List of the Best 10 Gbps PCIe x4 Ethernet card for LAN – 10BaseT

If you are looking for a PCIe-based best 10 Gbps PCIe x4 Ethernet card, then you have landed in the right spot. The 10 Gigabit Ethernet standard is also known as 10GE or 10GbE, or 10 GigE or 10 Gigabits per second. It is based on the IEEE 802.3ae-2002 standard. These are only full-duplex networks over point-to-point network switches. Basically, you will not be able to use any older generation half-duplex interconnects to achieve 10 GBP/s.

Related Reading: Best Gigabit Ethernet Cables CAT 7 and CAT 6 for 10G Ethernet

It comes with a different PHY standard and requires CAT6A ethernet cables to support high bandwidth over a maximum distance of 100 meters.

In LAN connections, some common issues faced are related to speed and bandwidth. It may not be relatively straightforward to improve on these two factors. However, the Ethernet cards for LAN are available to work on such issues. The 10 Gbps Ethernet cards are available to scale your network performance with up to 10 Gbps bandwidth.

The 10baseT standard supports both copper (10GBASE-KX4 & 10GBASE-KR) and optical fiber standards. The line encoding used by 10GBASE-T is the basis for the newer and slower 2.5GBASE-T and 5GBASE-T standard, implementing a 2.5 or 5.0 Gbit/s connection over existing category 5e or 6 cablings. Cables that will not function reliably with 10GBASE-T may successfully operate with 2.5GBASE-T or 5GBASE-T is supported by both ends.

Also Read: Best 10G Multi Gigabit LAN Switch Managed & Unmanaged with 24 & 48 Ports

How does 10GbE compare to other varieties of Ethernet?

• The frame format is the same, allowing interoperability between all varieties of legacy, fast, gigabit, and 10 gigabits, with no reframing or protocol translations.
• The bit time is now 0.1 nanoseconds. All other time variables scale respectively.
• Considering only full-duplex fiber connections are used, CSMA/CD is not necessary.
• The IEEE 802.3 sublayers within OSI Layers 1 and 2 are mostly maintained, with a few additions to accommodate 40 km fiber links and interoperability with SONET/SDH technologies.
• Flexible, efficient, reliable, relatively low-cost end-to-end Ethernet networks become feasible.
• TCP/IP can run over LANs, MANs, and WANs with one Layer 2 transport classification.

The basic standard governing CSMA/CD is IEEE 802.3. An IEEE 802.3 complement, entitled 802.3ae, oversees the 10GbE family. As is typical for new technologies, a variety of implementations are being considered, including:

10GBASE-SR – Intended for short distances over already-installed multimode fiber, supports a range between 26 m to 82 m

• 10GBASE-LX4 – Uses wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), supports 240 m to 300 m over already-installed multimode fiber and 10 km over single-mode fiber
• 10GBASE-LR and 10GBASE-ER – Support 10 km and 40 km over single-mode fiber
• 10GBASE-SW, 10GBASE-LW, and 10GBASE-EW – Recognized collectively as 10GBASE-W, intended to work with OC-192 synchronous transport module SONET/SDH WAN equipment

The IEEE 802.3ae Taskforce and the 10-Gigabit Ethernet Alliance (10 GEA) are working to standardize these emerging technologies.

Such high-end Ethernet adapters facilitate the transfer of more data and that too at faster speeds. The higher bandwidth is found beneficial for a wide range of applications. Some of them encompass real-time applications, social networking apps, web cloud computing, virtualization software, databases, caching, etc.

Compared to the standard gigabyte Ethernets, these cards work 10 times faster. To obtain fast-speed access to the network, these cards are the best choices. Among the plethora of options, you may get confused about which one to pick. Well, the following article discusses the best 10 Gbps Ethernet cards for LAN:

Best 10 Gbps PCIe x4 Ethernet card:

