5GbE and beyond ethernet adapters

[keenklee]

Which Intel NICs you are looking at?

Intel 82599/X520 based single or dual 10Gbe SFP+ NICs and Intel X540 based single or dual 10Gbe RJ45 NICs are always pretty affordable. The price can be dirt cheap if you buy from Taobao for second hand server NICs. They are not compatible with 2.5Gbe/5Gbe though.

Intel X550 and X710 chipsets are more recommended now.

Intel X550-T1/T2 dual 10Gbe RJ45 NICs are reasonably priced. Second hand server NICs can be pretty cheap.

X710-DA2 based dual 10Gbe SFP+ NICs seems to be pretty affordable as well from Taobao now.

X710-T2L based dual 10Gbe RJ45 NICs seems to be still relatively expensive.

IMHO.
Not specific as I see in other listing on the Realtek, Intel like got 20 something $ to 30 something $.
Anyway, I think should focus on the newer Realtek, don't want so much heat.
If the dual 10Gbe are cheap enough, I can consider to get one for experiments.

Right now I am focusing to get the 10Gbe Beelink to use as a server first.
Too lazy to try to get the TB4 Orico working on my notebook.

 

[keenklee]

I am not into the PCIe network card now since I only have one low end AMD Ryzen 5 5600G based desktop.

It has the following two cheap NICs.

1) Intel X520-DA2(82599ES) dual 10Gbe SFP+ NIC (second hand xFushion 超聚变 server NIC at RMB 110)

2) RTL8126 5Gbe adapter (IOcrest RTL7126 based, RMB 89)

Both are working fine under Windows 11 and Ubuntu 24.04.

But take note Intel no longer supports old X520/X540 NICs in their latest driver packages. I was using an old version to install the driver last time.

IMHO.
Same sentiments. I hope to get 10Gbe working to test my network.

 

[xiaofan]

IMHO.
Same sentiments. I hope to get 10Gbe working to test my network.

I am more or less done with my purchaing of 2.5Gbe/10Gbe stuff (2.5Gbe and 10Gbe capable mini PCs, 2.5Gbps and 10Gbps capable wireless routers, 2.5Gbe/10G mixed switches, pure 10Gbe switches, 5Gbe and 10Gbe NICs, 10Gbe SFP+ optic modules and 10Gbe SFP+ RJ45 Copper modules, etc) in 2024 and early 2025, probably close to S$2000 to S$2500 in total. The last two main purchases were HB710 from Starhub at S$192 in Dec 2024 and Archer BE805 from an M1 user in early 2025 at S$300.

Quite some of them are not really used as I was not familiar with the stuff and wasted some money durng the experiments -- kind of paying for the learning experiences.

Playing with SIM Only plans are much cheaper .

Even playing with 4G/5G SIM routers seem to be cheaper -- but I have not really tried the 4G/5G routers I bought in late 2025.

Now the next one is for affordable10Gbe capable Wi-Fi 8 router, probably in 2028.

 

[keenklee]

I am more or less done with my purchaing of 2.5Gbe/10Gbe stuff (2.5Gbe and 10Gbe capable mini PCs, 2.5Gbps and 10Gbps capable wireless routers, 2.5Gbe/10G mixed switches, pure 10Gbe switches, 5Gbe and 10Gbe NICs, 10Gbe SFP+ optic modules and 10Gbe SFP+ RJ45 Copper modules, etc) in 2024 and early 2025, probably close to S$2000 to S$2500 in total. The last two main purchases were HB710 from Starhub at S$192 in Dec 2024 and Archer BE805 from an M1 user in early 2025 at S$300.

Quite some of them are not really used as I was not familiar with the stuff and wasted some money durng the experiments -- kind of paying for the learning experiences.

Playing with SIM Only plans are much cheaper .

Even playing with 4G/5G SIM routers seem to be cheaper -- but I have not really tried the 4G/5G routers I bought in late 2025.

Now the next one is for affordable10Gbe capable Wi-Fi 8 router, probably in 2028.

IMHO.
I guess the journey is like that, sure need to spend $$$ especially for knowledge.
I likely getting a HBxxx.

 

[MGeaR356]

There are a few vendors.

Take note you need to have USB 3.2 Gen 2 X 2 (20Gbps) port to be able to fully utilise the adapter.

