Best Network Cards for PCI-X of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

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PCI-X network cards are a popular choice for users who require high-speed networking capabilities. These cards are designed for use in servers and workstations that support the PCI-X bus architecture. They offer improved performance over traditional PCI cards, with throughput rates of up to 4 Gbps. PCI-X network cards are available in a range of configurations, including single-port and multi-port options. They support a variety of network protocols, including Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and Fibre Channel. With their high-speed data transfer rates and reliable performance, PCI-X network cards are an excellent choice for demanding network applications.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

TP-Link AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.2 PCIe Adapter Cover #TOP 1
TP-Link AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.2 PCIe Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.9
TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 PCIe WiFi Card (Archer TX3000E) Cover #TOP 2
TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 PCIe WiFi Card (Archer TX3000E)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
GIGABYTE WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210 Expansion Card Cover #TOP 3
GIGABYTE WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210 Expansion Card
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Network Cards for PCI-X

TP-Link AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.2 PCIe Adapter

Archer TX55E
AX3000, WiFi 6
TP-Link AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.2 PCIe Adapter Cover
TP-Link WiFi 6 PCIe WiFi Card for Desktop PC AX3000 (Archer TX55E), Bluetooth 5.2, WPA3, 802.11ax Dual Band Wireless Adapter with MU-MIMO, Ultra-Low Latency, Supports Windows 11, 10 (64bit) Only

Upgrade your desktop computer with TP-Link AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.2 PCIe Adapter, a high-performance network card that provides extreme speed, ultra-low latency, and uninterrupted connectivity with 2402 Mbps in 5 GHz or 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. With OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology, you can reduce lag and enjoy responsive real-time gaming, or an immersive VR experience on even the busiest networks. The two powerful signal-boosting high-gain antennas greatly extend existing WiFi coverage for a fast and smooth online experience further away. The latest Bluetooth 5.2 technology achieves faster speeds and broader coverage, and the latest WPA3 security protocol protects your network from wireless hacking. A customized heat sink and gold plating on every contractor ensures your adapter is crafted for ultimate performance.

What We Like
Fast and stable connection
Easy installation
Strong signal strength
Reliable Bluetooth support
Great value for price

TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 PCIe WiFi Card (Archer TX3000E)

Archer TX3000E
black
Up to 3Gbps Speed
TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 PCIe WiFi Card (Archer TX3000E) Cover
TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 PCIe WiFi Card (Archer TX3000E), Up to 2400Mbps, Bluetooth 5.3, 802.11AX Dual Band Wireless Adapter with MU-MIMO, OFDMA, Ultra-Low Latency, Supports Windows 11, 10 (64bit)

The TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 PCIe WiFi Card (Archer TX3000E) is designed to excel in even the busiest of networks for next-level entertainment. With Wi-Fi 6 technology powered by Intel, it gives you incredible speed, ultra-low latency, and uninterrupted connectivity with OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology. You can reach incredible speeds up to 2.4Gbps, and enjoy ultra-responsive real-time gaming or an immersive VR experience with minimized lag. Two multi-directional antennas with a magnetized base extend your existing Wi-Fi reception capabilities. Bluetooth 5.2 technology achieving 2x faster speeds and 4x broader coverage than Bluetooth 4.2 is also equipped, allowing you to connect as many devices as you want for the ultimate setup.

What We Like
Strong magnetic antenna base
Excellent WiFi and Bluetooth performance
Easy installation, plug and play
High compatibility with Linux and Windows
Durable build quality

GIGABYTE WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210 Expansion Card

GC-WBAX210
black
GIGABYTE WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210 Expansion Card Cover
GIGABYTE WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210 (2x2 802.11ax/ Tri-Band WiFi/Bluetooth 5.2/ PCIe Expansion Card)

The GIGABYTE WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210 Expansion Card is a great addition to your desktop computer. With its Intel WI-FI 6E AX210 module built-in, you can enjoy a high-speed wireless connection of up to 2400Mbps. This expansion card is IEEE 802.11.acR2+ax compliant, and it supports dual-stream Wireless in the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. The dedicated spectrum in the 6GHz band ensures maximum speed and ultra-low latencies, while the fully qualified BLUETOOTH 5.2 allows for multiple user connections. The card also comes with AORUS high-performance 2Tx2R antenna and a PCIe x1 interface.

