
HP NC523SFP 10Gb 2-port Server Adapter
Overview
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HP NC523SFP 10Gb 2-port Server Adapter
The NC523SFP is an eight lane (x8) PCI Express (PCIe) 10 Gigabit network solution offering superior bandwidth in a ProLiant Ethernet
adapter. This dual port PCI Express Gen 2 adapter supports SFP+ (Small Form-factor Pluggable) connectors, requiring either Direct
Attach Cable (DAC) for copper environments, or fiber transceivers and fiber cables for fiber optic environments.
The NC523SFP ships with advanced server features that ProLiant customers have come to expect, such as support for TCP
checksum and segmentation (LSO) offload capability, VLAN tagging, jumbo frames, IPv6, and more. Flexible to order and install, the
NC523SFP can be used in either standard or low profile slots.
NC523SFP - Low profile bracket
NC523SFP - Standard bracket
HP NC523SFP 10Gb 2-port Server Adapter
HP NC523SFP 10Gb 2-port Server Adapter
Full height bracket (installed on card)
Low-profile bracket
Quick install card
User documentation and driver download information
Product warranty statement

HP NC523SFP 10Gb 2-port Server Adapter
Compatibility
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ProLiant DL (rack-optimized):
HP ProLiant DL160 G6
HP ProLiant DL160 Gen8
HP ProLiant DL165 G7
HP ProLiant DL180 G6
HP ProLiant DL320 G6
HP ProLiant DL320e Gen8
HP ProLiant DL320e Gen8 v2
HP ProLiant DL360 G6
HP ProLiant DL360 G7
HP ProLiant DL360e Gen8
HP ProLiant DL360p Gen8
HP ProLiant DL370 G6
HP ProLiant DL380 G7
HP ProLiant DL380e Gen8
HP ProLiant DL380p Gen8
HP ProLiant DL385 G7
HP ProLiant DL385p Gen8
HP ProLiant DL560 Gen8
HP ProLiant DL580 G7
HP ProLiant DL585 G6
HP ProLiant DL585 G7
HP ProLiant DL785 G6
HP ProLiant DL980 G7
ProLiant ML (expansion-optimized):
HP ProLiant ML310e Gen8
HP ProLiant ML310e Gen8 v2
HP ProLiant ML330 G6
HP ProLiant ML350 G6
HP ProLiant ML350e Gen8
HP ProLiant ML350p Gen8
HP ProLiant ML370 G6
ProLiant SL (scalable line):
HP ProLiant SL160s G6
HP ProLiant SL160z G6
HP ProLiant SL165s G7
HP ProLiant SL165z G7
HP ProLiant SL170z G6
HP ProLiant SL2x170z G6
HP ProLiant SL210t Gen8
HP ProLiant SL230s Gen8
HP ProLiant SL250s Gen8
HP ProLiant SL270s Gen8
NOTE: This is a list of supported servers. Some may be discontinued.

HP NC523SFP 10Gb 2-port Server Adapter
Standard Features
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Dual-port 10 Gigabit
Ethernet Throughput
The 20,000 Mbps full duplex Ethernet transfer rate per port (40 Gbps aggregate full duplex) delivers
outstanding network performance that improves response time and removes bottlenecks for the next
generation data center. 10 Gigabit Ethernet bandwidth is ideal for high performance computing,
database clusters, grid systems, virtualization, server and I/O consolidation, fabric consolidation, and
more.
HP was an early champion of PCI Express bus technology and has played a key role in the development
and industry adoption of the PCI Express specification. The NC523SFP is designed with an eight lane
(x8) PCI Express bus based on the PCIe v2.0 standard. The adapter is backward compatible with four
lane (x4) PCI Express, automatically auto-sensing between x8 and x4 slots.
Jumbo frames (also known as extended frames) permit a 9,000 byte transmission unit (MTU). The
NC523SFP adapter supports 9KB jumbo frames as a way to achieve higher throughput and better CPU
utilization. Jumbo frames are particularly useful for database transfers and tape backups.
For overall improved system response, the NC523SFP adapter supports standard TCP/IP offloading
techniques including:
TCP/IP checksum offload (TCO) moves the TCP and IP checksum offloading from the CPU to
the network adapter.
Large Send Offload (LSO) or TCP Segmentation Offload (TSO) allows the TCP segmentation to
be handled by the adapter rather than the CPU.
Interrupt coalescing (interrupt moderation) groups multiple packets, thereby reducing the number of
interrupts sent to the host. This process optimizes host efficiency, leaving the CPU available for other
duties.
IEEE quality of service (QoS) 802.1p tagging allows the adapter to mark or tag frames with a priority
level across a QoS-aware network for improved traffic flow.
Like all HP ProLiant server adapters, the NC523SFP adapter ships with agents that can be managed
from HP Systems Insight Manager or other management application that support SNMP.
The NC523SFP adapter is a validated, tested, and qualified solution that is optimized for HP ProLiant
servers. This approach provides a more robust and reliable networking solution than offerings from
other venders and provides users with a single point of contact for both their servers and their network
adapters.
Bracket LED indicators show link integrity and network activity for easy troubleshooting.
Support for pre-boot execution environment (PXE) enables automatic deployment of computing
resources remotely from anywhere. It allows a new or existing server to boot over the network and
download software, including the operating system, from a management/ deployment server at
another location on the network. Additionally, PXE enables decentralized software distribution and
remote troubleshooting and repairs.
Maximum: The remaining warranty of the HP product in which it is installed (to a maximum three-year,
limited warranty).
Minimum: One year limited warranty.
Additional information regarding worldwide limited warranty and technical support is available at:

