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10Gtek PCI-E NIC Network Card Review: Reliable 10GbE for Servers and Workstations

10Gtek 10Gb PCI-E NIC Network Card, Dual Copper RJ45 Port, with Intel X540 Controller, PCI Express Ethernet LAN Adapter Support Windows Server/Windows/Linux/ESX, Compare to Intel X540-T2
4.6
[Intel X540 Controller]  Original Intel X540 chip enables intelligent offloads and improved server stability.
[10Gb Ethernet Support]  Supports 10G/1G/100M over dual RJ45 ports; does not support 2.5G/5G.
[Dual Copper RJ45 Ports]  Connect via Cat6A up to 100m (Cat6 up to 55m) for reliable wired networking.
[PCIe x8/x16 Compatible]  PCIe 2.1 x8 (5.0GT/s) fits both x8 and x16 slots for broad motherboard support.
[Brackets, Warranty & Support]  Includes full and low-profile brackets; 30-day returns, 3-year warranty, lifetime tech support.
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The 10Gtek PCI-E NIC Network Card brings reliable 10GbE connectivity to servers and workstations. Stable throughput and broad OS compatibility ease deployment and reduce maintenance headaches for IT teams. Can existing racks and Windows 11 machines be integrated without extra setup?

⚡ At a Glance
  • Throughput: Stable 10Gbps performance, with backward compatibility to 1G and 100M
  • Best for: Data centre servers and small business workstations needing 10GbE links
  • Not ideal for: Networks requiring 2.5G or 5G intermediate speeds, or hot-swap setups

Equipped with an original Intel X540 controller and dual copper RJ45 ports. Fits PCI Express x8 or x16 slots and includes full and low-profile brackets.


Sustained 10Gbps throughput - thanks to Intel X540 controller

Original Intel X540 controller supports intelligent offloads and hardware acceleration, reducing CPU load during heavy network transfer. Supported link speeds include 100M, 1G and 10G, with copper RJ45 physical interfaces.

High bandwidth transfers stay consistent under load, making large file moves and backups quicker. Lower CPU overhead helps maintain server responsiveness during network-heavy tasks.

Broad operating system compatibility - with legacy and server OS support

Drivers and firmware are available for Windows Server 2003/2008/2012, Windows 7/8/Vista, Linux, and ESX/ESXi6/7, and manual setup is required for Windows 11. Vendor provides installation guidance for newer OS setups.

Easy integration with existing server estates and mixed OS environments. Manual Windows 11 setup means seasoned IT teams can add 10GbE without waiting for native plug-and-play drivers.

Flexible installation in compact systems - thanks to included low-profile bracket

PCI Express 2.1, 5.0 G T/s x8 lane design works in both PCI-E x8 and x16 slots, and the package includes a standard and a low-profile bracket for small form factor cases.

Fits tower servers and compact workstations without extra parts. Rack and SFF installations gain full copper 10GbE connectivity up to the supported cable distances.

✨ The 4 Key Reasons for 10Gtek PCI-E NIC Network Card
  1. Intel X540 Controller – Consistent high throughput with reduced CPU usage under load
  2. Dual Copper RJ45 Ports – Twin 10GbE links for redundancy or link aggregation
  3. PCIe 2.1 x8 Compatibility – Works in both x8 and x16 slots for flexible installation
  4. Low-Profile Bracket Included – Installs in small form factor cases without extra hardware
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
  • Category: Network Interface Card
  • Controller: Intel X540
  • Ports: Dual copper RJ45
  • Supported Speeds: 100M, 1G, 10G (does not support 2.5G/5G)
  • PCI Express: PCI Express 2.1, 5.0 G T/s, x8 lane
❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does it support 2.5G or 5G Ethernet?

A: No, supported link speeds are 100M, 1G and 10G only; 2.5G and 5G are not supported.

Q: Can this be used with Windows 11 out of the box?

A: Windows 11 use is possible but requires manual setup; contact the seller for an installation guide before using with Windows 11.

Q: Will it fit in a small form factor case?

A: Yes, the package includes a low-profile bracket alongside the standard bracket for installation in compact cases.

🏆 Our Verdict

Network administrators and small business IT teams needing dependable 10GbE links will find this card well suited. Original Intel X540 silicon, dual RJ45 ports, and included low-profile bracket make it a practical choice for upgrading servers and workstations. Backed by a three year warranty and lifetime support, the card represents a solid long-term networking investment.