StarTech.com Dual Port Gigabit PCI Express Server Network Adapter Card - PCIe NIC

Upgrade your server’s networking capabilities with the StarTech.com Dual Port Gigabit PCI Express Server Network Adapter Card. This PCIe NIC is designed to deliver reliable, high-performance Ethernet connectivity for demanding server environments. With two independent Gigabit Ethernet ports, it enables scalable network configurations, load balancing, and improved fault tolerance in data centers, small business server rooms, and remote office deployments. Built for seamless integration into PCI Express-enabled systems, this NIC combines robust throughput, excellent compatibility, and easy installation to help your network perform at its best.

• Two independent Gigabit Ethernet ports for simultaneous connections and increased bandwidth. Each port supports auto-negotiation to seamlessly adapt to your network’s speed and duplex settings, providing flexible configurations for link aggregation, failover, or dedicated management traffic. This dual-port design is ideal for separating storage traffic from user traffic, creating isolated management networks, or provisioning redundant paths to critical servers.
• PCI Express interface with broad compatibility. The card plugs into available PCIe slots inside your server or workstation, offering low-latency, high-throughput connectivity without requiring a major chassis change. StarTech’s PCIe NICs are typically designed to work with a variety of operating systems and virtualization platforms, enabling smooth deployment in Windows, Linux, VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, and other common server environments.
• Reliability and efficiency for enterprise and small-business networks. The dual-port design helps reduce bottlenecks by distributing traffic across two independent Ethernet links. The card is engineered for steady operation under load, with solid heat dissipation and solid-state reliability that minimizes downtime. It’s a practical upgrade for servers performing backups, media streaming, database access, or multi-VM workloads where consistent network performance matters.
• Easy installation and flexible form factors. The PCIe NIC is designed for straightforward installation, with standard PCIe compatibility and a compact profile that fits in most rack-mounted servers and tower servers. If your system requires a low-profile option, this type of NIC is commonly available with both full-height and low-profile bracket support, enabling integration in smaller chassis without sacrificing performance.
• Broad support and ongoing value. Backed by StarTech’s well-known customer support and a solid warranty, this dual-port NIC provides long-term reliability and compatibility as your network evolves. It’s a cost-effective way to extend network capacity, improve data transfer speeds, and future-proof your server infrastructure as you scale your IT operations.

Technical Details of StarTech.com Dual Port Gigabit PCI Express Server Network Adapter Card - PCIe NIC

• Card type: Dual-port Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express network adapter
• Ports: 2 x RJ-45 Ethernet interfaces for 10/100/1000Base-T connections
• Interface: PCI Express (PCIe) compatible slot on the host motherboard
• Speed per port: Up to 1 Gbps (gigabit) with auto-negotiation for optimal link speed
• Networking features: Auto-MDIX on both ports; supports standard Ethernet features for wired networks; suitable for standard LAN, data center, and server environments
• Operating system support: Broad compatibility across major server and desktop OSes, including Windows and Linux distributions, with driver availability to support virtualization platforms
• Form factor: Standard PCIe card; typically includes brackets for full-height and low-profile/half-height installations (verify with your model variant)
• Power and reliability: Banked on a dual-port architecture designed for continuous operation with reliable performance in server workloads
• LED indicators: Status LEDs on the card to show link/activity per port, aiding quick diagnostics during installation and operation
• Warranty and support: Backed by StarTech’s warranty and technical support services (consult product documentation for exact terms)

How to install StarTech.com Dual Port Gigabit PCI Express Server Network Adapter Card

• Prepare your system by powering down, unplugging the power cord, and grounding yourself to prevent static discharge. Open the server chassis or PC case to access the motherboard and available PCIe slots.
• Identify a suitable PCI Express slot (x1, x4, x8, or x16) on the motherboard. Remove the corresponding slot cover from the back of the case to allow access to the NIC’s connectors.
• Carefully insert the StarTech PCIe NIC into the selected PCIe slot, applying even pressure until it seats firmly. Secure the bracket to the chassis with the mounting screw to ensure the card remains in place during operation.
• Reconnect the chassis and power on the system. The operating system should detect the new hardware and prompt for drivers. Install the latest drivers from StarTech’s official resources or use the OS-provided drivers, then restart if prompted.
• Connect your network cables to the two RJ-45 ports on the card. Confirm link lights on your switch port and the NIC indicate successful connections. Configure network settings in the operating system as needed (static IPs, VLANs, or DHCP) to achieve your desired network topology.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the StarTech.com Dual Port Gigabit PCI Express Server Network Adapter Card used for? A: It provides two independent Gigabit Ethernet connections for servers, enabling increased throughput, network segmentation, and redundancy. It’s ideal for separating management or storage traffic from user traffic, or for implementing failover paths to critical services.
• Q: Which operating systems support this PCIe NIC? A: The card is designed to work with a broad range of operating systems commonly used in servers, including Windows and Linux distributions, and is compatible with many virtualization platforms. Always check the latest driver availability from StarTech to ensure full OS compatibility.
• Q: Is the installation difficult? A: Not at all. The NIC is a standard PCI Express card that slots into an available PCIe port. After physical installation, simply install or update the drivers, connect your cables, and configure your network settings within the OS. Most users can complete installation in under 30 minutes.
• Q: Do both ports support gigabit speeds simultaneously? A: Yes. Each port is capable of up to 1 Gbps, depending on the network environment and connected devices. This enables true dual-port performance for multi-threaded server workloads or parallel network traffic streams.
• Q: What’s included with the card? A: The card itself, along with mounting brackets appropriate for your chassis form factor (full-height and/or low-profile variants are commonly offered). Packaging may also include installation screws and documentation. Always verify the contents on your specific SKU when purchasing.