Dell Dual Port 32GB SFP+ Fibre Channel Adapter

Overview

The Dell 0T3TK5 is a dual port 32Gb Fibre Channel adapter designed to provide servers with high-bandwidth, low-latency access to shared storage. It features two independent 32Gb Fibre Channel ports and connects via a PCI Express 3.0 x8 slot, making it suitable for enterprise rack servers that require reliable and fast storage networking. This adapter is ideal for environments where consistent throughput and minimal latency are essential, such as virtualization clusters, database servers, and high-volume transaction systems.

Key features

• Two independent 32Gb Fibre Channel ports that support load balancing and redundancy to maintain network reliability.
• PCI Express 3.0 x8 interface ensures ample bandwidth for data transfer between the server and storage network.
• Includes two SFP+ transceivers, allowing immediate deployment without the need to purchase additional optics.
• Powered by the proven QLogic QLE2742 controller, delivering stable and efficient SAN performance.
• Standard profile bracket fits most rack-mount server chassis, simplifying installation in enterprise environments.
• Supports familiar QLogic management utilities for easy zoning, firmware updates, and performance monitoring.

Key specs

• Port speed: 32Gb Fibre Channel per port
• Number of ports: 2 independent ports
• Controller: QLogic QLE2742
• Host interface: PCI Express 3.0 x8
• Included transceivers: 2 SFP+ modules
• Form factor: Standard profile bracket

Connectivity and compatibility

This adapter integrates seamlessly into Fibre Channel SAN environments, connecting servers to storage arrays and Fibre Channel switches. Its dual 32Gb ports provide dedicated bandwidth for storage traffic, reducing contention on general-purpose networks. The PCI Express 3.0 x8 slot ensures compatibility with modern servers, while the included SFP+ transceivers support standard Fibre Channel optical connections.

Performance and reliability

Designed for demanding data center workloads, the 0T3TK5 delivers consistent throughput and low latency essential for virtualization, database management, and transaction processing. The dual-port design offers redundancy, so if one link fails, the other maintains connectivity. The QLogic controller is well-regarded for its stability and efficient handling of SAN traffic, helping maintain smooth operation in large-scale storage networks.

Ideal uses and environments

This adapter is well suited to enterprise data centers that require high-speed Fibre Channel connectivity for servers handling critical storage tasks. It fits naturally into setups that use Fibre Channel switches and storage arrays, especially when upgrading from older 8Gb or 16Gb cards. IT professionals managing large SANs will find it a practical choice for expanding fabric capacity or refreshing infrastructure with minimal downtime.