It’s now possible to easily add two 10 Gbps SFP+ cages to a computer thanks to a USB4 to dual 10GbE adapter. Several options are available, including QNAP QNA-UC10G2SF ($549 on the QNAP store), a PUSOKEI model going for $218 on Amazon, and a cheaper ($110+) model on AliExpress. Let’s have a quick look at each adapter.
QNAP QNA-UC10G2SF USB4 to Dual 10GbE SFP+ adapter
Specifications:
- Chipset – Marvell AQtion AQC100S
- Host interface – USB4 port (40 Gbps)
- Networking
- 2x 10GbE SFP+ cages
- SMB Multi-Channel support
- Works with up to 300-meter cables
- Misc
- Link and Act LEDs for each port, power LED
- Fanless design
- Temperature Range – 0 to 35˚C
- Warranty – 2 years
The adapter ships with a 1-meter USB-C cable, a user manual, and two 10Gbps optical SFP+ transceivers. It’s compatible with Windows (except Arm-based systems), macOS, and Linux computers. You’ll find the drivers on the product page.
PUSOKEI 3gcdvm18rh-12
We have much less information about that one, and it’s probably an OEM model. We’re just told it’s a Thunderbolt 3/4/USB4 to dual 10Gbps SFP Fiber that works with Mac, Windows, and Ubuntu. The case is made of aluminum alloy for cooling, and it ships with a carrying case.
Its main benefit is that it’s much cheaper than the QNAP model, but there’s only a 90-day warranty from the manufacturer.
Low-cost USB4 to Dual 10Gbps Ethernet SPF+ adapter
But if you want something even more affordable, nothing beats the noname adapter sold on AliExpress for a little over $100.
Basic specifications:
- Chipset – Intel 82599ES
- Host Interface – USB4, compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4
- Networking – 2x SFP+ cages up to 10 Gbps
- Misc – LED indicator lights for link/activity/speed status.
- Temperature Range – Operating: 0°C to +55°C; storage: -40°C to +70°C
The adapter is said to be compatible with Windows 10/11, Server 2022, RHEL/CentOS 7.3/7.6/7.9/8.2/8.3, Deepin 15.11/20/20/20.6, and Ubuntu 16.04.3/18.04.5 and later releases.
We have a little more information about that model since NASCompare did a review, sadly video only, and no written review that I could find.
In summary, it does the job, but it gets quite hot under load (50°C), and SFP to Copper RJ45 adapters got really hot up to 70°C during a 10-minute iperf test. It worked fine on Windows 11, but they did not manage to compile the drivers for TrueNAS. The QNAP QNA-UC10G2SF looks more sturdy, and probably dissipates the heat much better, but you’d have to pay five times more for it, and the two optical transceivers included in the package don’t make up for the price difference.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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