1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Converged Network Adapter - Quad RJ45 PCIe

In this review of the 1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Converged Network Adapter the bottom line is clear: this PCI Express card is a practical, no-frills way to add four reliable 1GbE ports to a server or workstation. Built around the original Intel I350 controller, the card delivers consistent gigabit throughput and broad OS support, making it a sensible choice for small servers, ESXi labs, and workstations that need extra copper Ethernet ports without complex management features.

Key Features

• Intel I350 Controller: Uses the original Intel I350 chip so users get stable, proven gigabit performance and good driver availability for many platforms.
• Quad RJ45 Ports: Four 10/100/1000Mbps copper ports provide flexible connections to switches or patch panels and support Cat5 cable runs up to 100m.
• PCI Express 2.1 x4: The x4 lane link offers adequate bandwidth for four gigabit ports and is compatible with x4, x8, and x16 slots on most motherboards.
• Low Profile & Full Height Brackets: Ships with both brackets so it fits in standard towers and many rackmount/compact systems without modification.
• Wide OS Support: Works with Windows Server editions, legacy Windows desktop releases, many Linux distributions, and VMware ESX/ESXi, making it versatile for mixed environments.
• Driver Availability: Drivers are provided on a disk or via the Intel website so installation is straightforward for administrators.

Who It's For

This card is aimed at IT professionals, homelab enthusiasts, and small business owners who need additional copper gigabit ports in a server or workstation. It is especially useful for VMware ESXi labs where users reported reliable functionality and consistent transfer rates.

It is not intended for users who require advanced features like built-in link aggregation on Windows 10 (the card does not support link aggregation in Win10) or for hot-swap environments, since the adapter does not support hot swaping. If you need 10GbE performance or SFP connectivity, look at faster or fiber-capable adapters instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid, stable gigabit performance thanks to the original Intel I350 chipset.
• Four RJ45 ports increase connectivity without using extra switch ports or expensive modules.
• Broad OS compatibility including Windows Server, Linux, and VMware ESXi simplifies deployment.
• Low profile and full height brackets offer flexible installation in varied chassis.

Cons

• Does not support hot swappable operation, limiting use in some server configurations.
• Link aggregation is not supported on Windows 10, which may disappoint users wanting combined throughput on that OS.

Specifications

Our Verdict

This Intel I350-based quad-port NIC is a reliable, budget-friendly way to add four gigabit copper ports to servers and workstations. It is best for homelabs, ESXi hosts, and mixed OS environments where proven driver support and stable throughput matter more than advanced Windows 10 aggregation or 10GbE speeds. For its price and functionality it represents solid value for users who need dependable 1GbE connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this card work with VMware ESXi?
Yes. The adapter is reported to work well in ESXi lab environments and is listed as supported for VMware ESX/ESXi.

Can I use link aggregation on Windows 10?
No. The card does not support link aggregation in Windows 10, so combined-port throughput via OS-level teaming is limited on that platform.

Are drivers included?
Yes. A driver disk is included and drivers can also be downloaded from the Intel website for up-to-date support.