Broadcom 5720 Dual-Port PCIe Network Card - Low Profile

In this review the Dell Broadcom 5720 Dual-Port Low Profile Network Interface Card is evaluated for small servers and workstation upgrades where reliable 1GbE connectivity is required. The reviewer finds the card straightforward to install and dependable in operation, making it a good fit for IT technicians and home lab builders who need two gigabit ports on a single PCIe slot. The biggest reason to buy is the dual-port design with Broadcom silicon, which delivers consistent wired network performance without extra configuration for basic uses.

Key Features

• Dual-port connectivity: Two independent 1GbE ports let a single expansion slot provide multiple network links for redundancy or separate networks.
• PCIe interface: The card uses a standard PCIe slot so it integrates with most desktop and server motherboards that support add-in network adapters.
• Broadcom 5720 chipset: The Broadcom silicon is known for stable driver support and predictable throughput under typical loads.
• Low profile form factor: The card ships as a low profile board suited to compact cases while still providing full network features for small systems.
• Full height bracket only: Includes a full height bracket which helps secure the adapter in rackmount and full-size towers where that bracket is expected.

Who It's For

The Broadcom 5720 dual-port adapter is aimed at IT professionals, hobbyist server builders, and small business users who need reliable gigabit networking across two ports without buying multiple cards. It fits well in compact servers or desktop machines where a standard PCIe slot is available and where Broadcom driver compatibility is preferred.

Users who require 10GbE speeds, fiber interfaces, or an included low profile bracket adapter should look elsewhere, since this model provides dual 1GbE ports and ships with a full height bracket only. Those needing advanced offload features beyond standard Broadcom capabilities may also consider other models.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Dual 1GbE ports provide flexible network configurations for a single expansion slot.
• Broadcom 5720 chipset offers stable operation with common OS drivers.
• Low profile board fits in smaller chassis while still offering full functionality.

Cons

• Ships with a full height bracket only, so a separate low profile bracket may be needed for some compact cases.

Specifications

Product name	Dell Broadcom 5720 Dual-Port NIC
Chipset	Broadcom 5720
Ports	2 x 1GbE
Interface	PCIe
Form factor	Low profile board
Bracket	Full height bracket only

Our Verdict

The Broadcom 5720 dual-port PCIe card is a sensible, no-frills upgrade for systems that need two reliable gigabit Ethernet ports. It represents good value for IT users who prioritize stable Broadcom drivers and compact board design, though buyers in small-form-factor cases should confirm bracket compatibility or obtain a low profile bracket separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this card provide 10GbE?
No, this adapter provides two 1GbE ports using the Broadcom 5720 chipset.

Is a low profile bracket included?
No, the product ships with a full height bracket only, so a low profile bracket must be sourced separately if required.

Will it work with common server OSes?
The Broadcom 5720 is widely supported by common server and desktop operating systems with available drivers, offering stable network operation.