1) IOCREST, RMB 319
【淘宝】假一赔四 https://e.tb.cn/h.iP2aQrn0zVR9Lyn?tk=n3rv5WBlgVy HU293 「乐扩USB-C万兆网卡10G兼容台式机笔记本MAC手机RTL8159芯建议插20G C口支持雷电5/4/3/USB4/3.2/3.1/3.0」
点击链接直接打开 或者 淘宝搜索直接打开

2) XikeStor SKN-U310GT, RMB 358
【淘宝】假一赔四 https://e.tb.cn/h.iPtS02wfOkSUh12?tk=Q64V5WBtyIY HU006 「兮克USB万兆网卡雷电type-c转10g网口转接器RJ45电口网卡SKN-U310GT拓展坞适配器飞牛群晖威联通nas可用」
点击链接直接打开 或者 淘宝搜索直接打开

3) Diewu TXA402, RMB 360
【淘宝】假一赔十 https://e.tb.cn/h.ilDcEADNSfyFoM2?tk=WoUk5Wzejtz HU926 「10G网卡USB3.2网线转接口10000Mbps高速typec千兆万兆rj45有线转换器2.5Gwin10 11雷电笔记本台式RTL8159芯片」
点击链接直接打开 或者 淘宝搜索直接打开

4) There are other brands as well but may not be as well-known as the above. There may be cheaper price elsewhere but the above links are from the official Taobao/Tmall Flagship Store.

Thanks xiaofan.

Can recommend a 10gbps for pci e from taobao too? Think I may have slot in my PC

 

[xiaofan]

Thanks xiaofan.

Can recommend a 10gbps for pci e from taobao too? Think I may have slot in my PC

What is the PCIe slot spec and the budget? For example, PCIe 4.0 X 1 or PCIe 3.0 X 4 or something else.

There are many cheap ones but I do not know which one is good.

 

[MGeaR356]

PCIe 4.0 x4 on my b650M

Oh was wondering which 8127 pci e slot card I should go for instead ..

 

[xiaofan]

Some examples of PCIe 4.0 x 1 or PCIe 3.0 x 4 RTL8127 based 10Gbe RJ45 NICs

Price is just for references

1) IOCrest, RMB 199 for both versions
【淘宝】假一赔四 https://e.tb.cn/h.iPjJXoXOGcjCcZk?tk=HaMa53UIos5 HU006 「乐扩PCIE 4.0 X1万兆10G网卡8127芯台式机服务器游戏直播电竞高速网卡支持PXE无盘网吧网咖」
点击链接直接打开 或者 淘宝搜索直接打开

2) Diewu, two versions , RMB 207 or RMB 194
【淘宝】假一赔四 https://e.tb.cn/h.iPjsmDaJf0ZJML1?tk=dLpP53UtDjm CZ193 「【新品首发】瑞昱Realtek8127芯片万兆PCIe4.0-1X无盘网卡台式机服务器千兆5G公司网吧PXE网络唤醒WOL10G网卡」
点击链接直接打开 或者 淘宝搜索直接打开

3) XikeStor RTL8127 PCIe 3.0 x 4 version, RMB 271

【淘宝】假一赔四 https://e.tb.cn/h.ilc4jnGqM6lA2Lw?tk=WF5D535hqoJ CA381 「兮克万兆电口网卡pcie x4内置SKN-8127-1BT 10G电口网卡RJ45接口高速传输电脑nas服务器瑞昱8127芯片」
点击链接直接打开 或者 淘宝搜索直接打开

4) XikeStor RTL8127 PCIe 4.0 x 1 version, RMB 237
【淘宝】假一赔四 https://e.tb.cn/h.iOeOt6Y5hlWXnwE?tk=shXZ5355qcv MF278 「兮克万兆电口网卡10G RJ45网线口pcie4.0 X1插槽SKN-8127-X1内置台式机nas网卡高速传输无盘启动远程唤醒」
点击链接直接打开 或者 淘宝搜索直接打开
...

 

[xiaofan]

PCIe 4.0 x4 on my b650M

Oh was wondering which 8127 pci e slot card I should go for instead ..

I see, I tend to think it is better to go with the PCIe 3.0 x 4 RTL8127 version in this case.

