StarTech.com PR42GI-NETWORK-CARD 4x 2.5Gbps PCI Express 2.0 x4 Network Card

Slow network speeds can hold back backups, video streams and large file transfers, leaving you frustrated and unproductive. The StarTech.com PR42GI-NETWORK-CARD 4x 2.5Gbps PCI Express 2.0 x4 Network Card is a quad-port network card that gives you four independent 2.5 Gbps Ethernet connections, letting you upgrade existing Cat5e or Cat6 cabling to multi-gigabit performance without a complete rewiring.

Benefits of StarTech.com Network Card

You gain reliable, high-speed connectivity that reduces bottlenecks and keeps critical applications running smoothly. Remote management via Intel vPro means you can troubleshoot issues without physical access, saving time and downtime. The card’s full-duplex and auto-negotiation ensure stable data flow, while features like PXE boot and Wake-on-LAN add flexibility for server environments. Its low-profile bracket lets you fit it into compact builds, extending the life of your current hardware.

Key Features of a 2.5Gbps Network Card

• Ports: 4 x 10M/100M/1G/2.5 Gigabit Ethernet. Four separate ports let you separate traffic or aggregate bandwidth.
• Chipset: Intel I225-V per port. Each port has its own controller for consistent performance.
• Speed: 2.5Gbps data transfer rate. Faster than standard gigabit for demanding workloads.
• Cabling: Ethernet 2.5GBase-T (Cat5e or better). Use existing cabling, no costly upgrades needed.
• Interface: PCI Express 2.0 x4. Fits standard or low-profile slots for versatile installation.
• Compatibility: Windows, Windows Server, Linux 5.8.x+ and VMware ESXi 7.0. Works with most operating systems you may run.
• Features: VLAN tagging, PXE boot, WoL, Auto-MDIX, bus powered. Adds network segmentation, remote boot and power-saving options.
• Jumbo Frames: 9 K support. Improves efficiency for large data transfers.
• Standards: IEEE 802.3bz, 802.1Q, 802.1p, 802.1x and more. Ensures broad interoperability with modern networks.

Usages of a 2.5Gbps Network Card

Ideal for environments where speed and reliability matter:

• High-performance file servers handling large backups.
• Virtualisation hosts needing multiple fast NICs for VM traffic.
• Media production workstations streaming 4K video over the network.
• Small-to-medium business routers aggregating several LAN segments.
• Lab or test rigs that require separate NICs for isolated experiments.

StarTech.com Network Card Choice

Many buyers worry that a multi-port card will be difficult to configure or that it will require new cabling. In reality, the card uses standard RJ-45 connectors and works with existing Cat5e or Cat6 runs, so installation is straightforward. Others fear that a single card cannot deliver true independent performance across all ports. Because each port has its own Intel I225-V controller, traffic on one port does not affect the others, giving you consistent speeds on all four connections. By choosing this StarTech.com network card you avoid costly infrastructure upgrades while gaining the speed and features needed for modern, data-intensive applications.

Specifications