Accortec I350-T4 ML2 Quad Port GbE Adapter For IBM System x

The Accortec I350-T4 ML2 Quad Port GbE Adapter for IBM System x is a premier networking solution designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern data centers and enterprise environments. This quad-port Gigabit Ethernet PCIe network card brings high-density connectivity, reliability, and frictionless scalability to IBM System x servers. Built on a proven Intel I350-based architecture, it delivers consistent performance for virtualized workloads, clustered storage, and multi-tier applications, while maintaining energy efficiency and streamlined management. Whether you are consolidating servers, expanding network throughput, or optimizing virtualization environments, the I350-T4 ML2 is engineered to simplify deployment and maximize uptime in demanding data-center ecosystems.

• Quad-port 1 GbE networking for dense server connectivity. The card provides four independent RJ-45 Ethernet ports, enabling four separate network connections or robust link aggregation to achieve higher throughput and network segmentation. This makes it ideal for separating management, storage, VM traffic, and failover networks within IBM System x deployments, minimizing latency and avoiding contention on a single interface.
• High-density PCI Express x8 design for excellent bandwidth. Engineered as a PCI Express x8 NIC, the I350-T4 ML2 delivers ample host bandwidth to support multi-VM environments and traffic-heavy applications. With a broad bus interface, this adapter reduces PCIe bottlenecks and improves CPU efficiency, leaving more cycles available for application workloads while maintaining steady, predictable performance under load.
• Intel I350-based reliability with broad driver support. Built on the trusted Intel I350 architecture, this adapter delivers stable operation, long-term availability, and wide driver compatibility across major operating systems. You’ll find robust driver packages and frequent updates from Intel and partner ecosystems, ensuring compatibility with Windows Server, Linux distributions, and virtualization platforms commonly deployed in IBM System x environments.
• Advanced offloads and virtualization-ready features. Four 1 GbE ports support essential networking offloads such as VLAN tagging (802.1Q), TCP/IP Segmentation Offload (TSO), Large Receive Offload (LRO), and checksum offloads. These features help reduce CPU overhead, accelerate network-intensive workloads, and improve performance for VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Linux KVM environments running on IBM System x servers.
• Designed for IBM System x deployment with easy integration. The ML2 form factor is tailored for IBM System x servers, simplifying installation in compatible chassis and slots. It includes a standard PCIe bracket and is engineered to align with IBM server interconnect strategies, delivering plug-and-play connectivity with minimal downtime and straightforward driver installation across supported operating systems.

Technical Details of Accortec I350-T4 ML2 Quad Port GbE Adapter For IBM System x

• Product type: Quad Port Gigabit Ethernet PCIe Adapter
• Brand: Accortec
• Model: I350-T4 ML2
• Interface: PCI Express x8
• Ports: 4 x RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports
• Maximum aggregate bandwidth: Up to 4 Gbps theoretical (4 x 1 Gbps)
• Form factor: ML2 (Low-profile bracket included for IBM System x servers)
• Operating system compatibility: Windows Server, Linux distributions, VMware ESXi and other virtualization platforms commonly used with IBM System x
• Key offloads and features: VLAN offload (802.1Q), TCP Segmentation Offload (TSO), Large Receive Offload (LRO), and checksum offloads
• Reliability and management: Robust driver support, compatibility with standard IBM System x management tools, and a design focused on long-term availability in data-center environments

How to install Accortec I350-T4 ML2 Quad Port GbE Adapter For IBM System x

• Power down and prepare the server. Ensure the IBM System x server is powered off and unplugged. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge and remove the chassis cover to access the PCIe slots.
• Locate a suitable PCIe x8 slot. Identify an available PCI Express slot that can accommodate a full-height or low-profile card as required by your IBM System x chassis. Verify there is sufficient clearance for the card and its bracket.
• Insert the Accortec I350-T4 ML2 into the PCIe slot. Firmly seat the card into the PCIe x8 socket until it is fully engaged. Secure the bracket to the chassis to prevent movement during operation.
• Reconnect power and network cables. Reinstall the chassis cover, reconnect power, and attach your network cables to the four RJ-45 ports on the card. Plan your cabling for management, storage, VM traffic, and any dedicated links as needed.
• Install drivers and configure in the operating system. Power on the server and install the appropriate Intel/Accortec drivers from the OS vendor or Intel driver package. After driver installation, configure NICs in the operating system or virtualization platform (e.g., create NIC teams, enable VLANs, and set up link aggregation if required).

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the network capability of the Accortec I350-T4 ML2?
  A: It provides four independent 1 GbE RJ-45 ports, delivering up to a combined theoretical bandwidth of 4 Gbps. This enables high-density connectivity and flexible network topologies within IBM System x servers.
• Q: Which PCIe slot is required for this adapter?
  A: The card is designed for PCI Express in an x8 slot, ensuring ample bandwidth to the host and reducing potential bottlenecks in busy environments. Always confirm available space and slot type in your IBM System x chassis.
• Q: Is this adapter suitable for virtualization hosts?
  A: Yes. The I350-T4 ML2 supports virtualization-friendly features such as VLAN offloads, TSO, and LRO, which help improve VM networking performance on platforms like VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, and KVM.
• Q: What operating systems does it support?
  A: The adapter is designed to work with Windows Server, multiple Linux distributions, and VMware ESXi. Always check the latest driver availability from the vendor for your chosen OS version.
• Q: Do I need a special lid or IBM-specific driver?
  A: In most cases, standard Intel-compatible drivers plus vendor-specific updates are sufficient. IBM System x environments typically benefit from using IBM-recommended drivers and validation matrices, but the card is designed to operate with common server OS deployments through widely available Intel/Accortec drivers.