 

[xiaofan]

Some users prefer to buy from local online store

Lazada, WAVLINK 5Gbe adapter,
S$26.55 (WL-NWU341G) and
S$29.64 (WL-NWU341GD, with 95W PD)
S$23.30 (WL-NWU340G)
S$28.50 (WL-NWU340GD, with 95W PD)

Product info
https://www.wavlink.com/en_us/category/NetWork_Card_.html

1) WAVLINK USB C to Ethernet Adapter 5Gbps, Driver-free RJ45 Gigabit LAN Ethernet Network Adapter for Laptops, Computers and More, Thunderbolt 5/4/3 Compatible, for MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro, Dell XPS | https://s.lazada.sg/s.3KtwM

2) WAVLINK USB C to Ethernet Adapter 5Gbps, with 95W PD, Driver-free RJ45 Gigabit LAN Ethernet Network Adapter for Laptops, Computers and More, Thunderbolt 5/4/3 Compatible, for MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro, Dell XPS | https://s.lazada.sg/s.3KGRl

3) WAVLINK USB C to Ethernet Adapter 5Gbps, Driver-free RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter for Laptops, Computers and More, Grey Aluminum Case for Windows 10/11, Mac OS 11 or Later, Linux and More | https://s.lazada.sg/s.3Kuh5

4) WAVLINK USB C to Ethernet Adapter with 95W Charging Port, Driver-free RJ45 Ethernet Adapter 5Gbps for Laptops, Computers and More, Aluminum Case for Windows 10/11, Mac OS 11 or Later, Linux and More | https://s.lazada.sg/s.3Ku7d

 

[keenklee]

Some users prefer to buy from local online store

Lazada, WAVELINK 5Gbe adapter,
S$26.55 (WL-NWU341G) and
S$29.64 (WL-NWU341GD, with 95W PD)

Product info
https://www.wavlink.com/en_us/category/NetWork_Card_.html

1) WAVLINK USB C to Ethernet Adapter 5Gbps, Driver-free RJ45 Gigabit LAN Ethernet Network Adapter for Laptops, Computers and More, Thunderbolt 5/4/3 Compatible, for MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro, Dell XPS | https://s.lazada.sg/s.3KtwM

2) WAVLINK USB C to Ethernet Adapter 5Gbps, with 95W PD, Driver-free RJ45 Gigabit LAN Ethernet Network Adapter for Laptops, Computers and More, Thunderbolt 5/4/3 Compatible, for MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro, Dell XPS | https://s.lazada.sg/s.3KGRl

IMHO.
The price is good.

 

[keenklee]

I see, I tend to think it is better to go with the PCIe 3.0 x 4 RTL8127 version in this case.

IMHO.
I was reading that PCIe 3.0 x4 is a preferred choice. 10Gbe can do duplex i.e. 20 Gbps

PCIe 4.0 x1 ~ 16 Gbit/s
PCIe 3.0 x4 ~32 Gbit/s

So far never come across any speedtest results.
Just feel like building a barebone system to do such tests. I think CPU doesn't really matter right ?

 

[xiaofan]

XikeStor SKN-U310GT Realtek RTL8159 USB 10GbE NIC Review
https://www.servethehome.com/xikestor-skn-u310gt-realtek-rtl8159-usb-10gbe-nic-review/

1) USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 x86: Measured maximum 9.5Gbps throughput (spec: up to 9.6Gbps)

2) USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 x86 Measured 6.6Gbps throughput (spec: approximately 7Gbps)

3) USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 Apple M4 MBP Measured 6.3Gbps throughput

4) USB 3.2 Gen 1 x86: Measured 4.7Gbps throughput (spec: up to 5Gbps)

 

[1 Ghz]

There is now an M.2 -> SFP28 NIC via ConnectX-4-LX.

 

[liangtam]

IMHO.
I was reading that PCIe 3.0 x4 is a preferred choice. 10Gbe can do duplex i.e. 20 Gbps

PCIe 4.0 x1 ~ 16 Gbit/s
PCIe 3.0 x4 ~32 Gbit/s

So far never come across any speedtest results.
Just feel like building a barebone system to do such tests. I think CPU doesn't really matter right ?

