Intel's family of Intel Ethernet X520 Server Adapters with SFP+ connectivity are the most flexible & scalable Ethernet adapters for today's demanding data center environments. The escalating deployments of servers with multi-core processors & demanding applications such as high performance computing (HPC), database clusters, and video-on-demand are the types of applications driving the need for 10 Gigabit connections. Customers require flexible & scalable I/O solutions to meet the rigorous requirements of running mission-critical applications in virtualized & unified storage environments. Powered by Intel's 10 Gb E network controller, the Intel Ethernet 82599 10 Gigabit Ethernet Controller, the X520 server adapter family addresses the demanding needs of the next-generation data center by providing unmatched features for virtualization, flexibility for LAN & SAN networking, and proven, reliable performance. To ensure maximum flexibility, Intel supports the ability to mix any combination of the SFP+ optical modules, direct attach copper cables, or 1000BASE-T SFP modules on the Intel Ethernet X520 Adapters. For instance, customers can remove the optical modules that come installed on the adapter & replace them with an Intel Ethernet SFP+ Optic, an SFP+ direct attach copper cable, or a 1000BASE-T SFP module. This enables customers to create the configuration that best meets the needs of their data center environment.