StarTech.com 5G PCIe Network Adapter Card - NBASE-T PCI Express Network Interface Adapter 5GbE Multi Gigabit Ethernet LAN 4 Speed NIC

Upgrade your workstation or server with a future‑ready, cost‑effective network adapter that leverages your existing Cat5e cabling. The StarTech NBASE‑T PCIe Network Adapter Card delivers high‑speed multi‑gigabit Ethernet (up to 5Gbps) across your network, enabling faster file transfers, smoother virtualization, and improved streaming without the expense and hassle of rewiring. This PCIe NIC is designed to drop right into a compatible PCIe slot, offering a powerful upgrade path for small businesses, IT pros, and power users who demand dependable performance and easy deployment.

• 4‑speed NBASE‑T performance on one card: Experience faster network throughput with support for 1GBASE‑T, 2.5GBASE‑T, and 5GBASE‑T speeds, all delivered over standard Cat5e copper cabling. The adapter negotiates the best available speed with your switch or router, giving you scalable bandwidth as your network grows.
• Flexible PCIe interface for wide compatibility: This NIC uses a PCIe x1 interface and is designed for easy installation in desktops, workstations, and compatible servers. Its low‑profile design fits a wide range of chassis sizes, and it remains backward compatible with many PCIe motherboards, ensuring seamless integration without motherboard upgrades.
• Cost‑efficient upgrade with existing cabling: Tap into multi‑gigabit Ethernet without pulling new cables. By upgrading to 2.5G/5GBASE‑T over your existing Cat5e infrastructure, you unlock significantly faster internal transfers, backups, and networked applications while preserving your current cabling investment.
• Designed for modern networks and interoperability: Fully compliant with 2.5GBASE‑T, 5GBASE‑T, and NBASE‑T (Draft IEEE 802.3bz), ensuring compatibility with contemporary switches, routers, and access points. This makes it a practical fit for home offices, small businesses, and multi‑device work areas that demand reliable multi‑gigabit connectivity.
• Reliable performance for everyday tasks and demanding workloads: Built to deliver steady, high‑throughput connections for file servers, media streaming, virtualization, and cloud‑based workflows. The card is engineered for consistent performance, simple management, and scalable networking in real‑world environments.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 5G PCIe Network Adapter Card

• Product type: NBASE‑T PCI Express Network Adapter Card
• Interface: PCIe x1 (backward compatible with PCIe slots on a wide range of motherboards)
• Supported speeds: 1GBASE‑T, 2.5GBASE‑T, 5GBASE‑T (NBASE‑T capable; auto‑negotiation selects the best available speed)
• Cabling: Cat5e copper cabling supports multi‑gigabit Ethernet over existing infrastructure
• Standards: 2.5GBASE‑T, 5GBASE‑T, NBASE‑T (Draft IEEE 802.3bz)
• Connector: RJ‑45 8P8C port for standard Ethernet cables
• Ideal use case: Desktop workstations, small business PCs, and networked devices requiring scalable LAN performance with minimal cabling changes

How to install StarTech.com 5G PCIe Network Adapter Card

• Power down your computer and unplug all connected cables to prevent static discharge and ensure safety during installation.
• Open the computer case and locate an available PCIe x1 expansion slot. If you’re unsure, consult your motherboard manual for the exact slot location and any necessary precautions.
• Insert the StarTech NBASE‑T PCIe network card firmly into the PCIe x1 slot until it seats completely. Secure the card with a mounting screw if your chassis requires it.
• Connect an RJ‑45 network cable to the adapter’s port. If you’re upgrading a workstation to multi‑gigabit performance, connect to a switch or router that supports 2.5G/5GBASE‑T to realize higher speeds.
• Boot the system and install the latest drivers from StarTech’s official website or through your operating system’s update utilities. After installation, reboot if prompted by the driver installer.
• Open your operating system’s network settings and select the new interface. Confirm link speed negotiation, test connectivity, and verify that you are achieving the expected multi‑gigabit performance on transfers and network tasks.

Frequently asked questions

• What speeds does this adapter support? It supports 1G, 2.5G, and 5GBASE‑T over Cat5e cabling, delivering up to 5 Gbps theoretical throughput when the network path supports NBASE‑T capabilities.
• Do I need new cables? No. The adapter works over existing Cat5e copper cabling, making it a practical upgrade for many current network setups.
• Is it compatible with common operating systems? StarTech provides drivers and support for a variety of operating systems; check the product page for the latest compatibility information.
• What kind of motherboard slots does it require? It uses a PCIe x1 interface, so you’ll need an available PCIe x1 slot in your motherboard. It is designed to be compatible with a broad range of desktop and workstation configurations.
• Does it support jumbo frames? Jumbo frame support is typically a driver‑level option. After installing the driver, you can enable jumbo frames in your operating system or NIC configuration utility if your network requires larger frames for improved throughput.

With the StarTech NBASE‑T PCIe Network Adapter Card, you gain a flexible, scalable, and cost‑effective path to multi‑gigabit networking. The 4‑speed capability over Cat5e cabling keeps maintenance simple while delivering significant performance improvements for workloads that demand faster network access. Whether you’re upgrading a single workstation, equipping a small office NAS environment, or enhancing a hyper‑converged setup, this NIC provides a reliable, standards‑compliant solution that aligns with modern networking needs. Backed by StarTech’s reputation for quality and ongoing driver support, this card helps future‑proof your network as speeds continue to evolve.