StarTech.com 4-Port 2.5G NBASE-T PCIe Network Card

Unleash high-bandwidth networking with StarTech's Quad-Port 2.5G NBASE-T PCIe NIC. This versatile PCIe network card places four independent Intel I225-V controllers on a single board, delivering up to 2.5 Gbps for each port and enabling robust, simultaneous connections across a workstation, server, or gaming rig. Optimized for speed, reliability, and ease of deployment, this NIC is ideal for expanding bandwidth-intensive workloads, from NAS access and virtualization to high-end media streaming and data-intensive applications. With multi-speed auto-negotiation, advanced traffic management, and enterprise-grade features, it ensures your network remains responsive even under heavy loads. Whether you're building a home lab, upgrading an aging workstation, or equipping a server for multi-VM workloads, this NIC gives you the flexibility to scale without swapping out the motherboard or network infrastructure.

• Independent quad-port architecture for blazing multi-gigabit throughput

  The StarTech 4-Port 2.5G NBASE-T NIC is built with four separate Intel I225-V controllers, one per port, delivering true parallel 2.5GbE connectivity. This architecture minimizes cross-talk and contention between ports, enabling four simultaneous high-bandwidth connections. You can attach multiple devices—an aging NAS, a virtualization host, a workstation, and a streaming PC—each with its own 2.5GbE link, without saturating a single channel. This separation boosts data integrity, reduces latency, and increases overall network resiliency. For workloads like virtualization, multiple VMs can run on dedicated NICs, improving VM throughput and reducing CPU overhead required for network processing.

• Multi-speed auto-negotiation with full 2.5G performance

  Each port supports 2.5GBASE-T with auto-negotiation down to 1GBASE-T and 100BASE-TX, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of existing Ethernet infrastructure. The auto-negotiation capability allows NIC speeds to adapt to the fastest common denominator between the port and network switch, maintaining stable links and avoiding aggressive speed mismatches. In practical terms, you can use this card to accelerate file transfers, backups, and streaming across 2.5GbE-capable switches, while gracefully connecting older devices to the same PCIe NIC. The result is a flexible, future-ready upgrade path that protects your current investment while paving the way toward higher bandwidth in the future.

• Intel I225-V controllers with Intel vPro technology

  Powered by four independent Intel I225-V controllers, this NIC brings enterprise-grade reliability to consumer and professional systems. The I225-V is designed for high-throughput, low-latency networking with robust error handling and offload capabilities. The inclusion of Intel vPro technology enhances security, manageability, and data integrity in supported environments, providing features like hardware-assisted virtualization support, advanced encryption, and improved network monitoring. This combination delivers consistent, predictable performance across all four ports, helping to keep workloads fluid even under heavy I/O pressure.

• PCIe 3.0 x4 host interface for fast, scalable expansion

  The quad-port NIC uses a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface to connect to the motherboard, delivering high-bandwidth transport between the computer and the card. With a total theoretical maximum of up to ~10 Gbps aggregate throughput (2.5 Gbps per port x4), this card provides ample headroom for multi-device workloads while leaving room for CPU and memory to handle other tasks. The PCIe connection also minimizes CPU overhead for network processing, thanks to hardware offloads and efficient interrupt handling. In practical terms, you’ll notice faster backups, smoother video editing workflows, seamless virtualization, and improved gaming experiences where multi-Gig traffic is common.

• Versatile deployment for workstations, servers, and home labs

  From premise-level servers and NAS boxes to gaming rigs and professional workstations, this 4-port 2.5G NIC is designed to adapt to diverse use cases. It’s ideal for virtualization environments where multiple VMs require dedicated network interfaces, for media-rich workstations that push data to a shared storage pool, and for home-lab enthusiasts who want to consolidate segregated networks on a single PCIe card. The flexible multi-speed, quad-port solution scales with your needs, enabling you to upgrade gradually without altering the core network infrastructure. The card’s compact form factor and standard PCIe interface make it a straightforward plug-and-play upgrade in most desktops and workstation-class towers.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 4-Port 2.5G NBASE-T PCIe Network Card

• Ports and speed: 4 x RJ-45 connectors delivering 2.5GBASE-T per port; supports 1G and 100 Mbps via negotiated speed.
• Chipset: Independent Intel I225-V controllers on each port, enabling per-port performance isolation.
• Host interface: PCIe 3.0 x4; designed for high-bandwidth expansion with low latency.
• Form factor: PCIe add-in card suitable for standard desktops and compatible workstations (verify chassis clearance for low-profile setups).
• Driver and OS support: Compatible with major operating systems; drivers provided by StarTech and Intel for Windows, Linux, and virtualization platforms. Always ensure you have the latest drivers from the official sites for optimal performance.
• Networking features: Supports auto-negotiation, and may include features such as VLAN tagging, hardware offloads, and per-port isolation. Each port operates independently for maximum flexibility.

How to install StarTech.com 4-Port 2.5G NBASE-T PCIe Network Card

Follow these steps to install and configure your quad-port 2.5G NIC quickly and securely:

• Prepare your system: Power down your computer, unplug any power sources, and ground yourself to prevent static damage. Remove the case side panel to access the motherboard and PCIe slots.

• Choose the correct PCIe slot: Locate a suitable PCIe slot on the motherboard, preferably a PCIe x4 or larger slot. Ensure the slot isn’t in an area that would obstruct oversized graphics cards or other expansion cards.

• Install the card: Insert the NIC into the PCIe slot firmly, ensuring the connectors are fully seated. Secure the bracket with a screw to the chassis and connect any necessary power cables if required by your case layout (most NICs do not require extra power).

• Boot and install drivers: Power on the system and boot into your operating system. Install the latest drivers from StarTech or Intel to enable full functionality across all four ports. Follow on-screen prompts to complete the installation and reboot if necessary.

• Configure network settings: Open your OS networking settings and verify each of the four ports appears as distinct interfaces (e.g., NIC1, NIC2, NIC3, NIC4). Configure IP addresses, VLANs, and any required network policies. If you use virtualization, assign dedicated NICs to the relevant VMs or virtual switches for optimal performance.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Do all four ports support 2.5Gbps throughput?

  A: Yes. Each of the four RJ-45 ports on this StarTech NIC operates at 2.5GBASE-T, giving you up to 10 Gbps total theoretical bandwidth when all ports are active, with independent performance per port.

• Q: Is Intel vPro technology included?

  A: The card references Intel I225-V controllers with enterprise-grade features and Intel vPro technology integration to enhance security and manageability on compatible systems. Availability depends on host support and proper drivers.

• Q: What operating systems are supported?

  A: The card is designed for broad OS compatibility with drivers provided by StarTech and Intel for Windows, Linux, and virtualization platforms. Check the product page for the latest driver list.

• Q: Can I use this card in a desktop PC for gaming or home lab setups?

  A: Absolutely. The quad-port 2.5G NIC is ideal for multi-device streaming, fast media transfers, NAS access, and virtualized environments in a home lab or gaming rig, enabling faster data transfer to network storage and other devices.

• Q: Do I need a special low-profile bracket?

  A: Some models ship with an optional low-profile bracket, but availability depends on the exact SKU. If your chassis requires a slimline form factor, verify bracket options before purchase.