Network Interface Cards

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

11/28/2023 5:37:07 PM

Fixed my motherboard's Ethernet problem

“ installed this card, instantly fixed the problem ”

TP-Link 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express, PCIE Network Adapter / Network Card / Ethernet Card for PC, Win10 supported (TG-3468)

Ruben W.

11/27/2023 12:11:08 PM

Works as expected.

“ I installed the card, plugged into the 2.5gb port on my router and it showed 2ish gb. I would buy it again. ”

TP-Link TX201 Interface Cards 2.5Gbps PCI-Express 1 x RJ45

10/6/2023 5:13:51 PM

Net Issue? TP-Link TG-3468 has you covered!

“ If I ever need another network adapter card this will be my top choice ”

TP-Link 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express, PCIE Network Adapter / Network Card / Ethernet Card for PC, Win10 supported (TG-3468)

J.L

9/20/2023 9:30:58 PM

Rock solid connection .... the magic of Aquantia Chip !

“ You need a 10G Network card on copper, just buy this ! ”

TP-Link 10Gbps PCIe Network Card (TX401) - PCIe to 10 Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter, Supports Windows 10/8.1/8/7, Windows Servers 2019/2016/2012 R2, and Linux, Including a CAT6A Ethernet Cable

John M.

10/8/2022 7:26:23 AM

Works Great Increased PC Speed

“ If you need to replace your Ethernet adapter, I highly recommend this product. ”

TP-Link 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express, PCIE Network Adapter / Network Card / Ethernet Card for PC, Win10 supported (TG-3468)

Collin M.

1/6/2022 8:51:16 AM

Plug and Play, Easy as it gets!

“ I recommend this product for anyone that has a 1000mbps MoBo and isn't ready to make the huge financial leap to something that has onboard 10G capability. ”

TP-Link 10Gbps PCIe Network Card (TX401) - PCIe to 10 Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter, Supports Windows 10/8.1/8/7, Windows Servers 2019/2016/2012 R2, and Linux, Including a CAT6A Ethernet Cable

Anonymous

10/30/2021 8:33:20 AM

Works

“ It was the only PCIe NIC I could find on Newegg. ”

TP-Link 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express, PCIE Network Adapter / Network Card / Ethernet Card for PC, Win10 supported (TG-3468)

Anonymous

10/19/2021 7:57:35 PM

Good for the price

“ Arrived on time, was easy to install, and has worked great so far! ”

StarTech ST1000SPEX2L PCI-Express x1 Gigabit NIC Server Adapter Network Card - Low Profile