HP NC523SFP 10Gb 2-port Server Adapter
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http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/platforms/warranty/index.html

HP NC523SFP 10Gb 2-port Server Adapter
Service and Support
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HP Care Pack Services: Packaged server and storage services for increased uptime, productivity
and ROI
When you buy HP server and storage products and solutions, it's also a good time to think about what
levels of support you may need. Our portfolio of service options reduce deployment and management
worries while helping you get the most out of your server and storage investments. We take a holistic
approach to your environment, bridging servers, blades, storage, software and network
infrastructures with our packaged HP Care Pack Services for servers and storage.
Protect your business beyond warranty
When it comes to robustness and reliability, standard computing equipment warranties have matured
along with technology. Good news that can also create problems stemming from depending on
standard warranties designed to only protect against product defects and some downtime causes.
Using a standard approach to warranty uplifts, such as HP Care Pack Services, helps reduce downtime
risks and provides operational consistency for mission-critical and standard business computing.
HP Care Pack Services: Upgrading or extending standard server and storage warranties cost
effectively
HP Care Pack Services offer a standard reactive hardware and software support services suite sold
separately, or combined with our Support Plus and Support Plus 24 services. The portfolio also
provides a combination of integrated proactive and reactive services, such as Proactive 24 Service and
Critical Service. In addition with HP Proactive Select, you can acquire the specific proactive constancy
and technical services. HP Proactive Select menu offers a broad set of service options that you can mix
and match depending on your specific requirements. Proactive service options include offers for
server, storage, network, SAN device, software, environment and education services.
HP server and storage lifecycle support services offers a full spectrum of customer care-from
technology support to complex migrations to complete managed services. HP Factory Express
provides customization, integration and deployment services for turnkey solutions. HP Education
Services offer flexible, comprehensive training on to help your IT staff get the most out of your server
and storage investments. HP Financial solutions extend innovative financing and cost-effective asset
management programs-from purchase to equipment retirement.
Learn more: www.hp.com/services/servers and www.hp.com/services/storage
NOTE: Care Pack Services availability may vary by product and country.
HP Care Pack Services are sold by HP and HP Authorized Service Partners:
Services for customers purchasing from HP or an enterprise reseller are quoted using HP
order configuration tools.
Customers purchasing from a commercial reseller can find HP Care Pack Services at
http://www.hp.com/go/lookuptool
Recommended HP Care Pack Services for optimal satisfaction with your HP product
Hardware Options Support
HP Care Packs provide support for all HP-branded hardware options qualified for inclusion in your
server or storage solution. Any additional HP-qualified options installed within the server are covered
at the same service level and for the same period as the server and no additional cost.
Help improve or maintain system uptime
Convenient onsite support

