HP Intel I350-T4 Gigabit Ethernet Card

Elevate server and workgroup network performance with the HP Intel I350-T4 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet Card. This PCIe NIC delivers four independent 1 GbE connections in a single card, enabling versatile network topologies, simplified cable management, and improved throughput for virtualization hosts, storage servers, and high-demand workstations. Built on Intel’s trusted I350 technology and engineered for PCI Express 2.1 x4, the I350-T4 combines reliability, efficiency, and expandability for demanding IT environments that require scalable connectivity without compromising system resources.

• Four-port flexibility for scalable networks: The I350-T4 brings four RJ-45 Ethernet ports onto one PCIe card, allowing you to segment traffic across separate networks, connect multiple servers or devices, or dedicate different workloads to distinct interfaces. This is ideal for small data centers, home labs, and business environments where you need to consolidate network hardware while maintaining clear, isolated pathways for management, storage, and application traffic.
• High-speed, auto-negotiating connections per port: Each port supports 10/100/1000 Mbps with auto-negotiation, providing seamless compatibility with legacy devices while delivering full 1 GbE performance where required. The result is reliable, consistent throughput across diverse equipment, enabling fast file transfers, smooth backups, and responsive remote access without manual reconfiguration.
• Efficient data transfer with PCIe x4 bandwidth: This NIC uses a PCI Express 2.1 x4 interface and offers up to approximately 2000 MB/s of system bus bandwidth. That generous bus capacity reduces bottlenecks when moving large files, streaming data, or performing VM migrations, helping to keep host CPUs free for running workloads rather than handling network I/O.
• Intel I350-T4 technology with enterprise-grade features: The Intel I350 family is renowned for stability under load and support for advanced offloads. Expect features such as TCP/UDP offloads, VLAN offload, and Receive-Side Scaling (RSS) to improve multi-threaded network processing. NIC teaming (802.3ad), large send/receive offloads (LSO/LRO), and robust error handling contribute to lower CPU utilization and better performance in virtualization and multi-VM environments.
• Wide compatibility and easy deployment: Engineered for interoperability with major operating systems and virtualization platforms, the I350-T4 works with Windows, Linux, VMware, and other popular stacks. Driver availability from Intel ensures ongoing updates and compatibility with security and performance enhancements, making it a practical choice for servers, storage appliances, and network appliances that demand dependable, easy-to-manage connectivity.

Technical Details of HP Intel I350-T4 Gigabit Ethernet Card

• Model: HP Intel I350-T4 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet NIC
• Ports: 4 x RJ-45, 10/100/1000 Mbps per port
• Interface: PCI Express 2.1 x4
• Bandwidth (bus): Up to ~2000 MB/s system bandwidth (PCIe x4)
• Speed negotiation: Auto-negotiation for each port (10/100/1000 Mbps)
• Features: NIC teaming support, VLAN offload, LSO/LRO offloads, RSS, robust error handling
• Form factor: PCIe network adapter compatible with standard PCIe slots
• Operating systems: Supports major OS drivers (Windows, Linux, VMware-ready environments) via Intel-provided drivers or OS-native drivers

How to install HP Intel I350-T4 Gigabit Ethernet Card

Adding the HP Intel I350-T4 to your system is a straightforward upgrade that unlocks four fast Ethernet connections without needing additional cards or complex configuration. Follow these steps to install the card securely and ensure optimal performance:

Before you begin, power down the computer, unplug the power cord, and discharge any static electricity. Ground yourself by touching a metal surface or using an anti-static strap to protect sensitive components.

Open the computer case and locate a free PCIe x4 slot on the motherboard. If your system includes a dedicated PCIe slot close to the chipset or storage controller, this is often the best option for performance and bandwidth isolation.

Insert the HP I350-T4 card firmly into the PCIe x4 slot. Apply gentle, even pressure until the card seats securely and the latch mechanism catches. If your chassis uses a screw-in bracket, fasten the card to the case with a single screw to stabilize it.

Replace the case cover and reconnect all cables. Boot the system and enter the operating system. In most cases, the card will be detected automatically, and Windows or Linux will install a basic driver set. If prompted, point the OS to the Intel driver package appropriate for your version of Windows or Linux.

Install or update drivers as needed. For Windows environments, install the Intel NIC drivers for the I350-T4 to enable full offloads and features. On Linux, ensure the appropriate kernel modules are loaded (often provided by the distribution or via Intel’s driver packages). If you are using a virtualization platform (VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM), configure the NICs accordingly and leverage NIC teaming, VLANs, or SR-IOV if supported by your hardware and software stack.

Test connectivity across all four ports by connecting network cables to each RJ-45 port and performing speed tests or internal traffic tests. Verify that each port negotiates at the expected speed and that any NIC teaming or VLAN configurations are functioning as intended. Consult your network administrator or documentation for advanced features such as VLAN tagging, teaming policies, or virtualization offloads to tailor the card’s behavior to your environment.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many ports does the HP I350-T4 provide? A: The card provides four independent Gigabit Ethernet ports on a single PCIe NIC, enabling multi-network configurations from one card.
• Q: What PCIe slot type is required? A: A PCI Express x4 slot is required. The card uses a PCIe 2.1 x4 interface, which is compatible with most modern motherboards and server boards that expose an x4 slot.
• Q: Do the ports support auto-negotiation? A: Yes. Each port auto-negotiates to 10, 100, or 1000 Mbps based on connected devices, simplifying deployment and ensuring compatibility with a wide range of equipment.
• Q: Can this card be used for virtualization or VM networking? A: Absolutely. The Intel I350-T4 is well-suited for virtualization hosts and multi-VM environments. It supports NIC teaming, RSS, and offloads that reduce CPU overhead, improving VM network performance.
• Q: Which operating systems are supported? A: The card is designed to work with Windows, Linux, and VMware environments, using Intel-provided drivers or OS-integrated drivers. Always check the latest driver version for your OS to ensure full feature compatibility and security updates.
• Q: Do I need special cables or additional software? A: Standard CAT5e/CAT6 Ethernet cables are sufficient for Gigabit connections. In most cases, drivers are available through Intel or the OS distribution; advanced features may require configuring NIC teaming, VLANs, or offloads in the OS or hypervisor management tools.