10Gb SFP+ PCIe Network Card ST7218 - Dual Port Intel X710

In this review the ST7218 is evaluated for users who need reliable 10Gb connectivity without fuss. The card is a dual-port 10Gb SFP+ adapter built around the Intel X710 controller, and the bottom line is that it delivers wired 10GbE performance and broad OS compatibility at a sensible price. For small servers, virtualization hosts and storage clients that accept SFP+ optics or DACs, it offers stable throughput, SR-IOV and MACsec support, and a straightforward PCIe Gen3 x8 interface.

Key Features

• Dual 10Gb ports: Two SFP+ ports allow direct 10GbE or 1GbE connections and automatic negotiation for mixed-speed environments.
• Intel X710 controller: The well-supported Intel chipset provides proven driver support and compatibility with Linux, Windows and common hypervisors.
• PCIe Gen3 x8 interface: The PCIE 3.0 x8 lane spacing supplies sufficient host bandwidth for full 10Gb line-rate traffic on both ports.
• Virtualization features: SR-IOV and VMDq support help reduce CPU overhead and improve VM network performance on compatible hosts.
• Security and timing: Includes MACsec IEEE 802.1AE and IEEE 1588 PTP support for link security and precise time synchronization in networked systems.
• Low- and full-height brackets: Ships with a 12cm regular-profile bracket and an 8cm low-profile bracket for flexible installation.

Who It's For

The ST7218 is aimed at home labbers, small business servers and NAS builders who need dependable 10GbE connectivity and prefer SFP+ optics or DAC cabling. It is especially relevant for users running Proxmox, VMware ESXi or Linux distributions where Intel drivers are well maintained, providing a straightforward upgrade path from 1GbE to 10GbE.

It is less suitable for Mac OS desktop users because Mac is not supported, and buyers who require included SFP+ modules or DAC cables should look for a bundled option since the card does not include transceivers or cables.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid hardware and Intel X710 firmware deliver stable 10Gb performance and strong driver availability.
• Virtualization features like SR-IOV and VMDq help improve VM networking efficiency on supported hypervisors.
• Includes both full-height and low-profile brackets for flexible installation in desktops and small servers.
• Works well with Proxmox and common Linux distributions, offering good value for money.

Cons

• Does not include SFP+ modules, DAC or AOC cables, so additional purchases are required to connect devices.
• Not supported on Mac OS, limiting use in some desktop environments.

Specifications

Model	ST7218
Controller	Intel Ethernet Controller X710
Interface	PCIe Gen3 x8 (PCIE 3.0 x8)
Ports	2 x 10Gb SFP+ (auto-negotiate 10Gb/1Gb)
Supported OS	Windows 11/10/Server/Linux/ESX/VMware ESXi (no Mac OS)
Features	SR-IOV, VMDq, MACsec, IEEE 1588 PTP, Wake on LAN
Included brackets	12cm regular-profile and 8cm low-profile

Our Verdict

The ST7218 is a practical, cost-effective 2-port 10Gb SFP+ card for lab and small business servers where Intel driver support and virtualization features matter. It excels when paired with user-supplied SFP+ modules or DACs and on Linux or ESXi hosts; buyers who need transceivers included or Mac support should consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this card include SFP+ modules or cables?
The card does not include SFP+ modules, DAC or AOC cables; these must be purchased separately.

Will it work with Proxmox or ESXi?
Yes, customers report good compatibility with Proxmox and the card supports VMware ESXi according to the manufacturer.

Is Mac OS supported?
No, the product is not supported on Mac OS; Windows, Linux and various Windows Server versions are supported.