Gigabit Dual NIC Intel 82576 PCIe x1 - 2 Pack High Stability

In this review of the 2 Pack Gigabit Dual NIC with Intel 82576 chip, the bottom line is simple: this is a practical, no-frills network upgrade for users who need reliable 1 Gb connectivity and broad OS compatibility. The reviewer found the cards especially useful for small servers, desktop hosts running virtual machines, and workstations that require two independent RJ45 ports. Installation is straightforward with both low profile and full-height brackets included, and the original Intel 82576 controller provides the kind of offload and QoS features that matter under sustained loads.

Key Features

• Dual RJ45 ports: Two gigabit copper ports allow separate network paths or link aggregation to improve throughput and redundancy.
• Original Intel 82576 controller: The onboard controller supports intelligent offloads and QoS which help reduce CPU overhead and stabilize performance.
• PCI Express 2.0 x1 interface: Compatible with x1, x4, x8 and x16 slots so the cards fit a wide range of desktop and server motherboards.
• Low profile and full-height brackets: Both bracket types are included for easy installation in standard and slim systems without parts hunting.
• Broad OS support: Works with a long list of Windows Server, desktop Windows and many Linux kernels as well as VMware ESX/ESXi 5 and 6 for virtualization hosts.

Who It's For

This dual-port NIC is aimed at home labbers, small office servers, and workstation users who need dedicated 1 Gb Ethernet ports and prefer Intel silicon for driver maturity and offload capabilities. It is also a sensible choice for VMware ESXi 5/6 hosts and Linux servers that match the supported kernels.

Users who need 10 Gb performance, built-in hardware encryption, or guaranteed support on the very latest ESXi 7.x should look elsewhere; similarly, those who require officially certified drivers for specialized enterprise distributions may want a part listed explicitly in their vendor compatibility matrix.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable Intel 82576 chipset provides stable throughput and recognized driver support on many platforms.
• Two ports on a single PCIe x1 card save expansion slots and enable link options like failover or aggregation.
• Includes low profile and full-height brackets for flexible, tool-free fitting in various chassis types.
• Good value for a two-pack, especially for labs or multi-machine deployments.

Cons

• Mixed reports on compatibility and driver availability mean some setups may need manual driver downloads from Intel or extra troubleshooting.
• Does not support VMware ESXi 7.0 or above, limiting use for hosts on the latest hypervisor releases.

Specifications

Ethernet controller	Intel 82576
Number of ports	Dual RJ45
Data rates	10/100/1000 Mbps, Cat5e up to 100m
Interface	PCI Express v2.0 x1 (compatible x1/x4/x8/x16)
Bracket	Low profile and full-height included
Supported OS	Windows 7/8/10/Vista/XP, Windows Server 2003-2012 R2, Linux kernels 2.6/3.x, VMware ESX/ESXi 5/6

Our Verdict

For buyers who want dependable 1 Gb Ethernet with the advantages of Intel silicon, this two-pack is a practical and cost-effective choice. It is best for home labs, small servers and workstations that need two ports and stable drivers; however, those on the latest ESXi 7.x hypervisors or seeking faster than gigabit links should consider other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this card work in small form factor PCs?
The package includes a low profile bracket so it can be installed in slim desktop and small form factor cases.

Can I get drivers directly for my OS?
Drivers are available from Intel and the card supports many Windows Server, desktop Windows and common Linux kernel releases; some setups may require manual download.

Is this compatible with VMware ESXi?
It is supported on VMware ESX/ESXi 5 and 6 but it does not support ESXi 7.0 or above.