• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Question What to look for when buying 2.5 Gbit/s PCI-based network card?

King Mustard

King Mustard

Member
The cheapest ones according to skinflint.co.uk are currently:
  • £26 Syba SD-PEX24065 (Realtek RTL8125)
  • £28 Icy Box IB-LAN300-PCI (Realtek RTL8125B)
  • £28 Akasa AK-PCCE25-01 (Realtek RTL8125)
  • £30 Trendnet TEG-25GECTX (Realtek RTL8125)
  • £35 QNAP QXG-2G1T-I225 (Intel I225-LM)
  • £35 DeLOCK 89564 (Realtek RTL8125)
  • £49 StarTech ST2GPEX (Realtek RTL8125)
For example, I presume all the RTL8125 cards will be the same, so would go for the cheapest? - or is there more to look for than just the chipset?
 
I have ab RTL based port on my MOBO and it's fine but, there are some issues if you use Linux where you have to blacklist the module to force using the current module to make it work.

I use Aquantia based options instead of stuff that I want to just work when connected.

www.marvell.com

Ethernet Network Adapters and Controllers | AQtion Ethernet Controllers | Client Computing at its Best - Marvell

AQtion Ethernet Controllers support Multi-Gig speeds for a variety of applications for client computing.
www.marvell.com www.marvell.com

~AQC111 is a 5/2.5/1 speed controller used int he QNAP 5G4T card and it's stable and doesn't require tricking the system into working. The QNAP cards are great compared to the Intel versions at 2-3X the price.

www.qnap.com

Accessories Selector | Compare and find your perfect Accessory

QNAP’s comprehensive range of PCIe cards and accessories allows users to upgrade core NAS/PC functionality to meet diverse needs and to maximize work efficiency and productivity.
www.qnap.com www.qnap.com

Looks like their 2.5 cards are using the Intel chip - I225 but, there's a 5G1T single port using the AQN chip https://www.qnap.com/en-us/product/qxg-5g1t-111c ~$70

I use a similar based USBC adapter as well that runs at the same price for when I want to get full speed between my laptop and my server while copying larger data or restoring the laptop. It also works great on the server when working on a liveCD image for quick network connectivity w/o having to blacklist the module for the RTL.

I've been using the 5G4T card though across platforms for a few years now w/ rebuilds from one gen CPU to the next and it's been about the only consistent part in my builds. The only thing to remember with these is to shop around because the prices vary considerably across sites Amazon for instance prices them at $120 but other places are $70. With the 4-port version the lowest price is usually ~$200.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top