Best Network Cards for PCI-X of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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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

X-MEDIA XM-NA3500 PCI Gigabit Ethernet Network Card Cover #TOP 1
X-MEDIA XM-NA3500 PCI Gigabit Ethernet Network Card
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ULANSeN Gigabit Desktop PCI-E Network Card - BCM5751 NIC Cover #TOP 2
ULANSeN Gigabit Desktop PCI-E Network Card - BCM5751 NIC
ftb score rating icon 9.8
X-MEDIA XM-NA3840 Cover #TOP 3
X-MEDIA XM-NA3840
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 4 Network Cards for PCI-X

X-MEDIA XM-NA3500 PCI Gigabit Ethernet Network Card

XM-NA3500
Green
X-MEDIA XM-NA3500 PCI Gigabit Ethernet Network Card Cover
X-MEDIA XM-NA3500 PCI 1-Port 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet PCI Network Card/Network Adapter, Realtek RTL8169SC Chipset, Windows 11 & Linux Supported

The X-MEDIA XM-NA3500 PCI Gigabit Ethernet Network Card is a high-speed network card that allows for fast data transfer rates of up to 10/100/1000Mbps. With support for various networking standards, including IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, 802.3x, 802.1q, and 802.1p, this network card ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices. The 32-bit PCI bus and included standard/low profile bracket make it easy to install in your computer. The ACT/Link LEDs provide visual feedback on the card's activity and connection status. Compatible with Windows and Linux operating systems, this network card is a reliable and convenient solution for improving your network connectivity.

What We Like
High-speed data transfer
Wide compatibility with networking standards
Easy installation with included bracket
#TOP 2

ULANSeN Gigabit Desktop PCI-E Network Card - BCM5751 NIC

8541588194
5751
ULANSeN Gigabit Desktop PCI-E Network Card - BCM5751 NIC Cover
PCIe Gigabit Ethernet Server Adapter with Broadcom NetXtreme BCM5751 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Desktop PCI-E Network Card NIC

The ULANSeN Gigabit Desktop PCI-E Network Card boasts an integrated 10/100/1000BASE-T transceiver and automatic MDI crossover function, making it a reliable and convenient network card for desktop users. Its automatic detection and correction of pair swaps, pair skew, and pair polarity ensures stable and accurate data transfer rates of up to 1000 megabits per second. It is also compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD. Plus, it comes with a half-height bracket for easy installation in desktop computers.

What We Like
Stable and fast data transfer rate up to 1000Mbps
Automatic detection and correction of pair swaps, skew, and polarity
Compatible with a wide range of operating systems

X-MEDIA XM-NA3840

XM-NA3840
Green
X-MEDIA XM-NA3840 Cover
X-MEDIA XM-NA3840 PCI-E 4-Port Quad 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express (PCIe x1) Server Network Card/Network Adapter, Realtek RTL8111F Chipset, Windows 11 & Linux Supported

The X-MEDIA XM-NA3840 is a high-performance, quad-port Gigabit Ethernet card designed to enhance your network connectivity. With support for IEEE 802.3 standards, this card allows for seamless data transfer at speeds of up to 10/100/1000Mbps across its four ports. The PCI Express (PCIe x1) interface ensures fast and reliable communication between your server and network devices. The included ACT/Link LEDs provide visual feedback on the card's status. Whether you're using Windows or Linux, this card is compatible with a wide range of operating systems. Upgrade your network with the X-MEDIA 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet Card and enjoy faster, more reliable connections for your server.

What We Like
High-performance
Quad-port
Fast and reliable
#TOP 4

10Gb NIC SFP+ PCIE Network Card

BCM-57810-2S
2 SFP+
10G, BCM57810S
10Gb NIC SFP+ PCIE Network Card Cover
10Gb Dual SFP+ NIC PCI-E Network Card with Broadcom BCM57810S Chip, PCI-E X 8, PCI Express LAN Adapter Card Support Windows Server/Windows/Linux/VMware

The 10Gb NIC SFP+ PCIE Network Card features Broadcom BCM57810S controller and dual SFP+ ports, providing extreme speeds of up to 10 Gbps with low packet loss. It is compatible with Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, and VMware ESX/ESXi, making it suitable for datacenter or home use. The card also supports network boot and hardware offload, as well as low-profile and full-height brackets to fit standard and mini-size computers or servers.

What We Like
Extreme speeds of up to 10 Gbps with low packet loss
Compatibility with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, and VMware ESX/ESXi
Support for network boot and hardware offload
Both low-profile and full-height brackets included to fit standard and mini-size computers or servers
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 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 10,782 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 $20.36.

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 X-MEDIA, ULANSeN, ipolex. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 18 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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.