PCIe 4.0 x1 is full duplex capable, so ~31Gbps. When pairing with RTL8127 it is not a problem, that is unless the system motherboard can only accept PCIe 3.0

 

[xiaofan]

XikeStor SKN-U310GT Realtek RTL8159 USB 10GbE NIC Review
https://www.servethehome.com/xikestor-skn-u310gt-realtek-rtl8159-usb-10gbe-nic-review/

1) USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 x86: Measured maximum 9.5Gbps throughput (spec: up to 9.6Gbps)

2) USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 x86 Measured 6.6Gbps throughput (spec: approximately 7Gbps)

3) USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 Apple M4 MBP Measured 6.3Gbps throughput

4) USB 3.2 Gen 1 x86: Measured 4.7Gbps throughput (spec: up to 5Gbps)

Another brand with similar test results.

 

[Phen8210]

i ordered the xikestor so will update you all in 1-2 weeks , gonna plug into my gen2x2 usb port

 

[xiaofan]

I just got the 2025 model Acer Aspire 14 AI to try Windows 11 on ARM64 (Qualcomm X1 26100 CPU). It comes preinstalled with Windows 24H2. Now it is running Windows 25H2.

It has dual 40Gbps USB 4.0 Type C ports.

It turns out that Marvell does not provide Windows 11 on ARM64 driver for AQC107/AQC113C, only x86_64. Therefore my three USB4/TB4 10Gbe adapters become useless for this machine.

RealTek does provide driver for the 5Gbe/10Gbe Ethernet adapters.
https://www.realtek.com/Download/List?cate_id=584

The Wavelink 5Gbe adapter performs fine.
Singtel ONR bridged (5Gbps plan) -- OpenWRT main router -- 10Gbe/2.5Gbe switch -- TP-Link Archer BE805 10Gbe WAN port
TP-Link Archer BE805 10Gbe LAN port -- Acer Aspire 14 AI 2025 model

PS C:\work\networking\ookla-speedtest-1.2.0-win64> .\speedtest.exe -s 13623

   Speedtest by Ookla

      Server: Singtel - Singapore (id: 13623)
         ISP: Singtel, Singtel Broadband
Idle Latency:     3.77 ms   (jitter: 0.27ms, low: 3.54ms, high: 4.17ms)
    Download:  4289.86 Mbps (data used: 2.3 GB)
                 14.34 ms   (jitter: 36.59ms, low: 3.49ms, high: 462.80ms)
      Upload:  4576.92 Mbps (data used: 4.1 GB)
                 13.74 ms   (jitter: 1.29ms, low: 3.64ms, high: 19.27ms)
 Packet Loss:     0.0%
  Result URL: https://www.speedtest.net/result/c/5c886e07-97a2-404e-818c-2018246feb54

PS C:\work\networking\ookla-speedtest-1.2.0-win64> .\speedtest.exe -s 13623

   Speedtest by Ookla

      Server: Singtel - Singapore (id: 13623)
         ISP: Singtel, Singtel Broadband
Idle Latency:     3.59 ms   (jitter: 0.18ms, low: 3.33ms, high: 3.89ms)
    Download:  4406.09 Mbps (data used: 3.9 GB)
                 34.73 ms   (jitter: 47.21ms, low: 3.13ms, high: 283.46ms)
      Upload:  4438.94 Mbps (data used: 3.7 GB)
                  4.13 ms   (jitter: 1.54ms, low: 2.28ms, high: 45.19ms)
 Packet Loss:     0.0%
  Result URL: https://www.speedtest.net/result/c/dc9ca7c0-4d9b-4f28-8b53-f31fde2fcc3e

 

[xiaofan]

i ordered the xikestor so will update you all in 1-2 weeks , gonna plug into my gen2x2 usb port

Updated results here -- it performs well.

Share your speedtest, equipment in detail and which ISP you are using!

Thank you.

I am using UCG Fibre Router.

On SFP+ Port 7 attached a Wiitek UF-RJ45-10G SFP+ module to the Huawei ONT.
The Port 5 of the UCG Fibre goes is connected to a XikeStor 10G USB adapter that is connected to my desktop's USB Gen2x2 through cat 5e.

 

[Phen8210]

Updated results here -- it performs well.

ty small rice