What We Like
Easy installation process
Fast Wi-Fi 6E speeds
Strong Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity
Automatic driver installation
Stable, low-latency connection

TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201)

TX201
Black
TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201) Cover
TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201) – PCIe to 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Win Server 2022/2019/2016, Linux

The TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201) is a versatile Ethernet Network Adapter that delivers high-speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps, 2.5x faster than typical Gigabit adapters. Its QoS technology prioritizes performance for gamers and ensures to avoid network congestion for PC gaming. The Wake on LAN feature remotely powers on or off your computer, making device management easier. This PCIe ethernet card is fully compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Windows Servers 2022/2019/2016, and Linux, meeting your diverse operating system needs. The low-profile and full-height brackets are provided for mini tower computer cases.

What We Like
Easy installation
High-speed performance
Plug and play compatibility
Stable connection
Good value
#TOP 5

TP-Link Archer TBE550E WiFi 7 PCIe Card

Archer TBE550E
Multicolored
TP-Link Archer TBE550E WiFi 7 PCIe Card Cover
TP-Link WiFi 7 BE9300 PCIe WiFi Card for Desktop PC(Archer TBE550E), Tri-Band Wireless Adapter, Bluetooth 5.4, Multicolor Status LED, Supports AMD/Intel Motherboard, Not Compatible with Windows 10

The TP-Link WiFi 7 Card brings the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology to your desktop, unlocking the full potential of the 6 GHz band for faster and less crowded connections. This means you can enjoy smooth streaming and quick downloads without interruptions. Its tri-band speeds offer a wide range of options, allowing you to connect at blazing fast rates up to 5760 Mbps on 6 GHz, perfect for heavy internet use. The card also minimizes lag with advanced tech like OFDMA and MU-MIMO, making your gaming and VR experiences more responsive. Plus, the two adjustable antennas help boost your Wi-Fi coverage so you stay connected throughout your home.

What We Like
Easy installation process
Stable, high-speed connection
Strong signal strength
Broad compatibility (AMD/Intel)
Integrated Bluetooth support
#TOP 6

TP-Link 10GB PCIe Network Card - TX401

TX401
TP-Link 10GB PCIe Network Card - TX401 Cover
TP-Link 10GB PCIe Network Card (TX401)-PCIe to 10 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter,Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Servers 2019/2016/2012 R2, and Linux, Including a CAT6A Cable

Upgrade your desktop to the latest 10G speed with TP-Link 10GB PCIe Network Card - TX401. Equipped with the 10GBase-T Technology, it delivers extreme speeds of up to 10 Gbps, 10× faster than typical Gigabit adapters, ensuring smooth data transmissions for both internet access and local data transmissions. It is also versatile, backwards compatible with multiple data rates, automatically negotiating between higher and lower speed connections. The Quality of Service technology delivers prioritized performance for gamers and ensures avoiding network congestion for PC gaming. The package comes with a free 1.5 m CAT6A Ethernet Cable, rated for up to 10 Gbps, to maximize its performance. It is fully compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Windows Servers 2019/2016/2012 R2, and Linux, and includes both low-profile and full-height brackets.

What We Like
Easy installation and setup
Stable high-speed performance
Good heat dissipation
Reliable driver support
Affordable price
#TOP 7

TP-Link Archer TX20E WiFi Card

Archer TX20E
Black
AX1800 + Bluetooth
TP-Link Archer TX20E WiFi Card Cover
TP-Link WiFi 6 PCIe WiFi Card for Desktop PC AX1800 (Archer TX20E), Bluetooth 5.2, WPA3, 802.11ax Dual Band Wireless Adapter with MU-MIMO, Ultra-Low Latency, Supports Windows 11, 10 (64bit) Only

TP-Link WiFi Card offers ultra-fast speeds up to 1.8 Gbps, reduced lag for smooth gaming, reliable connections, and broader range with powerful antennas. Enjoy uninterrupted connectivity, reduced latency, and responsive gaming with OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology. The Archer TX20E also features Bluetooth 5.2 for faster speeds and broader coverage, ideal for connecting various devices. With cutting-edge WPA3 security, your network stays protected from potential threats. The card includes both standard and low-profile brackets for flexibility in installation.

