Gigabit Dual NIC with Intel 82576 Chip - Dual RJ45 PCIe Network Card

In this review the reviewer finds the Gigabit Dual NIC with the original Intel 82576 chip to be a practical upgrade for desktops and servers that need reliable 1 Gb Ethernet on two ports. The primary reason to buy is straightforward: it provides stable, full gigabit performance with Quality-of-Service features and broad OS compatibility, making it a good fit for small office servers, virtualized hosts using older ESXi releases, and workstation upgrades. Installation is simple thanks to included low profile and full-height brackets, and driver access from Intel keeps the card usable across Windows and many Linux builds.

Key Features

• Intel 82576 controller: Provides hardware-level Quality-of-Service and mature driver support for predictable network performance.
• Dual RJ45 ports: Each port supports 10/100/1000Mbps so you can connect to standard Cat5e cable runs up to 100 meters for full gigabit links.
• PCI Express 2.0 x4 interface: The card fits PCIE x4, x8, and x16 slots so it installs in most modern desktops and many servers without occupying large slot space.
• Low profile and full-height brackets: Both brackets are included so the card works in standard and slim chassis without extra parts.
• Wide OS compatibility: Drivers are available for Windows 7/8/10/XP, Windows Server editions, many Linux distributions and VMware ESX (not ESXi 7.0+), covering common deployment scenarios.

Who It's For

This card is aimed at IT hobbyists, small office admins, and workstation users who need reliable dual 1 Gb Ethernet ports without replacing the motherboard. It suits users running Windows desktops or servers and those using ESXi 6.7 or earlier who need recognized Intel NIC hardware for virtual networking.

It is less appropriate for environments requiring the latest ESXi 7.0+ compatibility or for users who need 10 Gb performance; those buyers should consider newer adapters or different models designed for higher throughput or explicit ESXi 7.x support.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid Intel 82576 chipset gives reliable throughput and QoS capabilities for stable network behavior.
• Included low profile and full-height brackets make installation straightforward in a range of systems.
• Recognized by Windows and many Linux distributions with drivers available from Intel for long-term support.

Cons

• Does not support VMware ESXi 7.0 or above, limiting use in the newest virtualization hosts.

Specifications

Controller	Intel 82576
Ports	2 x RJ45 (10/100/1000Mbps)
Interface	PCI Express 2.0 x4 (compatible x4/x8/x16)
Compatibility	Windows 7/8/10/XP, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012, Linux, VMware ESX
Brackets Included	Low profile and full-height
Cable	Cat5e supported, up to 100 m

Our Verdict

The Gigabit Dual NIC with Intel 82576 is a pragmatic and cost-effective choice for anyone needing dependable dual 1 Gb Ethernet on legacy and modern systems. It delivers consistent performance, easy installation, and broad driver support, making it good value for small offices, home labs, and workstation upgrades, provided you do not require ESXi 7.0+ compatibility or 10 Gb speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this card work in a slim desktop?
Yes. The package includes a low profile bracket so it can be installed in slim or small form factor systems.

Does it support the latest VMware ESXi?
No. The card is compatible with VMware ESX and earlier ESXi releases but does not support VMware ESXi 7.0 or above.

Where do I get drivers?
Drivers can be downloaded from Intel's website or accessed by scanning the QR code on the network card.