Intel® Ethernet Network Adapter I226-T1

Upgrade your computer’s network capabilities with the Intel® Ethernet Network Adapter I226-T1, a compact, high-performance 2.5 Gbps PCIe NIC designed for modern desktops, workstations, and small business systems. Engineered for speed, reliability, and ease of use, the I226-T1 delivers faster data transfers, smoother online experiences, and improved responsiveness across everyday tasks and demanding workloads. Whether you’re transferring large files, streaming high-resolution media, participating in bandwidth-intensive video conferences, or powering a small office network, this Intel NIC provides the robust performance you need without compromising CPU efficiency. Built on Intel’s trusted networking architecture, the I226-T1 combines a simple installation with advanced hardware offloads to help you do more in less time.

• The I226-T1 supports 2.5 Gbps Ethernet over a single RJ-45 port, delivering substantially faster local transfers, better backups, and lower latency for online gaming and real-time collaboration, while remaining backward compatible with existing 1 Gbps and 100 Mbps networks. This makes it an ideal upgrade for users who want a noticeable improvement without a complete networking refresh. The card negotiates to the highest supported speed with your switch or router, ensuring optimal performance across mixed environments.
• Designed for flexibility, the card uses a PCIe 3.0 x1 interface and comes in both low-profile and standard-height form factors. This means you can drop the I226-T1 into a wide range of systems—from compact mini-ITX builds and SFF PCs to full-sized workstations—without sacrificing expansion options. The low-profile bracket is included for small cases, while a full-height bracket may be used in larger desktops, offering installation versatility for diverse hardware configurations.
• Beyond raw speed, the I226-T1 provides reliable, enterprise-grade offloads that reduce CPU overhead and improve overall system performance. Features like TCP/IP offloads, VLAN offload, Large Send Offload (TSO), Large Receive Offload (LRO), and Receive Side Scaling (RSS) help optimize network throughput and efficiency, particularly during data-intensive tasks such as large-scale file transfers, virtualization workloads, or multi-user streaming. This translates to smoother multitasking, longer processor longevity, and improved energy efficiency when the network is busy.
• Connectivity is straightforward with an RJ-45 2.5GBASE-T connector that works with standard CAT5e/CAT6 cables. Auto-negotiation supports 2.5 Gbps, 1 Gbps, 100 Mbps, and other compatible speeds, ensuring compatibility with a broad range of networking gear—from consumer-grade routers to enterprise-grade switches. The robust engineering behind the I226-T1 also enables reliable performance across different cable lengths and installation environments, reducing the need for costly cabling upgrades in many scenarios.
• Intel’s established driver and software ecosystem backs the I226-T1, providing broad operating system support and ongoing driver updates. Windows 10/11 and various Windows Server editions receive tested drivers, while Linux distributions rely on proven in-kernel support and Intel firmware packages. For IT teams, Intel PROSet software (Windows) offers additional management capabilities, including network traffic optimization, VLAN configuration, and device visibility within enterprise management tools. The combination of strong driver support and hardware features makes this NIC a dependable choice for both home users and small to mid-size businesses.

Technical Details of Intel® Ethernet Network Adapter I226-T1

• Interface: PCIe 3.0 x1
• Speed: 2.5 Gbps maximum data rate
• Port: RJ-45 2.5GBASE-T network connector
• Form factor: Low-profile desktop card; standard-height option available for larger cases
• Features: VLAN offload, TCP/IP offloads (TSO/LRO), Receive Side Scaling (RSS), jumbo frames support (up to 9K)
• Boot and management: PXE boot ROM, Wake-on-LAN capability
• Operating system support: Windows 10/11 (64-bit) and Windows Server editions; Linux with official drivers
• Power and efficiency: Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) support where available

how to install Intel® Ethernet Network Adapter I226-T1

• Power down your computer, unplug the power cord, and remove the case cover to access the motherboard and available PCIe slots. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge and handle components carefully.
• Choose a compatible PCIe slot (PCIe 3.0 x1 or higher). If you are installing in a small form factor, confirm that the low-profile bracket is available and ready to use.
• Remove the slot cover from the chosen PCIe slot. Align the I226-T1 card with the slot and press firmly until it seats completely. Secure the bracket with a screw to keep the card stable.
• Reconnect the case, plug in the power, and boot the system. The operating system may recognize the new hardware automatically, but for best performance, install the latest Intel drivers from the official Intel website or use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant.
• Install and configure drivers: run the installer, follow on-screen prompts, and reboot if prompted. Windows users can enable features via Intel PROSet, while Linux users should ensure the in-kernel driver and firmware packages are up to date.
• Connect your network cable to the RJ-45 port on the adapter. Use a CAT5e or CAT6 cable capable of 2.5GBASE-T to maximize throughput. If you have a managed switch, verify that it supports 2.5 Gbps speeds and VLANs as needed.
• Configure the NIC in your operating system: set the IP configuration (DHCP or static), assign DNS servers, and enable any desired features such as Jumbo Frames, VLANs, or Wake-on-LAN in the adapter properties. Apply and save changes, then restart networking services if required.
• Test connectivity and performance: run a quick ping test to your gateway, a local file transfer test, and a network performance tool to verify that the 2.5 Gbps speed is achievable under typical workloads. In virtualization or server environments, validate PXE boot behavior if network boot is part of your workflow.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the Intel® I226-T1 Ethernet Network Adapter? A: It is a PCIe-based network interface card that provides 2.5 Gbps Ethernet connectivity through a single RJ-45 2.5GBASE-T port. Built with Intel’s networking expertise, it offers high throughput, low latency, and CPU-friendly offloads suitable for desktops, workstations, and SMB environments.

• Q: What cables and network gear work with the I226-T1? A: The card uses standard Ethernet cabling (CAT5e/CAT6) and auto-negotiates to speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. Pair it with a compatible 2.5G switch or router to realize the full performance benefit; it remains backward compatible with older 1 Gbps networks.

• Q: Which operating systems are supported? A: Intel provides drivers for Windows 10/11 and Windows Server editions, along with Linux support through in-kernel drivers and Intel firmware packages. For Windows users seeking advanced management, Intel PROSet software is available to optimize performance and configuration.

• Q: Can the card fit in a small form factor build? A: Yes. The I226-T1 is available in a low-profile form factor designed to fit compact cases, mini-ITX systems, and other space-constrained builds without sacrificing performance. A standard-height option is also available for larger cases.

• Q: Does it support features like PXE boot and Wake-on-LAN? A: Yes. The card includes PXE boot ROM for network-based system installation and Wake-on-LAN to enable remote power management and maintenance, making it suitable for media centers, offices, and data centers alike.