HP Compatible 665249-B21 - PCI Express x8 Network Interface Card (NIC) 2x Open SFP+ Ports Intel 82599 Chipset Based

Experience enterprise-grade networking with the HP Compatible 665249-B21 PCIe x8 NIC. Built around the Intel 82599 chipset and designed for HP ProLiant servers, this dual Open SFP+ port network interface card delivers reliable 10 GbE performance, versatile fiber connectivity, and robust virtualization capabilities. It’s an ideal upgrade for data centers, virtualization hosts, and high-demand workloads that require scalable, low-latency network performance. With two Open SFP+ ports, you gain flexible optics options and the ability to tailor your uplink strategy to your exact topology, whether you’re consolidating storage traffic, accelerating databases, or deploying dense virtualized environments.

• Two Open SFP+ ports for flexible 10GbE connectivity — Equip your server with dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet links that support a wide range of SFP+ transceivers. The Open SFP+ design gives you full control over fiber optics or DAC cabling, enabling short- and long-reach connections to core switches, storage networks, and convergence layers. This flexibility helps you optimize bandwidth, reduce bottlenecks, and simplify upgrades as your network evolves.
• Intel 82599 chipset for high throughput and low latency — The NIC is powered by the dependable Intel 82599 controller, a proven workhorse in demanding data-center environments. Expect strong raw throughput, efficient packet processing, and effective offloads that help keep CPUs free for application workloads. This translates to steadier performance for VM networks, databases, and high-traffic web services.
• PCI Express x8 interface for ample bus bandwidth — Designed to slot into modern servers with PCIe x8 bandwidth, this NIC ensures it won’t fight for PCIe resources in multi-card configurations. The x8 form factor supports dense server configurations and is compatible with a broad range of motherboard and server architectures, making installation straightforward in both half-height and full-height PCIe slots where supported.
• HP compatible with ProLiant servers for streamlined deployment — As an HP-compatible NIC, it’s engineered to integrate smoothly with ProLiant server firmware, drivers, and management tooling. This compatibility reduces integration time, simplifies driver updates, and enhances reliability in HP-centric environments, whether you’re refreshing older installations or expanding existing clusters.
• Advanced virtualization and traffic handling for modern workloads — VMQ, RSS, and other virtualization-friendly features help distribute network workload efficiently across multiple virtual machines. Offloads such as large send/receive simplify heavy traffic patterns common in virtualization hosts, databases, and scale-out applications, improving overall virtual network performance and responsiveness.

Whether you’re building a virtualization host, upgrading a server blade, or expanding a Hyper-V, VMware, or KVM-based cluster, the 665249-B21 delivers the reliability, scalability, and flexibility you need to meet current demands while staying ready for future growth.

Technical Details of 665249-B21

• Product family: HP-compatible PCIe NIC with Intel 82599 chipset
• Form factor: PCI Express x8 interface (slot compatibility varies by chassis and server model)
• Ports: 2x Open SFP+ 10GbE ports for fiber or copper connectivity (requires compatible SFP+ transceivers)
• Chipset: Intel 82599 network controller
• Data rates: Up to 10 GbE per port (aggregate potential depends on uplink and workload)
• Virtualization features: VMQ, RSS, SR-IOV-capable depending on driver and hypervisor support
• Driver compatibility: Supports major operating systems and hypervisors with current drivers from HP/Intel and partner vendors
• Compatibility notes: Designed for HP ProLiant servers; verify BIOS/firmware compatibility and available PCIe lanes in your system configuration

how to install HP 665249-B21

• Power down your server, unplug from power, and follow your data-center security procedures before opening the chassis.
• Remove the appropriate PCIe slot cover and identify an available PCIe x8 slot that meets your server’s form-factor requirements.
• Insert the 665249-B21 NIC firmly into the PCIe x8 slot until it is fully seated. Secure the card with the chassis screw or retention mechanism as required by your enclosure.
• Connect your chosen Open SFP+ transceivers or DAC cables to the two Open SFP+ ports. Ensure the transceivers are compatible with your fiber type (single-mode or multimode) and reach requirements.
• Power on the server and install the latest drivers and firmware from HP or Intel corresponding to your operating system and hypervisor (Windows Server, Linux distributions, VMware, etc.).
• Configure networking in your OS or hypervisor: assign IPs, set VLANs, enable VMQ/RSS if supported, and attach the NIC to the appropriate virtual switch or network bridge. Validate connectivity with test traffic to confirm stability and throughput.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What speeds does this NIC support? A: Each Open SFP+ port supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet, providing up to 20 Gbps of theoretical bandwidth across both ports, depending on line rate, optics, and connected network infrastructure.
• Q: Is the card compatible with HP ProLiant servers? A: Yes. The 665249-B21 is designed for HP ProLiant systems and is intended to integrate smoothly with HP firmware, drivers, and management tooling when used with supported server models.
• Q: Do I need to purchase separate SFP+ transceivers? A: Yes. The Open SFP+ ports require compatible SFP+ transceivers or direct-attach copper (DAC) cables to establish physical links. Choose optics that match your fiber type and distance.
• Q: Does it support virtualization features? A: The card and drivers offer virtualization-related features such as VMQ, RSS, and SR-IOV where supported by the host OS and hypervisor. Availability depends on driver support and firmware.
• Q: How do I know if my server has enough PCIe lanes? A: Check your server’s motherboard documentation for PCIe lane allocation. A PCIe x8 NIC typically requires 8 lanes; ensure the slot has sufficient bandwidth and that no conflicting devices saturate the bus.