HP NC523SFP 10Gb 2-port Server Adapter
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Committed response time
http://h20195.www2.hp.com/V2/GetPDF.aspx/5982-6547EEE
3-Year HP Hardware Support Onsite Service, 4-hour response, 24x7
Provides you with rapid remote support and if required an HP authorized representative who will arrive
on site any time and day of the year to begin hardware maintenance service within 4 hours of the
service request being logged.
This service provides a trained HP service specialist to perform an installation that meets HP quality
standards, for:
Help improve or maintain system uptime
Convenient onsite support
Committed response time
http://h20195.www2.hp.com/V2/GetPDF.aspx/5982-6547EEE
HP Installation and Startup of HP ProLiant Servers
Provides for the installation of your new HP ProLiant server and operating system to assist you in
bringing your new HP ProLiant server and operating system into operation in a timely and professional
manner.
This service provides a trained HP service specialist to perform an installation that meets HP quality
standards, for:
Delivery of the service at a mutually scheduled time convenient to your organization
Availability of an HP service specialist to answer basic questions during the onsite delivery of
this service
Custom installation as detailed in "Delivery specifications" or in a Statement of Work (SOW)
Verification prior to installation that all service prerequisites are met
http://h20195.www2.hp.com/V2/GetPDF.aspx/5982?7572ENN
Optional HP Care Pack Services that will enhance your HP product experience
3-Year HP Hardware Support Onsite Call-to-Repair (CTR) Service, 6- or 24-hour
As an alternative to our recommended support level, for customers who need committed call-to-repair
for server hardware.
Provides your IT manager with a team of support specialists who will quickly begin troubleshooting the
system to help return the hardware to operating condition within 6 or 24 hours of the initial service
request to the HP Global Solution Center.
http://h20195.www2.hp.com/V2/GetPDF.aspx/5982-6547EN.pdf
3-Year HP Support Plus 24
As an alternative to our recommended support level, for customers who need access to responsive
24x7 hardware and software support plus software updates on HP and selected third party products:
For a higher return on your server and storage technology, our 3-year combined reactive support
service delivers integrated onsite hardware/software support services available 24x7x365, including
access to HP technical resources, 4-hour response onsite hardware support and software updates.

HP NC523SFP 10Gb 2-port Server Adapter
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http://h20195.www2.hp.com/V2/GetPDF.aspx/5981-6638EEE
HP Proactive Select Service
Customer needs on demand access to consulting, technical proactive services and education courses
Provides a flexible way to purchase HP best-in-class consultancy and technical services. You can buy
Proactive Select Service Credits when you purchase your hardware and then use the credits over the
next 12 months.
http://h20195.www2.hp.com/V2/GetPDF.aspx/4AA2-3842ENN
HP eSupport is a portfolio of technology-based services that assist you with managing your business
environment - from the desktop to the data center.
Support Portal
The HP support portal provides one-stop access to the information, tools and services you need to
manage the daily operations of your IT environment.
Features include:
Access to self-solve tools (including search technical knowledge base)
Efficient logging and tracking of support cases
Collaboration with other business and IT professionals
Download of patches and drivers
Access to diagnostic tools
Proactive notification of relevant information
Access to certain features of the support portal requires an HP service agreement. To access the
support portal, visit: http://www.hp.com/support
HP Insight Remote Support software delivers secure remote support for your HP Servers and Storage,
24 X 7, so you can spend less time solving problems and more time focused on your business. You can
have your systems remotely monitored for hardware failure using secure technology that's been
proven at thousands of companies around the world. In many cases, you can avoid problems before
they occur.
Customer Technical
Training
In today's cost-conscious business environment, IT professionals, developers, consultants and users
face an interesting challenge: how to keep up with the latest technologies and expand important skills
while delivering profitable results on current projects. To help address this challenge, HP offers
innovative training solutions that help keep you up-to-date on virtualization, server, storage, Insight
Control, Citrix, Microsoft® and open source/Linux-related topics-while spending less time away from
business-critical activities.
HP Technology Services continues to be recognized for service and support excellence by customers,
partners, industry organizations and publications around the world. Recent honors and award reflect
our services team's dedications, technical expertise, professionalism and uncompromising
commitment to customer satisfaction.
Additional Services
Information
To learn more on HP ProLiant servers, HP BladeSystem servers and HP storage products, please
contact your HP sales representative or HP Authorized Channel Partner. Or visit:
www.hp.com/services/proliant or www.hp.com/services/bladesystem or
http://www.hp.com/services/storage

