Network Interface Cards, Network Adapters

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Network Interface Cards

Network Interface Cards and Adapters

A network interface card (NIC) provides a physical connection to a network. It allows your computer to "talk" to the network and the network to communicate with your computer. Each computer that is attached to a network requires a network interface card or chip. They help computers communicate with servers and other computers on the network.

Usually, these fit into expansion slots of CPUs, unless they're pre-installed or integrated into the motherboard. Some are external and attach to computers through serial or parallel ports. NICs for laptops are usually external. An interface card takes data from a PC, converts it into data "frames" that are broadcast onto the network, and sends it to another interface card. That card receives the frames, converts them into data, and sends it to that PC.

What to Look for in Network Interface Cards

When you are looking to build a LAN or upgrade or replace it, the NIC should be one of the first things you consider. You need to think about compatibility with operating systems, ease of installation, and price, especially for large company installations where you'll need many cards. NIC cards are usually Ethernet adapters. Others support other protocols such as ATM.

One other consideration before purchasing network interface cards is the speed that they support. For example, you may want an interface card that supports 10 Mbps traditional, or fast Ethernet, and on up to 10/20Gbps! You should also know the type of ports you are connecting them to and the standards your systems support. PCI, PCI-x and PCI-e or USB are all common iterfaces, and whether or not they'll work on your system depends on what sort of Network Interface Card your system supports.

Bestselling Network Interface Cards Reviews:

Anonymous

6/11/2025 4:28:54 PM

Quality

“ Had major issues with my onboard Killer NIC and replaced it with this. ”

DERAPID 2.5Gbps PCI Express Network Adapter RJ45 to PCIE Card RTL8125 NIC 2.5G Gigabit LAN Gaming Network Card PCI-E x1 RJ45 NIC for Desktop

Anonymous

2/20/2025 12:48:32 PM

Works and easy to use

“ If you need a NIC this is it. ”

DERAPID 2.5Gbps PCI Express Network Adapter RJ45 to PCIE Card RTL8125 NIC 2.5G Gigabit LAN Gaming Network Card PCI-E x1 RJ45 NIC for Desktop

ROBERT S.

12/24/2024 9:32:56 AM

Everything up to 10GB

“ Intel card works with every device NIC I have with no issues ”

Intel Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X550, Backward compatible 10GBASE-T network adapter | X550T2

Anonymous

12/23/2024 9:55:48 AM

Great item and value. Works Great.

“ Needed to replace the onboard network adapter. ”

2.5GBase-T PCIe Network Adapter, 2500/1000/100Mbps PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Card RJ45 LAN Controller Support Windows Server/Windows, Standard and Low-Profile Brackets Included PCIe to 2.5 Gigabit

Julio Del Carpio

10/16/2024 4:45:05 AM

2.5 Gbps Network Card

“ After my onboard internet connection went on the fritz, I purchased this NIC card based on Intels reputation and its reviews. ”

DERAPID 2.5Gbps PCI Express Network Adapter RJ45 to PCIE Card RTL8125 NIC 2.5G Gigabit LAN Gaming Network Card PCI-E x1 RJ45 NIC for Desktop

Network Interface Cards

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Network Interface Cards and Adapters

What to Look for in Network Interface Cards

Bestselling Network Interface Cards Reviews: