Hi,
I'm looking for some recommendations on dual port pci-e network cards to connect to a 10 gigabit switch using OM4 850nm MM fiber optic LC to LC cable.
I am trying to keep the budget at $200 or less per card. I can find some Intel X520 cards however there have been mixed reviews at that price point. Either they come with off brand optics, which apparently can be overridden in every operating system except VMware (how much is Intel paying you, vmware?). Or they don't come with optics at all. Optics are easy at about $16 a piece on fs.com, however VMware must have taken a good bribe from Intel and apparently the cards only work with the overpriced $50 and up Intel brand SFP+ modules.
Are there any other reliable and recommended network cards from manufacturers that may not have such shady business practices? Or does someone know of an off brand inexpensive SFP+ that works with these Intel cards, or maybe an override option or hacked card bios?
I'm running ESXi 6.0 update 3.
Thanks!