HP NC523SFP 10Gb 2-port Server Adapter
Related Options
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HP BladeSystem c-Class 10GbE SFP+ to SFP+ 0.5m Direct Attach Copper Cable
HP BladeSystem c-Class 10GbE SFP+ to SFP+ 1m Direct Attach Copper Cable
HP BladeSystem c-Class 10GbE SFP+ to SFP+ 3m Direct Attach Copper Cable
HP BladeSystem c-Class 10GbE SFP+ to SFP+ 5m Direct Attach Copper Cable
HP BladeSystem c-Class 10GbE SFP+ to SFP+ 7m Direct Attach Copper Cable
NOTE: Direct Attach Cable (DAC) must be purchased separately for copper
environments.
HP BladeSystem c-Class 10Gb SFP+ SR Transceiver
HP BladeSystem c-Class 10Gb SFP+ LR Transceiver
HP BladeSystem c-Class 10Gb SFP+ LRM Transceiver
NOTE: Fiber transceivers and cables must be purchased separately for fiber-optic
environments.
HP 2M LC-SC Cable Kit (2Gb to 1Gb)
5M LC-SC Cable Kit (2Gb to 1Gb)
HP 15M LC-SC Cable Kit (2Gb to 1Gb)
HP 15m LC-LC FC Cable Kit
HP 30m LC-LC FC Cable Kit
HP 50m LC-LC FC Cable Kit
HP LC to LC Multi-mode OM3 2-Fiber 0.5m 1-Pack Fiber Optic Cable
HP LC to LC Multi-mode OM3 2-Fiber 1.0m 1-Pack Fiber Optic Cable
HP LC to LC Multi-mode OM3 2-Fiber 5.0m 1-Pack Fiber Optic Cable
HP LC to LC Multi-mode OM3 2-Fiber 15.0m 1-Pack Fiber Optic Cable
HP LC to LC Multi-mode OM3 2-Fiber 30.0m 1-Pack Fiber Optic Cable
HP LC to LC Multi-mode OM3 2-Fiber 50.0m 1-Pack Fiber Optic Cable
NOTE: Fiber transceivers and cables must be purchased separately for fiber-optic
environments.
NOTE: For additional information on 10Gb cable specifications go to:
http://www.hewlett-packard.com/rnd/pdfs/10gig_cabling_technical_brief.pdf
Additional Supported
Cables
(Plug into HPN5900)
HP X240 10G SFP+ to SFP+ 0.65m Direct Attach Copper Cable
HP X240 10G SFP+ to SFP+ 1.2m Direct Attach Copper Cable
HP X240 10G SFP+ to SFP+ 3m Direct Attach Copper Cable
HP X240 10G SFP+ to SFP+ 5m Direct Attach Copper Cable
HP X240 10G SFP+ SFP+ 7m Direct Attach Copper Cable
HP X240 40G QSFP+ to 4x10G SFP+ 1m Direct Attach Copper Splitter Cable
HP X240 40G QSFP+ to 4x10G SFP+ 3m Direct Attach Copper Splitter Cable
HP X240 40G QSFP+ to 4x10G SFP+ 5m Direct Attach Copper Splitter Cable
Additional Supported
Cables
(Plug into HPN6600)
HP X242 10G SFP+ to SFP+ 1m Direct Attach Copper Cable
HP X242 10G SFP+ to SFP+ 3m Direct Attach Copper Cable
HP X242 10G SFP+ to SFP+ 7m Direct Attach Copper Cable
HP X242 10G SFP+ to SFP+ 15m Direct Attach Copper Cable
HP NC112T PCI Express Gigabit Server Adapter
HP NC360T PCI-E Dual Port Gigabit Server Adapter
HP NC364T PCI-E Quad Port Gigabit Server Adapter