Sr. No.	Image	Product Name	Manufacturer	Buy Now
1		TP-Link 10GB Ethernet Network Adapter (TX401)	TP-Link	Buy from Amazon
2		QNAP QXG-10G1T Single-Port Expansion Card	QNAP	Buy from Amazon
3		10Gtek 10Gb PCI-E NIC Network Card, Dual SFP+ Port	10Gtek	Buy from Amazon
4		10Gtek PCI Express Ethernet LAN Adapter, Single SFP+ Port	10Gtek	Buy from Amazon
5		StarTech.com 10 GB Ethernet Network Card (ST10000SPEX)	StarTech	Buy from Amazon
6		10Gb PCI-E Network Card X520-DA2	Ipolex	Buy from Amazon
7		StarTech.com 10Gb SFP+ Network Card (PEX10000SFP)	StarTech	Buy from Amazon
8		10Gtek PCI Express Ethernet LAN Adapter, Dual Copper RJ45 Port	10Gtek	Buy from Amazon
9		H!Fiber.com 10Gb PCI-E Network Interface Card (NIC)	H!Fiber	Buy from Amazon

9. H!Fiber.com 10Gb PCI-E Network Interface Card (NIC):

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Equipped with several advanced features, this network interface card provides excellent reliability. The industry-leading performance boosts the speed of connectivity and transfer. In this network card, a high-quality master chip is available to accomplish the task. With the transmission rate reaching up to 10 Gigabytes, indeed, you will benefit from a high-speed network. This NIC is unique because it comes with dual RJ45 ports, and there are 4 PCI Express 3.0 ports. These ports help you with broad compatibility. Hence, you can connect it with Linux or Windows or Freebsd or VMware.

It is found that the CPU utilization is not much during the transfer. Hence, this network card carries out all the intensive lifting tasks on the card. There is not much load on the driver or the OS. The plug & play operation makes it easy to install on compatible operating systems. Overall, the price worth the features and the outstanding performance it offers.

Features:

• Its dual RJ45 ports are applicable to category-6A up to 100 meters. They are flexible and scalable to a 10G network that meets the demands of the present-day data center environments.
• The card is compatible with Windows Server 2003, 2008, 2012, Windows7/ 8/10/Visa, Linux, VMware ESX, etc.
• It comes with a full-height bracket and a low-profile bracket.
• The PCI interface is compatible with PCIe v3.0 (8.0GT/s) (version 2.0 and 1.1), X4 Lane, and X8/X16.

8. 10Gtek PCI Express Ethernet LAN Adapter, Dual Copper RJ45 Port:

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This PCI-E NIC network card from 10Gtek comes with the ability to transmit massive data fast. It is incorporated with a 10Gtek controller chip that supports Intelligent Offloads and makes the servers stable. Even if the data to be transmitted is enormous, the time required is less.

You just need to make sure you use the driver CD included in the pack to install the driver before using his card. Even in the Windows 10 system, it is easy to install drivers, connect to the switch, and get the fast speed connection directly. The pack contains this network card, a driver CD, and a low-profile bracket.

Features:

• Its dual copper RJ45 ports enable connection to Category-6A.
• The maximum distance of connectivity is up to 100 meters in length. This helps to fulfill the demands of the data center environments.
• The PCI Express* 2.1 5.0 G T/s X8 Lane is suitable for PCI-E X8 and PCI-E X16 slots.
• The profile bracket and extra low-profile bracket make it simple to install the card inside a low-profile computer case.
• The compatibility is with Windows7/8/10/Visa, Windows Server 2003/ 2008/ 2012, Linux, and ESX/ESXi.

7. StarTech.com 10Gb SFP+ Network Card (PEX10000SFP):

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There is a demand for using enormous network resources to meet actual high-speed file transfer rates and multimedia sources. For quick file transfers and to serve data for many network users, more bandwidth is usually required. This StarTech network card offers a maximum of 10 Gbps bandwidth. So, this fiber NIC allows you to transfer more data at quick speeds. Moreover, it works perfectly as a cost-effective addition to your server or especially the high-powered workstation.

This network card allows you to boost the network performance with the 10 GB SFP+ transceiver of your preference. Next, you just need to connect a PCI-E-enabled server to a 10GB fiber network. You will benefit from quick networking with a maximum of 10 Gbps over the fiber optic cable. Furthermore, this card has broad SFP+ compatibility. It is also compatible with the majority of the 10 GBe SFP+ modules. Thus, you get more options to directly connect your PC to a fiber network at far distances.

Features:

• To provide high operating efficiency, the PEX10000SFP card comes with a Tehuti TN4010 chipset. It provides a significant reduction in power consumption. The maximum consumption is 4.12 W.
• The excellent power efficiency reduces the heat produced by the card. Consequently, it prevents a rise in the operating temperature in the server case.
• The compatibility with the Windows version is with Windows 10/8/7, Windows Server 2012, 2016, and 2019.
• It also works with Linux Mac OS X El Capitan (10.11), macOS Sierra (10.12), macOS High Sierra (10.13), and macOS Mojave (10.14).
• Its available open SFP+ slot provides flexible configuration. This is because it lets the card adapt to your distance requirements and network fiber connection.
• The card comes with a 2-year warranty from StarTech.com, and there is free technical support for a lifetime.

