Dell T3TK5 32GB 2-Port PCIe Fibre Channel Adapter

Overview

The Dell T3TK5 is a 32GB two-port PCIe fibre channel adapter designed to connect servers directly to storage area networks (SANs). Each port supports data transfer speeds up to 32 GB per second, enabling rapid block-level access for demanding applications such as large databases, virtual machine clusters, and real-time analytics. This adapter enhances storage connectivity by providing high throughput and low latency, making it a strong choice for enterprise environments that require reliable and efficient data access.

Key features

• Two independent fibre channel ports allow for creating separate SAN paths, improving redundancy and minimizing downtime.
• Multipath capability supports either link redundancy or traffic load balancing to optimize bandwidth usage and maintain continuous service.
• PCIe interface ensures straightforward installation into standard server slots without the need for specialized hardware.
• Designed to deliver consistent, low-latency access essential for backup servers, storage arrays, and high-performance SANs.

Key specs

• Data transfer rate: up to 32 GB per second per port
• Number of ports: 2 fibre channel ports
• Interface: PCIe host slot

Connectivity and compatibility

This adapter integrates seamlessly with enterprise servers equipped with PCIe slots and supports fibre channel SAN fabrics. Its dual-port design allows IT teams to configure multiple paths for enhanced network resilience or load distribution, fitting well into existing SAN infrastructures without requiring major changes.

Installation and setup

Installation involves inserting the card into an available PCIe slot, connecting fibre channel cables to the SAN fabric, and configuring the host system to recognize the new storage paths. This straightforward process minimizes downtime and simplifies expanding or upgrading storage connectivity in enterprise environments.

Ideal uses and environments

The Dell T3TK5 is well suited to data centers and enterprise IT setups that demand high-speed, reliable storage access. It supports workloads such as large-scale databases, virtualized environments, real-time analytics, and backup operations where sustained throughput and low latency are critical. Its multipath capabilities also make it a practical option for environments requiring high availability and fault tolerance.