What We Like
Easy installation process
Strong and stable signal
Fast WiFi speeds
Reliable Bluetooth connectivity
Affordable price
#TOP 8

WiFi 6E Wireless Card with Tri-Band and Bluetooth 5.3

NIC-AX210
multicolor
AX210
WiFi 6E Wireless Card with Tri-Band and Bluetooth 5.3 Cover
WiFi 6E Wireless Card Intel AX210 NGW Bluetooth 5.3 Tri-Band 5400Mbps Network Adapter for Laptop Support Windows 10/11 (64bit) M.2/NGFF

The WiFi 6E Wireless Card Intel AX210 NGW Bluetooth 5.3 Tri-Band 5400Mbps Network Adapter for Laptop is a high-performance network adapter that provides strong performance and good compatibility, while reducing power consumption and improving service life. With tri-band signal and maximum speed up to 5374Mbps, this card ensures a fast and stable internet connection. With Bluetooth 5.3, it ensures lower latency, stronger anti-interference, and improved battery life. This card is compatible with Windows 11/10 64-bit and requires installation on motherboards with Intel CPU and M2 network slot, NGFF M2 2230 A/E key.

What We Like
Easy installation process
Significant speed improvement
Strong Linux compatibility
Stable connection and performance
Reliable Bluetooth functionality
#TOP 9

TP-Link AC1200 PCIe WiFi Card for PC

Archer T5E
Black
TP-Link AC1200 PCIe WiFi Card for PC Cover
TP-Link AC1200 PCIe WiFi Card for Desktop PC (Archer T5E) - Bluetooth 5.0, Dual Band Wireless Network Card (2.4Ghz and 5Ghz) for Gaming and Streaming, 2 High Gain Antennas, Supports Windows 10/11

The TP-Link AC1200 PCIe WiFi Card for PC (Archer T5E) is a must-have for gamers and streamers. With AC1200 WiFi speeds, you'll make full use of your network with 867 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. The two external high-gain antennas provide a broad wireless range, ensuring greater range and enhanced stability. The Bluetooth 4.2 feature achieves 2.5× faster speed and 10× more packet capacity than Bluetooth 4.0, making it easy to connect your favorite Bluetooth-enabled devices. The card is easy to install, and both standard and low profile brackets are included.

What We Like
Easy installation
No driver downloads required
Significant improvement in ping, download, and upload speeds
#TOP 10

10Gtek 10GbE PCI-E X8 Network Card X540-10G-2T

X540-T2(Intel-1pc)
X540-10G-2T(2xRJ45)
10Gtek 10GbE PCI-E X8 Network Card X540-10G-2T Cover
10Gtek 10Gb Dual RJ45 Port Network Card with X540 Controller, PCIe Ethernet LAN Adapter for Windows/Linux/ESX Servers, Compare to Intel X540-T2

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.

What We Like
Original Intel X540 controller chip for increased stability
Dual copper RJ45 ports for connection to Category-6A and up to 100m
Compatible with Windows Server/Windows/Linux/ESX
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a PCI-X network card?

PCI-X, short for Peripheral Component Interconnect eXtended, is a computer bus and expansion card standard that enhances the 32-bit PCI local bus for higher bandwidth demanded mostly by servers and workstations.

2. Will PCI-X work in PCIe slot?

Solution. The PCI-X (PCI eXtended) standard was developed between the PCI and PCIe standards. PCI cards may be compatible, depending on the keying found in the cards. If the card shows the keying of the Universal PCI standard, it should be compatible.

3. Which card will replace both PCI and PCI-X cards?

PCI-E is replacing PCI/PCI-X standard gradually, and the PCI-based cards will become obsolete in a not-so-distant future.

4. What is PCI-X expansion slot?

What Does PCI Extended (PCI-X) Mean? Peripheral component interconnect-extended (PCI-X) is a computer architecture standard used for 32-bit PCI bus expansion slots. These slots are used to enhance the existing capabilities of a computer motherboard. Like PCI bus, PCI-X uses the same protocol and mechanisms.

Editor's Notes

During our network card for pci-x research, we found 24 network card for pci-x products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 241,034 customer reviews through our big data system to write the network cards for pci-x list. We found that most customers choose network cards for pci-x with an average price of $25.18.

The network cards for pci-x are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of network cards for pci-x, including TP-Link, GIGABYTE, NICGIGA, 10Gtek. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

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.