Intel X520-DA1 prices have dropped!

[aj84]

Shouldn't the X520 work under Windows using Fiberstore compatible transceivers? (this one with intel compatible comment or this one ?)

 

[pgh5278]

At a previous job we had a data center tech who couldn't assemble a pile of Supermicro parts into a server without causing a short somewhere to save his life. We started using his name as a verb. Perhaps he is now working wherever those cards came from...

Worked with a technician like that, we gave him a set of plastic coated screw drivers....

 

[jfeldt]

So which work in Windows?

Only Intel branded in my experience. Several other brands I have that are known working would not initialize.

 

[uOpt]

Excuse my ignorance but given that these are not CAT6, why would I pick them over Infiniband?

 

[Chuckleb]

Ethernet meshes into your existing network easily, Infiniband does not without a bridge device of some sort. This allows folks to intermingle and reduce a network.

 

[T_Minus]

Only Intel branded in my experience. Several other brands I have that are known working would not initialize.

Thanks!

Guess I'm off to get a couple intel, and generics to figure out what to mix and match most affordable If you have part#s of ones that "work in windows" please share too

 

[Marsh]

What is accepted lowest BO price for single port?

 

[T_Minus]

IIRC it was 16$ for 1 port Chelsio. I got a couple of those, a couple intels and will see which work with the SFP's I have and the OS's & Hypervisors I'm playing around with to find the "Right" combo for each project And then it's additional sfp and configuration fun Almost as fun as testing 2 dozen CPUs lol!!

 

[RchGrav]

Thanks!

Guess I'm off to get a couple intel, and generics to figure out what to mix and match most affordable If you have part#s of ones that "work in windows" please share too

I usually stick to cables listed as being 100% compatible with the Cisco SFP-H10GB DAC Cable Assembly and they work just fine. Never had an issue, just make sure the cables are fully engaged and locked.

SFP-H10GB - Google Search

Cheapest price $18 + Shipping for a 2M Cable

 

[ekke]

Do you need to check compatebility with twinax DAC cables too as with transceivers?

 

[RchGrav]

Do you need to check compatebility with twinax DAC cables too as with transceivers?

Basically 10Gbps Ethernet adapters using SFP+ (10GBase-CU / 10GBase-CX1) are compatible with any SFP+ passive or active limiting direct attach copper cables that comply with the SFF-8431 v4.1 and SFF-8472 (v10.4 – 11.1) specifications. In order to search for and find the best price for DAC cables I have found that the cisco compatible part numbers yield the best results... (Google Search)

Here is a table of the part numbers..

SFP-H10GB-CU1M      Twinax cable, passive, 30AWG cable assembly    1m
SFP-H10GB-CU1-5M    Twinax cable, passive, 30AWG cable assembly    1.5m
SFP-H10GB-CU2M      Twinax cable, passive, 30AWG cable assembly    2m
SFP-H10GB-CU2-5M    Twinax cable, passive, 30AWG cable assembly    2.5m
SFP-H10GB-CU3M      Twinax cable, passive, 30AWG cable assembly    3m
SFP-H10GB-CU5M      Twinax cable, passive, 24AWG cable assembly    5m
SFP-H10GB-ACU7M     Twinax cable, active, 30AWG cable assembly     7m
SFP-H10GB-ACU10M    Twinax cable, active, 28AWG cable assembly     10m

I have found that you typically can't link from SFP+ to SFP @ 1Gbps speeds using these cables.. it must be SFP+ to SFP+ @ 10Gbps. However you can use a 1GBase-T transceiver in an SFP+ port to link to a standard gigabit switch port. You can create a direct link between Intel X520-DA1/2 adapters using this same cable without the need for a switch.

I hope this information helps.

 

[briandm81]

Do those cisco compatible cables work in windowsand ESXi?

 

[ekke]

Mellanox connect 2 vs Intel 520 da1 under win 10? I was set to buy mellanox, but now Im not so sure.

 

[RchGrav]

Do those cisco compatible cables work in windowsand ESXi?

I had no issues w/ Windows 10 -> FreeNAS. Unlike transceivers I "think" the cables are basically dumb.

 

[briandm81]

I picked up a DA2 and two DA1's. Now i just need a pair of cables. Can't wait to go 10G!

 

[jfeldt]

So which work in Windows?

Sorry, I don't check these forums often.

I know this one works well for me in the X520:
intel afbr-703sdz-in2

 

[T_Minus]

Sorry, I don't check these forums often.

I know this one works well for me in the X520:
intel afbr-703sdz-in2

Thanks! I got them all here now, and module in the mail box for pickup tomorrow... then testing

Also scored some Da2 for <$70 each so rather happy about that, but the two I got look different, maybe fakes again?: I'll post some pics comparing eventually, got to catch up on other stuff!

Thanks again for part #

 

[epicurean]

Are there any advantages chosing the Mellanox/Chelsio over the Intel x520 DA1?

 

[Stereodude]

Are there any advantages chosing the Mellanox/Chelsio over the Intel x520 DA1?

Well, the Intel has XP drivers. The Mellanox ConnectX-2 is less expensive and is no longer supported by Melanox. I don't know about the Chelsio cards. I got one x520-DA1 because I needed XP x64 support. My other cards are ConnectX-3 cards. I wanted PCIe 3.0 cards that were still supported.

 

[MiniKnight]

Are there any advantages chosing the Mellanox/Chelsio over the Intel x520 DA1?

Chelsio is what people usually recommend for FreeBSD based and FreeBSD-like oses. pfSense, FreeNAS, nas4free.