{"product_id":"hp-rx4640-dual-port-pci-x-1000t-gigabit-nic-adapter-card-review","title":"HP RX4640 Dual Port PCI-X 1000T Gigabit NIC - Server Backbone Adapter","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review of the HP RX4640 Dual Port PCI-X 1000T Gigabit NIC finds it aimed squarely at server administrators and IT teams that need reliable, high-density Ethernet connectivity. The single biggest reason to consider this adapter is its combination of dual ports and 1Gbps capability on a PCI-X 64-bit\/133MHz interface, which preserves valuable I\/O slots while delivering backbone-level throughput. In short, this card is a practical choice when upgrading servers to gigabit networking without reworking existing chassis or cabling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual-port design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two gigabit ports on one adapter let administrators increase port density while saving PCI slots for other functions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePCI-X 64-bit\/133MHz:\u003c\/strong\u003e The PCI-X interface provides a robust server-class connection and remains compatible with traditional PCI slots for broader deployment options.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1Gbps transfer rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Native gigabit throughput supports server-to-server backbone traffic and high-bandwidth applications with minimal bottlenecking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e10\/100\/1000Mbps compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e The card works with legacy Fast Ethernet wiring as well as modern Gigabit networks, easing mixed-environment rollouts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOnboard memory:\u003c\/strong\u003e 128KB of onboard memory helps maintain steady data paths and offload some processing from the host CPU for sustained transfers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe RX4640 is best for small to mid-size data centers, rack servers, and enterprises that need dependable server-to-server backbone connections at gigabit speeds without reconfiguring chassis or switching backplanes. It is also suitable for organizations migrating from 100Mbps to 1Gbps who need backward compatibility with existing cabling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdministrators who require the absolute latest offload features or 10GbE and beyond should look elsewhere; this card is focused on stable, cost-effective gigabit Ethernet and assumes use in servers with PCI-X or legacy PCI slots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual ports maximize port density and reduce the number of expansion cards required in a server.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePCI-X 133MHz interface offers a server-class connection and broad compatibility with many older systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1Gbps capability and 10\/100\/1000Mbps support allow use across both legacy and current Ethernet infrastructures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e128KB onboard memory helps maintain consistent throughput under load.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot suitable for networks that require 10GbE or higher speeds; limited to gigabit-class bandwidth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs a PCI-X card, modern servers with only PCIe slots will need adapters or different NICs for direct compatibility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRX4640 Dual Port Gigabit NIC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHP\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePorts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 x 10\/100\/1000Mbps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCI-X 64-bit \/ 133MHz (PCI compatible)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOnboard Memory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e128KB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTypical Use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eServer-to-server backbone and high-density I\/O\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe RX4640 is a sensible, cost-effective choice for teams that need reliable gigabit networking and higher port density in servers that support PCI-X or legacy PCI. It delivers steady 1Gbps performance, backward cabling compatibility, and useful onboard memory, making it good value for upgrades where 10GbE is not required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this card compatible with standard PCI slots?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the adapter is PCI-X 64-bit\/133MHz and is designed to be compatible with many traditional PCI slots, though performance is optimal in PCI-X slots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this card be used on modern PCIe-only servers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNot directly; modern servers with only PCIe will require a different NIC or a bridge solution, since this is a PCI-X form factor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it support both 10\/100 and 1000Mbps operation?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the card supports 10\/100\/1000Mbps, allowing it to operate on legacy Fast Ethernet wiring as well as Gigabit networks.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HP","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48115944030427,"sku":"B00BCKTKZS","price":42.64,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71TMefn64ML._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1768017413","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/hp-rx4640-dual-port-pci-x-1000t-gigabit-nic-adapter-card-review","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}