Lenovo ThinkSystem Intel E810-DA4 10/25GbE SFP28 4-Port OCP Ethernet Adapter

The Lenovo ThinkSystem Intel E810-DA4 is a high-density, enterprise-grade 4-port 25GbE SFP28 network adapter designed for data centers that demand scalable performance, flexible deployment, and simplified management. Built on the Intel E810 architecture, this OCP Ethernet adapter delivers ultralow latency, robust throughput, and strong offload capabilities to accelerate demanding workloads such as virtualization, private cloud, hyper-converged infrastructure, and high-performance computing. With 4 x 25GbE SFP28 ports, it provides a compelling balance of port density and sustained bandwidth, enabling multiple virtual NICs, containerized apps, and storage networks to run side-by-side without contention. The E810-DA4 is optimized for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers, but its flexible design also supports other OCP-compliant platforms, making it a versatile choice for heterogeneous data center environments. Whether you’re consolidating workloads, upgrading an aging fabric, or expanding a growing cluster, this adapter helps you maximize efficiency, reduce CPU overhead, and scale your network with confidence.

• High-density 4-port 25GbE SFP28 design: Each port supports up to 25Gbps of raw bandwidth, enabling dense NIC configurations that consolidate traffic, storage, and clustering without sacrificing performance.
• Flexible 10/25GbE operation: The adapter is engineered to handle mixed-speed deployments, delivering 10GbE and 25GbE capabilities across multiple links to match your existing switches and optics seamlessly.
• Advanced Intel E810 offloads: Hardware offloads accelerate packet processing, while features like SR-IOV,Multiple Queue/RSS, and large send/receive offloads reduce CPU overhead and improve latency for virtualized and containerized workloads.
• OCP form factor with robust Lenovo compatibility: Engineered for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers and other OCP-enabled platforms, offering a streamlined installation experience, validated interoperability, and enterprise-grade reliability.
• Reliability, scalability, and efficiency for data centers: Optimized for low power consumption and thermal efficiency while delivering consistent performance under real-world traffic patterns, even in multi-tenant cloud environments.

Technical Details of Lenovo ThinkSystem Intel E810-DA4 10/25GbE SFP28 4-Port OCP Ethernet Adapter

• Ports: 4 x 25GbE SFP28 network ports for high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity.
• Speeds: Supports 10GbE and 25GbE per port, enabling flexible deployment with existing cabling and switches.
• Form factor: OCP NIC 3.0-style mezzanine adapter designed for data center servers that support Open Compute Project specifications.
• Bus interface: PCIe connection to the host server (typically PCIe 4.0), delivering ample bandwidth to keep up with multi-queue traffic and virtualization workloads.
• Intel architecture: Built on the Intel E810 family to deliver hardware offloads, efficient packet processing, and proven driver support across major operating systems.
• Virtualization features: SR-IOV, multi-queue support, RSS, and other standard NIC offloads to optimize virtual machines and containerized environments.
• Management and drivers: Compatible with Lenovo ThinkSystem management stacks and Intel-provided drivers, with broad OS support to simplify deployment.
• Power and cooling: Designed for data center efficiency with balanced thermal characteristics suitable for dense server racks.

how to install Lenovo ThinkSystem Intel E810-DA4

Installing the Lenovo ThinkSystem Intel E810-DA4 is straightforward in a compatible server that supports OCP NIC configurations. Begin by powering down the server and grounding yourself to prevent static discharge. Open the server chassis and locate an available OCP NIC slot that matches the adapter’s form factor. Remove the slot cover if required and insert the E810-DA4 firmly into the slot, ensuring that the connector seats completely. Secure the card with the appropriate retention mechanism or screws to prevent movement during operation. If your deployment requires optics, install the appropriate SFP28 transceivers and connect to your network fabric using standard fiber cables or DAC cables that meet your speed and distance requirements. Reassemble the chassis, reconnect power, and boot the server. Once the operating system loads, install or update the latest Intel E810 drivers from Lenovo or Intel to ensure full feature support and optimal performance. After driver installation, configure link speeds, VLANs, and NIC bonding if needed, and verify connectivity with basic network tests. For environments using virtualization or container orchestration, enable SR-IOV or multi-queue settings in the guest OS and hypervisor as appropriate, and validate throughput with your typical workload profile. Regularly monitor the adapter’s health and performance through your server management tools to maintain peak efficiency and reliability over time.

Frequently asked questions

• What speeds does the Lenovo ThinkSystem E810-DA4 support? Each of the four ports supports 10GbE or 25GbE, allowing flexible configurations that match your switch fabric and optics. This enables scalable bandwidth aggregation while accommodating legacy infrastructure.
• Is the E810-DA4 compatible with non-Lenovo servers? Yes, the E810-DA4 is designed for OCP-compliant platforms and can be deployed in other OEM servers that support the OCP NIC standard, provided you have compatible drivers and firmware.
• What virtualization features are available? The adapter includes hardware offloads and virtualization-friendly features such as SR-IOV, RSS/Multi-Queue, and VLAN offloads to improve performance for virtual machines and containerized workloads.
• Do I need specific optics or DAC cables? For 25GbE operation, you will need compatible SFP28 transceivers and fiber or DAC cabling that matches your network design. The E810-DA4 supports standard SFP28 modules and appropriate DAC options from qualified vendors.
• How do I ensure optimal performance? Keep drivers up to date, use validated switch fabrics, enable relevant offloads in the hypervisor, and monitor utilization with your data center management tools. Regular firmware and driver updates help preserve compatibility and performance across firmware lifecycles.