PCIe network cards and other network adapters suit PCs that need an extra Ethernet port, faster wired speeds or Wi-Fi. Our range of over 1000 models includes internal PCI Express cards, USB network adapters and wireless cards. You will find products from DELOCK, Intel, StarTech.com and TP-Link, among others.
How to choose a PCIe network card
Wired or wireless. A wired card gives a steadier connection and lower latency, which suits a desktop PC, a NAS or a server. A wireless card makes sense when running a cable is not possible. Our range includes both wired and wireless models, and a small number combine the two.
Speed and number of ports. 1 Gbit/s is enough for most home networks, while a 2.5 Gbit/s card is worth considering if your router or switch supports it. 10 Gbit/s is meant for fast NAS storage, video editing or server networks, and Cat6a cabling is recommended for longer runs at that speed. Multi-port cards are used for routing, firewalls and virtualisation.
Connection and bracket. An internal card needs a free PCIe slot: simpler cards work in PCIe x1, while faster ones often need x4 or larger. In a small-form-factor PC, check that a low-profile bracket is included. If there are no free slots, an external USB or USB Type-C adapter is the alternative, and our range includes those too.
Chipset and drivers. For Linux, VMware or another virtualisation setup, choose a card with a widely supported chipset such as Intel. Check which operating systems the manufacturer lists as supported before buying, because not every card has drivers for the newest systems.
Brands in our range
- DELOCK: known for computer interface cards, adapters and cables, and the brand with the most products in this category.
- Intel: its Ethernet controllers are widely used in servers and workstations, and drivers exist for most operating systems.
- StarTech.com: focused on IT professionals, with network cards, USB adapters and other connectivity accessories.
- TP-Link: a networking manufacturer known for routers and Wi-Fi adapters, so its cards fit easily into home networks.
- DIGITUS and LevelOne: networking brands offering cables, switches and adapters.
- Planet Technology Corp.: a Taiwanese networking manufacturer known for business and industrial switches.
Also in our range: Inter-Tech, LogiLink, Lindy, Conceptronic and Good Connections.
Frequently asked questions
Will a PCIe network card improve my internet speed?
Not always, because a card cannot exceed the speed of your internet plan or router. It helps when the built-in network port is slow, faulty or unstable. It also helps when you want a faster local network, for example when connecting to a NAS.
What is the difference between a PCIe and a USB network adapter?
A PCIe card sits in a motherboard slot, so it generally suits higher speeds and multi-port models. A USB adapter connects externally, so it works with laptops and with PCs that have no free PCIe slots. Our range includes both types.
Can I put a PCIe x1 card in an x16 slot?
Yes, usually: a smaller card fits into a larger slot and runs at its own speed. The reverse does not always work, because an x4 card will not fit into a closed x1 slot. Check which slots are free on your motherboard before buying.
What card do I need for a 2.5 or 10 Gbit/s network?
You need a card that supports the speed you want, plus a switch or router that supports it as well. The cable matters too: Cat6a is recommended for 10 Gbit/s over longer distances. If the speeds on your network differ, the connection will run at the speed of the slowest link.