HP NC523SFP 10Gb 2-port Server Adapter
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HP NC365T 4-port Ethernet Server Adapter
HP NC373T PCI-E Multifunction Gigabit Server Adapter
HP NC373F PCI-E Multifunction 1000SX Gigabit Svr Adapter
HP NC375T PCI Express Quad Port Gigabit Server Adapter
HP NC382T PCI Express Dual Port Multifunction Gigabit Server Adapter
HP Ethernet 1Gb 4-port 331T Adapter
HP Ethernet 1Gb 2-port 332T Adapter
HP Ethernet 1Gb 2-port 361T Adapter
10 Gigabit Server
Adapters
NOTE: A minimum of two Gigabytes (2 GB) of server memory is required per each
adapter.
HP NC522SFP Dual Port 10GbE Gigabit Server Adapter
HP NC524SFP Dual Port 10GbE Module
NOTE: NC524SFP is available only on DL370 G6, ML370 G6, DL580 G7, DL585 G7, and
DL980 G7.
HP NC550SFP Dual Port 10GbE Server Adapter
HP NC552SFP 10Gb 2-port Ethernet Server Adapter
HP Ethernet 10Gb 2-port 530SFP Adapter
HP Ethernet 10Gb 2-port 530T Adapter
HP Ethernet 10Gb 2-port 560SFP+ Adapter
HP Ethernet 10Gb 2-port 561T Adapter
HP Ethernet 10Gb 2-port 570SFP+ Adapter
NOTE: A minimum of two Gigabytes (2 GB) of server memory is required per each
adapter.
HP Ethernet 1Gb 4-port 331FLR Adapter
HP Ethernet 1Gb 4-port 366FLR Adapter
HP Ethernet 10Gb 2-port 530FLR-SFP+ Adapter
HP Ethernet 10Gb 2-port 560FLR-SFP+ Adapter
HP Ethernet 10Gb 2-port 561FLR-T Adapter
HP Ethernet 10Gb 2-port 570FLR-SFP+ Adapter
HP FlexFabric 10Gb 2-port 526FLR-SFP+ Adapter
HP FlexFabric 10Gb 2-port 533FLR-T Adapter
HP FlexFabric 10Gb 2-port 534FLR-SFP+ Adapter
HP FlexFabric 10Gb 2-port 554FLR-SFP+ Adapter
NOTE: Please see the QuickSpecs for Technical Specifications and additional
information: www.hp.com/go/ProLiantNICs

HP NC523SFP 10Gb 2-port Server Adapter
Technical Specifications
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802.3ae,802.3ad, 802.1p, 802.1Q 802.3x
FCC Class A, VCCI Class A, BSMI Class A, CISPR 22 Class A, ACA Class A,
EN55022 Class A, EN55024-1, ICES-003 Class A, MIC Class A
PCIe v2.0
RoHS compliance 6 of 6
IPv4, IPv6
CE
ACPI 1.1a
Microsoft WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs)
Server Design Guide version 3.0 (SDG 3.0)
10,000 Mbps per port, (40 Gbps aggregate full duplex, dual ports)
8 Lane (x8) PCI Express, compatible with x4 and x8 bus widths
6.6 x 2.7 in (16.7 x 6.8 cm) without bracket
Power and
Environmental
Specifications
32° to 131° F (0° to 55° C)
10% to 90% non-condensing
-40° to 158° F (-40° to 70° C)
17 Watts typical, 19 Watts maximum
Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Server 2008R2, and HPC Server 2008, 32 and 64-bit
Microsoft Windows Server Hyper-V
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.x and 6.0
NOTE: For more Linux OS support & certification information, please visit our the ProLiant &
BladeSystem Server Linux matrix:
http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/linux/hplinuxcert.html
Environment-friendly
Products and Approach
End-of-life Management
and Recycling
Hewlett-Packard offers end-of-life HP product return, trade-in, and
recycling programs in many geographic areas. For trade-in information,
please go to: http://www.hp.com/go/green. To recycle your product,
please go to: http://www.hp.com/go/green or contact your nearest HP
sales office. Products returned to HP will be recycled, recovered or
disposed of in a responsible manner.
The EU WEEE directive (2002/95/EC) requires manufacturers to provide
treatment information for each product type for use by treatment
facilities. This information (product disassembly instructions) is posted on
the Hewlett Packard web site at: http://www.hp.com/go/green. These
instructions may be used by recyclers and other WEEE treatment facilities
as well as HP OEM customers who integrate and re-sell HP equipment.

HP NC523SFP 10Gb 2-port Server Adapter
Summary of Changes
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Compatibility, 10 Gigabit Server Adapters, and
FlexibleLOM Servers were revised.
Related Options: Added Additional Supported Cables (Plug
into HPN5900) and Additional Supported Cables (Plug into
HPN6600) sections.
Changes made in Overview and Related Options sections.
Changes made in Overview, Related Options, and Service
and Support sections.
Changes made in the Compatibility section.
Changes made in the Overview section.
Changes made in the Compatibility section.
Changes made in Overview, Related Options and Technical
Specification sections.
A note was removed from the Related Options section.
Minor edit was made in Operating System Support.
Changes were made in the Related Options section.
Mentions of SR-IOV were removed from the Standard
Features section.
Operating System Support was revised in Technical
Specifications.
Change made in the Technical Specifications section.
Mentions of StorageWorks were removed.
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The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products
and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or
editorial errors or omissions contained herein.