6. 10Gb PCI-E Network Card X520-DA2:

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The critical component in the X520-DA2 network card is the Intel 82599ES chip. It is used as the primary control chip to avoid packet loss. Also, it enhances the stability of servers and cuts down interruptions. The dual SFP+ ports facilitate quick data transfer and offer broad compatibility.

This card is easy to use; simply download the driver from the CD and then install it on your PC.

Alternatively, you can download the driver from the website of Intel. Make sure to use the CAT 7 cables between the switch and the card. Not just for boosting network speed, but you can also use it for network streaming of the UDP packets at 10 Gbps speed.

Features:

• Its dual SFP+ ports support 10 GB SFP+ module, DAC, and AOC. So, they can cope up with the demands of the data center environments.
• The mentioned ports can connect the 10Gb/s SFP with transceiver modules or the SFP with direct attach copper cables.
• The built-in controller chip supports most of the servers and reduces the utilization of the CPU.
• The compatibility is with Windows7/8/Visa, Windows Server, Linux, VMware, and many more.
• There is support for the PCI Express X8 or X16 slots.
• Its structure shows a thick interface with gold plating to provide reliable contact and stable transmission.
• Due to the large surface area of the radiator, the heat dissipation is excellent. Hence, the card continues to work for a long time.

5. StarTech.com 10 GB Ethernet Network Card (ST10000SPEX):

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the ST10000SPEX network card is helpful to meet the needs of high-speed, low latency file transfer of multimedia content. It can meet the demands of increasing network users. For those applications that demand more bandwidth, this card is a practical choice. Moreover, it offers more bandwidth compared to standard Cat 6a cabling. There is no need to upgrade your infrastructure wiring system or invest in expensive fibers. The significant reduction in power consumption assists in reducing heat produced from the card. So, the overall operating temperature of the server case will also drop.

Features:

• With the help of the PCI Express x4 slot, it provides a 10 Gbps Ethernet port to a server or client, or workstation.
• To provide the maximum operating efficiency, this card contains the Tehuti TN4010 chipset.
• It is compatible with the 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet.
• The card is compatible with the VMWare ESXi and Microsoft Hyper-V virtualization software.
• There is support for 16K Jumbo Frames and 802.1q VLAN tagging.
• It is backward compatible with 1 Gbps as well as 100 Mbps network connections.
• To provide versatility, the card is implemented with a standard profile bracket. A low-profile bracket is available for installation in the PCs with a small form factor.
• There is iSCSI support to merge LAN and SAN functions.

4. 10Gtek PCI Express Ethernet LAN Adapter, Single SFP+ Port:

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The 10Gtek X520-10G-1S network card is incorporated with a controller chip from the same manufacturer. This chip supports I/O virtualization and can avoid packet loss. Also, this chip offers stability to the server. There is the availability of the profile bracket and extra low-profile bracket. It provides ease of installation, especially in a computer case with a small form factor. In addition to the card and bracket, a driver CD is also included.

Since the card is a PCI Express x8 card, make sure an appropriate slot is available for plugging it into. Keep in mind that a few of your slots might not be directly connected to your CPU for the Intel-based systems. So, they would be limited by your chipset.

Features:

• The single SFP+ port supports the SFP+ Interface. The maximum speed is 10 Gb/s.
• Its interface allows you to connect 10 Gigabit SFP+ DAC 10 Gigabit SFP+ module and 10 Gigabit SFP+ AOC. Hence, the card successfully meets the needs of the data center environment.
• The compatibility is with Windows7/ 8/ Vista, Windows Server 2003/ 2008/ 2012, Linux, VMware ESX, etc.
• The PCI-E X8 lane is helpful on the PCI-E X8 and PCI-E X16 slots.
• With the inclusion of a quality master control chip, the power reduction is more diminutive.

