solution using a cooling fan for the above NIC,
or perhaps a standalone mini cooling fan that can be inserted into an empty slot next to the NIC.

Anybody else had this same problem and can give some tips, links? Thx.

2

I’m using Mellanox ConnectX-3 Cards in normal PCs.
They work fine in Windows 10 and Linux, no extra software or cooling required.

3

Thank you for sharing your practical experience.

4

I’m also using Mellanox ConnectX-3 (and some older ConnectX-2) cards, they are working perfectly fine with no additional cooling in my PCs or Workstations.

5

What modules are you using with them? Do generic 10G ones from fs.com or maxlink work?

Any recommendations for cheaper 10G NIC with a single port?

6

I use 10G fibre modules from fs.com, I’ve tested modules with ‘Mellanox’ and ‘Generic’ coding, both types are working fine with my Mellanox cards :slight_smile: