Finally! Super cheap, super fast 5Gbps Ethernet adapters are flooding the market — but is it too little, too late for gigabit wired connectivity away from business use cases
RealTek unveils new Ethernet adapter to help users build the ultimate workstation
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RealTek unveiled a new range of RTL8126 5Gbps Ethernet PCIe and M.2 adapters back at Computex 2023 (yes, the year before last), promising extremely fast wired internet connections.
Those adapters are finallynow going on sale– and at pretty reasonable prices, too. The first module,available on Amazonfor $27, is the 5,000Mbps Networking Card B+M Key to PCIe adapters, which works withWindows 7,Windows 8,Windows 10, andWindows 11.
The adapter is ideal for those who arebuilding their own PCand want to make use of thebest PC partsto do so. While an Ethernet connection might not be the sexiest part of all, it’s definitely important to get the most out of the setup.
Build your PC with freedom
An Ethernet adapter is just one component that you will need to build a top-of-the-line PC for gaming, pleasure, or business.
Unfortunately, there is currently only limited information about the adapters online right now, and someusers on Redditnoted that equivalent adapters fromIntelarelisted on eBayfor a fairly reasonable price.
According toCNX Software, a forum user has tried a similar card and reached 4.7Gbps transfer speeds in both directions, but speeds dropped to 3.43Gbps (Rx) and 3.31 Gbps (Tx) in PCIe Gen2 mode.
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Max Slater-Robins has been writing about technology for nearly a decade at various outlets, covering the rise of the technology giants, trends in enterprise and SaaS companies, and much more besides. Originally from Suffolk, he currently lives in London and likes a good night out and walks in the countryside.
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