10Gb RJ45 Ethernet Network Card PCIe 3.0 X4 - Fast NAS & Workstation

In this review the GLOTRENDS ST7357 is presented as a practical, no-frills upgrade for desktops and workstations that need multi-gig wired connectivity. The card focuses on delivering reliable 10Gb RJ45 performance using the Marvell AQUANTIA AQC107 controller and a PCIe 3.0 X4 interface, making it a strong choice for users who want higher-than-gigabit throughput without replacing switches or cabling in many installations. The bottom line: it adds simple, backwards-compatible multi-gig Ethernet to systems that support a PCIe X4 slot.

Key Features

• 10Gb RJ45 with Marvell AQC107: Provides multi-gigabit Ethernet over copper for faster file transfers and lower latency on supported networks.
• PCIe 3.0 X4 interface: Supplies sufficient host bandwidth for 10Gb speeds while remaining backward compatible with PCIe 2.0 X4 slots.
• Broad data-rate support: Operates at 10G/5G/2.5G/1G/100M over Cat 6a up to 100 m and supports 5G/2.5G/1G/100M over Cat 5e for flexible cabling options.
• Boot and power features: Includes UEFI and PXE boot options plus Wake-on-LAN (WoL) for remote management and convenience.
• Jumbo frames and QoS: Supports up to 9Kbyte jumbo frames and up to eight traffic classes to improve large-transfer efficiency and traffic prioritization.
• Two bracket options: Ships with a pre-installed 12cm regular-profile bracket and an 8cm low-profile bracket for compatibility with full-height and small form factor cases.

Who It's For

The ST7357 is best suited to home lab builders, creative professionals, and small office users who need faster wired throughput without moving to fiber. Its especially useful for people upgrading a NAS host, workstations handling large media files, or anyone wishing to future-proof a desktop for multi-gig networks.

Users running extremely old motherboards without spare PCIe X4 lanes or those requiring enterprise-level offload features not listed in the spec sheet should look at server-class NICs with vendor-provided advanced features. Also, gigabit-only networks will not see full benefit until paired with compatible switches and cabling.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable multi-gig performance via the Marvell AQUANTIA AQC107 controller for faster local transfers.
• PCIe 3.0 X4 with backward compatibility keeps installation flexible across newer and older motherboards.
• Practical features like WoL, UEFI/PXE boot, jumbo frames, and QoS help in both home and small office environments.

Cons

• Real 10Gb performance requires compatible switches and Cat 6a cabling for 100 m; otherwise speeds will be lower.
• Driver support beyond the listed OS versions may require manual driver sourcing for some Linux kernels or niche setups.

Specifications

Controller	Marvell AQUANTIA AQC107
Interface	PCIe 3.0 X4 (backward compatible with PCIe 2.0 X4)
Supported Data Rates	10G/5G/2.5G/1G/100M over Cat 6a up to 100 m; 5G/2.5G/1G/100M over Cat 5e
Boot Options	UEFI and PXE
Power Management	Wake-on-LAN (WoL)
Frame Support	Jumbo frames up to 9Kbytes
Brackets Included	12cm regular-profile and 8cm low-profile

Our Verdict

The ST7357 is a cost-effective way to add multi-gig Ethernet to compatible desktops and workstations, combining a proven Marvell AQC107 controller with practical features like WoL, UEFI/PXE, jumbo frames, and QoS. It represents good value for users who have or plan to deploy Cat 6a or Cat 5e multi-gig networks and want straightforward PCIe installation without enterprise complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this card work in a PCIe 2.0 slot?
Yes, it is backward compatible with PCIe 2.0 X4, though host-side bandwidth will be limited to the slots capability.

What cables are required for 10Gb over 100 m?
Use Cat 6a cabling for reliable 10G performance up to 100 m; Cat 5e supports lower multi-gig rates like 5G and 2.5G.

Which operating systems are supported?
Drivers are provided for Mac OS, Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server 2003 through 2022, and many Linux kernels between 3.2 and 4.4 as noted in the product details.