StarTech.com 4 Port 2.5G PCIe Network Card Intel I225-V PR42GI-NETWORK-CARD
The StarTech.com PR42GI-NETWORK-CARD is a quad-port 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet PCIe network card, engineered to deliver robust multi-Gigabit connectivity and enhanced data integrity for business servers and workstations.
- Multi-Gigabit Performance: Provides four 2.5GbE ports, eliminating network bottlenecks for high-bandwidth applications and large file transfers.
- Intel I225-V Chipset: Ensures stable, high-speed data processing and reliable network uptime for critical business operations.
- Intel vPro Technology: Enables out-of-band remote management capabilities, reducing on-site IT support costs and improving system availability.
- NBASE-T Support: Utilizes existing Cat5e or Cat6 cabling for 2.5GbE speeds, minimizing infrastructure upgrade expenses and deployment complexity.
Product Overview
Product Overview
The StarTech.com PR42GI-NETWORK-CARD is an internal PCIe network card featuring four 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, each powered by an independent Intel I225-V chipset. This configuration delivers a maximum data transfer rate of 2500 Mbit/s per port, providing a significant upgrade over standard Gigabit Ethernet for data-intensive tasks.
Designed for enterprise environments, this card supports NBASE-T for multi-Gigabit speeds over existing Cat5e/Cat6 cabling, reducing infrastructure costs. It also includes Intel vPro technology for advanced remote management and hardware-level security, ensuring operational continuity and simplified IT administration.
- Core Functionality: Delivers four 2.5GbE ports, enabling high-speed data transfer and efficient network segmentation for diverse business needs.
- Enhanced Reliability: Features independent Intel I225-V chipsets, ensuring stable and consistent network performance to minimize operational disruptions.
- Intel vPro & Remote Management: Integrates Intel vPro technology, allowing IT teams to manage and troubleshoot systems remotely, reducing on-site support requirements.
- Infrastructure Optimization: Supports NBASE-T, leveraging existing Cat5e/Cat6 cabling for 2.5GbE speeds, which avoids costly and disruptive network recabling projects.
- Operational Value: Provides robust multi-Gigabit connectivity with advanced management features, extending the lifecycle of existing infrastructure and optimizing IT budgets.
This network card is an essential upgrade for organizations seeking to boost network performance and manage their IT assets more efficiently without extensive infrastructure overhauls.
Technical Specifications
1Performance & Business Impact
2Connectivity & I/O
3Physical & Environmental
4Lifecycle, Warranty & Compliance
Full Specifications
Network13
Ports & interfaces5
Weight & dimensions4
Design5
Packaging content1
System requirements1
Operational conditions1
Packaging data1
Logistics data1
What This Solves
Accelerate Data-Intensive Workloads
Growing offices often experience slow network performance when handling large files, virtual machines, or database operations. This network card provides four 2.5GbE ports, significantly boosting data transfer speeds and reducing latency for critical business applications.
Multi-site enterprises, engineering firms, media production houses
Enhance Server Virtualization
Virtualization hosts require dedicated network bandwidth for virtual machines, storage, and management traffic to maintain performance. The quad 2.5GbE ports allow for efficient network segmentation and dedicated connections, ensuring optimal performance for virtualized environments.
Data center operators, IT infrastructure teams, organizations utilizing VMware or Hyper-V
Future-Proof Network Upgrades
Many businesses are looking to upgrade their network infrastructure to support increasing bandwidth demands without replacing all their cabling. With NBASE-T support, this card enables 2.5GbE speeds over existing Cat5e/Cat6 cabling, providing a cost-effective and scalable upgrade path.
Small businesses without dedicated IT, growing mid-market companies, facilities management teams
Key Features
Four 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
Enables high-speed network connectivity for multiple devices or dedicated network segments, eliminating bandwidth bottlenecks for critical applications.
Intel I225-V Chipset
Provides industry-leading reliability and performance, ensuring stable network operations and minimizing unexpected downtime for business continuity.
NBASE-T Support (2.5/1Gbps and 100/10Mbps)
Allows multi-Gigabit speeds over existing Cat5e or Cat6 cabling, reducing the need for expensive and disruptive infrastructure upgrades.
Intel vPro Technology
Offers advanced remote management and hardware-level security capabilities, simplifying IT administration and enabling out-of-band troubleshooting.
Jumbo Frames Support (up to 9000 bytes)
Optimizes data throughput for large file transfers and storage area networks, improving efficiency and reducing CPU utilization on the host system.
Industry Applications
Manufacturing & Industrial
Ensures high-speed data transfer for industrial control systems and large data sets generated by IoT devices on the factory floor.
Finance & Insurance
Provides reliable, multi-Gigabit connectivity for high-volume transaction processing and secure data exchange in financial environments.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Supports rapid transfer of large medical imaging files and patient data, crucial for diagnostic systems and electronic health records.
Legal & Professional Services
Facilitates fast access to large document repositories and secure client data, enhancing productivity for legal and accounting firms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What operating systems are compatible with this network card?
This StarTech.com network card supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022, and various Linux distributions, ensuring broad compatibility with existing IT environments.
Can this card be installed in a low-profile server chassis?
Yes, the StarTech.com PR42GI-NETWORK-CARD includes a low-profile bracket in the packaging, allowing it to be installed in both standard and small form-factor server or workstation cases, providing deployment flexibility.
Does this network card support network teaming or link aggregation?
Yes, with four independent 2.5GbE ports and appropriate driver support from your operating system, this card can be configured for network teaming (LAG/LACP) to increase bandwidth or provide network redundancy, enhancing uptime and performance.
What type of cabling is required to achieve 2.5 Gigabit speeds?
To achieve 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet speeds, you can utilize existing Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cabling thanks to NBASE-T support. For optimal performance and longer cable runs, Cat6a or higher is recommended, but not strictly required for 2.5GbE.
Warranty & Returns
Manufacturer Warranty
2 Years
Warranty is provided directly by the manufacturer and covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
Return Policy
Returns subject to manufacturer approval
Hardware returns are governed by the manufacturer's return policy. Some products are non-returnable or subject to restocking fees. Defective items are handled under the manufacturer warranty. Contact Zent Networks before initiating any return.