3. 10Gtek 10Gb PCI-E NIC Network Card, Dual SFP+ Port:

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The port, as mentioned in the product name, makes this network card unique. It is responsible for quick data transfer and speedy connectivity. Incorporated with a quality controller, this card supports I/O virtualization. Furthermore, it enhances the stability of the servers. The included profile bracket and extra low-profile bracket offer the simplicity of installation. Chiefly in a PC case with a small form factor, the installation is relatively easy.

The pack comprises this card, a low-profile bracket, and a driver CD. The use of efficient and latest chips guarantees a significant boost in performance.

Features:

• The built-in master control chip in the X520-10G-2S card stops packet loss.
• Its Dual SFP+ Port system makes sure the two SFP+ ports are distinct from one another. They can attain a maximum speed of up to 10 Gb/s.
• This port can connect with 10 Gigabit SFP+ DAC, 10 Gigabit SFP+ modules, and 10 Gigabit SFP+ AOC.
• Its PCI-E X8 Lane is compatible with PCI-E X8 and PCI-E X16 slots.
• The compatibility is flawless with Windows7/8/10/Visa, Windows Server 2003/ 2008/ 2012, and Linux, VMware ESX.

2. QNAP QXG-10G1T Single-Port Expansion Card:

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With the adoption of high-speed network infrastructures, this QNAP network card provides a significant boost in performance. The QXG-10G1T is a high-performance10GbE expansion card specially designed to enhance workflow. It makes full use of the potential of your QNAP NAS. The card comes equipped with low-profile brackets and packs in full-height brackets for ease of installation.

This card is found to be a perfect accessory to integrate your QNAP NAS within the 10GbE environment. Whenever the need arises to move a massive amount of data in your network, this card employs a remarkable impact. With the addition of this expansion card, there will be an elimination of significant blocks in your work efficiency. Since it is a PCIe Gen 3 x 4 card, it makes the maximum benefit of a Gen 3 x 4 PCIe expansion slot. Thus, the card conveys the full advantage of a NAS or a PC with this slot.

Features:

• This QNAP card supports 10GBASE-T/1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX and 5GBASE-T/2.5GBASE-T (with IEEE 802.3bz; NBASE-T) speeds.
• When connected with the Cat 6a cables, the card significantly enhances the speed of the network connection. So, the transmission performance is always excellent.
• There is the implementation of the latest Aquantia NBASE-T technology. It provides a flexible solution for supporting the high-speed network infrastructures on the QNAP NAS and PCs.
• Its RJ45 connector enables the users to make use of the existing cables.
• When connected to Cat 5E cables, the maximum transmission speed is up to 5 Gbps.
• When used with Cat 6a cables, the maximum transmission speed is up to 10 Gbps.
• For ease of installation, it comes with full-height brackets.
• It is compatible with Windows and Linux OS.

1. TP-Link 10GB Ethernet Network Adapter (TX401):

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The TP-Link TX401 network card is a 10GB PCIe network card or a PCIe to 10 GB Ethernet network adapter. The maximum speed is found 10 times faster than the standard Gigabit Ethernet. Especially for the tasks demanding intense bandwidth ranging from the local data transfers to internet access. With fast speed and ultra-low latency, the 10GBase-T is found backward compatible with various data rates. For example, it can work well at 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, 5 Gbps, and 10 Gbps. There is an automatic adjustment for lower and higher speed connections.

A CAT6A Ethernet cable of length 1.5 meters is available to boost the performance of this card. This cable is rated up to 10 Gbps, whereas regular lines are rated for 1 Gbps. The standard bracket comes with a low-profile bracket for use with small tower PC cases. Hence, there will be no installation hassles in most cases.

Features:

• With the implementation of the cutting-edge 10GBase-T Technology, this card offers high speeds up to 10 Gbps. This guarantees flawless data transmissions for local data transmissions as well as internet access.
• This adapter builds a lightning-fast transmission channel between a central server and some other machines in the local network for the local connections.
• It can easily handle tasks that need very high bandwidth.
• The QoS (Quality of Service) support guarantees sufficient bandwidth and prevents network congestion for PC gaming. Moreover, it offers high-priority performance for gamers.
• The compatibility is excellent with Windows Servers 2019/2016/2012 R2, Windows 10/8.1/8/7, and Linux. So, this adapter can fulfill your various operating system requirements.

Conclusion:

The 10 Gbps Ethernet cards for LAN enable the network to support massive data transfer and high-speed connectivity. They can smoothly handle tasks that need higher bandwidth. These cards are found helpful for a wide range of applications.