StarTech.com 4-Port GbE SFP Network Card, PCIe 2.0 x2 (x4, x8, x16 Compatible), Intel I350-AM4, Copper/Fiber Optic, Gigabit Ethernet

The StarTech.com 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet SFP Network Card is the ultimate upgrade for IT professionals who demand flexibility, performance, and scalable connectivity. Built around the reliable Intel I350-AM4 controller, this PCIe network card delivers robust 4-port Gigabit Ethernet capability with the versatility of copper and fiber optic media through SFP transceivers. Whether you’re expanding a data center rack, upgrading a server, or building a high-performance workstation, this card offers a future-proof path to faster networks, simplified management, and seamless compatibility with a wide range of motherboards and server platforms.

• High-performance Intel I350-AM4 chipset — At the heart of this card is the Intel I350-AM4 controller, renowned for stable, enterprise-grade performance. With four gigabit Ethernet ports, you gain ample bandwidth for multi-server clustering, virtualization, and high-traffic applications. The I350 architecture is engineered to handle heavy network loads, delivering reliable throughput, low CPU overhead, and consistent latency for both day-to-day operations and peak demand periods.
• Flexible copper and fiber connectivity via SFP — This card is designed for environments that require media flexibility. It supports copper and fiber optic networks through compatible SFP transceivers, enabling long-distance links, remote office connections, or high-density data center deployments. Swap in the appropriate SFP modules to tailor your network to the exact distance and medium you need without changing hardware.
• PCIe 2.0 x2 host interface with broad slot compatibility — The PCIe 2.0 x2 interface ensures fast, efficient data transfer between the card and the motherboard. It’s compatible with PCIe x4, x8, and x16 slots, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of systems, from compact servers to full-height rack-mounted workstations. This broad compatibility helps maximize your existing hardware investment while providing a scalable upgrade path.
• Enterprise-grade features for reliability and security — Expect robust networking features such as VLAN tagging, jumbo frames, and traffic offloads that reduce CPU utilization and boost network efficiency. The card is designed to perform consistently under heavy network loads, making it suitable for virtualization hosts, file servers, media servers, and mission-critical workstations. The modular SFP approach also supports future-proofing as your network grows.
• Easy deployment for data centers and home offices — Whether you’re building a small business data center, a home lab, or an enterprise-grade server cluster, this card is straightforward to install and configure. With solid driver support, broad operating system compatibility, and simple port management, you can quickly provision, test, and scale your network without complex downtime or disruptive hardware changes.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 4-Port GbE SFP Network Card

• Chipset: Intel I350-AM4
• Ports: 4 x Gigabit Ethernet via SFP transceivers
• Media: Copper and Fiber Optic via compatible SFP modules
• Host Interface: PCIe 2.0 x2 (backward compatible with PCIe x4/x8/x16 slots)
• Form Factor: PCIe network card (standard PCIe form factor; check motherboard spacing for full-height vs. low-profile configurations)
• Supported Technologies: VLAN tagging, Jumbo Frames, link aggregation (IEEE 802.3ad/LACP) and other common enterprise network features
• Operating Environment: Designed for servers, workstations, and high-demand networking environments requiring scalable, flexible Ethernet connections

how to install StarTech.com 4-Port GbE SFP Network Card

• Power down your system and unplug from power. Ground yourself to avoid static discharge.
• Open the case and locate an available PCIe slot compatible with your motherboard. If you’re using a low-profile chassis, verify that a low-profile PCIe bracket is available or provided.
• Insert the StarTech NIC firmly into the PCIe slot until it is fully seated. Secure the bracket with a screw to anchor the card to the case.
• Install your preferred SFP transceivers into the card’s SFP ports and connect copper or fiber cables as needed for your network. Ensure the transceivers are compatible with your network devices and meet your distance and media requirements.
• Power on the system and install the latest drivers. Visit StarTech’s support site or Intel’s driver repository to obtain the appropriate driver package for your operating system. Reboot if required.
• Configure the network ports in your operating system or virtualization platform. Set up VLANs, bonding/teaming (if needed), and any QoS policies to align with your network design. Test connectivity and verify link status on all four ports.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the StarTech.com 4-Port GbE SFP Network Card used for? It provides four Gigabit Ethernet connections through SFP media, enabling flexible copper or fiber networks, network segmentation, and scalable server connectivity in data centers, labs, or home office setups.
• Do I need separate SFP modules? Yes. The ports on this card are SFP-based, so you will need compatible SFP transceivers (copper RJ-45 or fiber optic modules, depending on your network design) to establish actual connections.
• Is this card compatible with my motherboard? The card uses a PCIe 2.0 x2 interface and is designed to fit into PCIe x4/x8/x16 slots as well. Check your motherboard’s PCIe slot availability and space for a full-height or low-profile form factor to ensure compatibility.
• Does the card support link aggregation and VLANs? Yes. The Intel I350-AM4-based NIC typically supports VLAN tagging and link aggregation (IEEE 802.3ad/LACP), enabling scalable multi-port bonding and efficient traffic distribution across links.
• What operating systems are supported? The NIC is designed with broad OS support in mind, including major Windows and Linux distributions. Ensure you download the latest drivers from StarTech or Intel for best compatibility and performance.