United States
Q
What are Intel Server Expansion Cards?
A
Intel Server Expansion Cards are high-performance PCIe add-in cards designed to expand storage, networking, and I/O capabilities in enterprise servers.
Q
Which interfaces do Intel Server Expansion Cards support?
A
Intel Server Expansion Cards support PCIe Gen3 and Gen4 interfaces, enabling high-speed connectivity for NVMe SSDs, Ethernet controllers, and other I/O devices.
Q
How do I install an Intel Server Expansion Card?
A
Power down the server, insert the card into an available PCIe slot, secure it with a retention bracket, reconnect cables, and power on to automatically detect the card in BIOS or UEFI.
Q
Are Intel Server Expansion Cards compatible with my server motherboard?
A
Intel Server Expansion Cards are compatible with standard PCIe-enabled server motherboards; verify slot generation and physical dimensions in the server’s compatibility list before purchase.
Q
What NVMe drive support do Intel Server Expansion Cards offer?
A
Intel Server Expansion Cards support up to four NVMe SSDs per card, delivering up to 64 lanes of PCIe bandwidth for ultra-low latency storage deployments.
Q
Can I use Intel Server Expansion Cards in PCIe Gen4 slots?
A
Yes, Intel Server Expansion Cards are backward- and forward-compatible; installing in a Gen4 slot unlocks higher throughput while retaining Gen3 interoperability.
Q
How do I update firmware on Intel Server Expansion Cards?
A
Use Intel’s Firmware Controller Utility (FCU) or the Intel® Network & Storage Manager to download and apply firmware updates via CLI or web interface.
Q
Do Intel Server Expansion Cards support RAID configurations?
A
Certain Intel Server Expansion Cards include RAID firmware for RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and 50, enabling hardware offload for resilient storage arrays.
Q
How do Intel Server Expansion Cards improve storage performance?
A
By offloading data processing to integrated controllers and leveraging PCIe Gen4 bandwidth, Intel Server Expansion Cards reduce latency and increase IOPS for demanding workloads.
Q
What is the power consumption of Intel Server Expansion Cards?
A
Typical power draw ranges from 8W to 25W per card depending on model and workload, with precise values listed in the product datasheet.
Q
What thermal solutions are recommended for Intel Server Expansion Cards?
A
Use active server airflow or dedicated heat sinks; follow Intel’s thermal guidelines to maintain junction temperatures below 85°C under full load.
Q
Are Intel Server Expansion Cards hot-swappable?
A
Most Intel Server Expansion Cards require server shutdown for safe installation or removal; check your server OEM’s hot-swap support and backplane design.
Q
What warranty and support options are available for Intel Server Expansion Cards?
A
Intel offers a three-year limited warranty and global phone and online support, with optional extended service plans available through authorized resellers.
Q
How can I monitor the health of Intel Server Expansion Cards?
A
Monitor real-time metrics using Intel® Data Center Manager (Intel® DCM) or SNMP-based tools to track temperature, link status, and error counts.
Q
Where can I purchase genuine Intel Server Expansion Cards?
A
Purchase through Intel authorized distributors, resellers, or the Intel Online Store to ensure product authenticity and access to full warranty benefits.
Q
What precautions should I take when handling Intel Server Expansion Cards?
A
Use anti-static wrist straps, avoid touching gold contacts, and follow Intel’s ESD handling guidelines to prevent electrostatic damage.
