Comparison: Intel X550-T1 Genuine vs Fake

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tsteine

Active Member
May 15, 2019
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So, in the spirit of @neo 's post, since I've had this experience myself with a counterfeit card, I figured I would post some comparison pictures of a genuine and fake X550-T1 adapter.
This was bought from a reputable net-based retailer which I know is a legit business, since I was once emplyed there, and they likely just got tainted stock, or had a naive category manager. (though I didn't get a recall from them on my order, so likely went under the radar)
Both cards are bought from the same retailer.

The counterfeit card manages about 650MB/sec in iperf.
Genuine card manages 1.09GB/sec in iperf.

Edit: fixed thread title, Thanks Rand.

Counterfeit:
20200316_214358.jpg
Genuine:
20200316_214351.jpg

Things to note on genuine adapter compared to counterfeit:
Adapter is Intel branded
The Pulsejack branding is smaller, centered, and looks engraved/etched onto surface
The heatsink has screws and is larger with fewer and more spaced out fins
Text on components looks engraved/etched instead of printed on on top
Pads for components not placed on the card still have solder prepared
The pci-slot mounting bracket is perforated for airflow

Counterfeit:
20200316_214418.jpg

Genuine:
20200316_214408.jpg

Things to note on genuine adapter:
Intel part number is 940125, which correctly corresponds to X550T1BLK.
Adapter has prepared solder pads for components not placed.
Heatsink is screwed into the card
Mounting holes for heatsink are more heavy duty

Things to note on counterfeit adapter:
Fake adapter has 940136, which corresponds to a X550T2BLK.
Yottamark sticker is not present
No solder prepared on pads
Heatsink is mounted with plastic clips
Mounting holes for heatsink are simply drilled through card
 
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