Best Network Cards for PCI Express of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Network cards for PCI Express are high-performance networking solutions that allow for faster and more reliable data transfer between devices on a network. They are designed to be used with computers that have a PCI Express slot and are ideal for businesses that require high-speed internet connectivity for their operations. These network cards are available in various speeds and configurations, from 1 Gigabit Ethernet to 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and can be used in a wide range of applications, including data centers, servers, and workstations. With their advanced features and reliable performance, network cards for PCI Express are an essential component of any modern network infrastructure.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.9
#TOP 2
9.8
#TOP 3
9.6
Top 5 Network Cards for PCI Express
BrosTrend 2.5GB Network Card
BrosTrend PCIe NIC boosts your desktop PC connectivity with 2.5Gbps speeds, making gaming battles smoother and streaming flawless. It enhances local network transfers and comes with durable metal shielding for stability. The latest Realtek chip ensures compatibility with various systems. Setting up is a breeze with plug-and-play on Windows 10 and easy driver installation for other systems. Enjoy the convenience of Wake on LAN support and Limited Lifetime Protection for peace of mind.
BrosTrend 5Gb PCIe Network Card
The BrosTrend 5Gb Network Card significantly enhances your desktop PC's wired connection with lightning-fast speeds up to 5 Gbps, making it ideal for gaming and streaming. You’ll enjoy reduced latency and improved responsiveness, allowing you to fully utilize your internet service provider's speeds. Additionally, this card facilitates quick local network transfers, boosting data efficiency between devices in your network. Built with durable aluminum and designed for optimal heat dissipation, it ensures reliable performance during intense usage, keeping your system running smoothly.
10Gtek 10GbE PCI-E X8 Network Card X540-10G-2T
The 10Gtek 10GbE PCI-E X8 Network Card X540-10G-2T is a high-quality network card that features an original Intel X540 controller chip for increased stability. It is compatible with Windows Server/Windows/Linux/ESX and comes equipped with dual copper RJ45 ports that allow for connection to Category-6A and up to 100m. This card is suitable for both PCI-E X8 and PCI-E X16 slots and comes with a driver CD, profile bracket, and additional low profile bracket for easy installation in small form factor/low profile computer cases/servers. With a 30-day free return, 1-year free warranty, and lifetime technology support, this network card is a reliable choice for any user.
YuanLey 10G PCIe Ethernet Network Card
The YuanLey 10G Ethernet Card offers ultra-fast network speeds with its Marvell AQC113 chipset and PCIe 4.0 x1 interface, letting you enjoy smooth gaming, streaming, and quick data transfers. It supports multiple speeds from 1G up to 10G over a regular RJ45 cable, so you get versatile performance for different needs. This card fits a variety of PCIe slots (X1, X4, X8, X16), making installation easy in most desktops, workstations, or servers. Plus, it includes both full-height and low-profile brackets, so you can install it in standard or compact PC cases. Setting it up is simple with plug-and-play support and Wake-on-LAN, letting you upgrade your wired connection hassle-free.
Dual-Port PCIe Gigabit Network Card
The Dual-Port PCIe Gigabit Network Card by ULANSeN is a versatile and efficient network card that supports a wide range of operating systems and devices. Its PCI Express 2.1 interface is compatible with standard and low-profile slots, and it features IPMI pass-through, iSCSI boot, WoL, and VLAN filtering. With Network Management Protocol and Remote Network Monitoring, you can easily manage and monitor your network. The card also features an imported alloy heat sink to effectively remove excess heat and maintain normal operating temperature for stable operation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the benefits of a PCIe network card?
PCIe network cards offer several benefits, including higher bandwidth, faster speed, lower latency, and increased utility. These cards can be used to add GPUs, RAID cards, WiFi cards, or SSD add-on cards to high-performance computer motherboards.
2. Is PCI Express faster than Ethernet?
PCIe is currently faster than Ethernet, with higher speeds expected in the future. While PCIe offers higher bandwidth and faster speed, both PCIe and Ethernet have similar roadmaps for future speed improvements.
3. What is the difference between ISA card and PCI card?
ISA cards are longer and bulkier compared to PCI cards. PCI is a faster bus with double or quadruple the bit-width, resulting in faster data transfer. This makes PCI cards more efficient and capable of higher performance compared to ISA cards.
4. How do I setup a network interface card on my computer?
To set up a network interface card (NIC) on your computer, right-click on the NIC and go to Properties. Then, click on Configure and adjust the power management settings to ensure the NIC stays powered. Click OK and repeat these steps for each NIC on your computer.
5. Do PCIe cards need drivers?
Yes, some PCIe cards require drivers to enable their full functionality in macOS. Make sure to download and install the appropriate driver for your PCIe card to ensure it works properly.
6. Why would you need a network card?
A network card (NIC) provides your computer with a dedicated and full-time connection to a network. It allows your computer to communicate with a data link layer standard, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. NICs enable the preparation, transmission, and control of data flow on the network.
7. Is PCI Express 2.0 or 3.0 slower?
PCIe 3.0 is faster than PCIe 2.0. PCIe 3.0 has nearly double the bandwidth compared to PCIe 2.0. While PCIe 2.0 has a bandwidth of 0.5 GB/sec, PCIe 3.0 offers a bandwidth of 0.985 GB/sec.
8. What is the difference between PCI and PCI Express cards?
The main difference between PCI and PCIe cards is the interface type. PCI is a parallel interface, while PCIe is a serial interface. PCI uses individual buses for each connected device, while PCIe uses a shared bus. PCIe has a significant speed advantage over standard PCI interfaces, especially when using a 16 slot.
During our network card for pci express research, we found 24 network card for pci express products and shortlisted 5 quality products. We collected and analyzed 33,983 customer reviews through our big data system to write the network cards for pci express list. We found that most customers choose network cards for pci express with an average price of $31.15.
The network cards for pci express are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of network cards for pci express, including BrosTrend, 10Gtek, YuanLey, ULANSeN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 307 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.