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QNAP QXG-2G1T-I225 2.5GbE PCIe Network Card: features, specs and fit
A single-port 2.5GbE PCIe network card from QNAP with an Intel I225-LM controller and RJ45 connector, for NAS devices and PCs. What the specs mean.
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The QNAP QXG-2G1T-I225 is a single-port 2.5 gigabit Ethernet card that fits into a PCI Express slot. It adds a faster network connection to a computer or QNAP NAS, using the same kind of cabling that many homes and offices already have. QNAP describes it as a way to upgrade a network without replacing the existing cables.
What 2.5GbE is
Ethernet speeds have traditionally stepped from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps and then to 10 Gbps. 2.5GbE sits between the last two. It was designed to run over the common Cat5e cabling, which often cannot carry 10GbE over longer runs. QNAP says the card delivers up to 2.5 Gbps and also supports 1 Gbps, 100 Mbps and 10 Mbps, so it can connect to older equipment too. To reach the full speed, the switch or router at the other end must also support 2.5GbE.
The Intel I225-LM controller
The card uses the Intel Ethernet Controller I225-LM, a single-chip controller for 2.5GbE. The controller's driver support is what determines which operating systems the card works with, which is why QNAP's compatibility list matters when choosing it.
The RJ45 connector and PCIe Gen2 x1
The port is a standard RJ45, the same connector as ordinary Ethernet. The card connects to the computer over a PCIe Gen2 x1 interface. One PCIe 2.0 lane has plenty of bandwidth for 2.5 Gbps, so the card does not need a larger slot, though an x1 card physically fits in any PCIe slot that accepts x1 cards, including longer ones in most cases. Check that your slot is free and whether the supplied bracket suits your case; QNAP offers different bracket heights in some of its cards, but the listing doesn't say what is included.
Supported operating systems
QNAP lists the following:
- QTS 4.4.2 or later (it recommends upgrading to the latest version)
- Windows 10 (1809 or later)
- Linux stable kernel 4.20 and 5.x
- Windows Server 2019, with a driver required
If you run another operating system or an older version, check QNAP's compatibility information first.
Where it helps
A faster network link is useful for moving large files to and from a NAS, backing up, and editing media from network storage. The card helps only if the rest of the chain can keep up: the storage at the other end, the switch and the cabling. A single hard disk may not fill even a 1 Gbps link, while several disks or SSDs in a NAS might use the extra speed.
Who it suits
It suits owners of a QNAP NAS or a desktop PC with a free PCIe slot who want to move beyond 1GbE without replacing cabling. It is less useful if the rest of your network is limited to 1GbE.
What to check before you buy
- Free slot: confirm your NAS or PC has an open PCIe slot of the right type.
- Network equipment: a 2.5GbE-capable switch or router is needed for full speed.
- Cabling: most existing Cat5e or better cable is fine for typical home distances.
- Operating system: compare your version with QNAP's supported list.
- Bracket and case: check that the bracket fits your enclosure.
- NAS model: for a QNAP NAS, check that the model supports this card.
The short version
- A single-port 2.5GbE PCIe network card with an RJ45 port.
- Intel I225-LM controller on a PCIe Gen2 x1 interface.
- Also runs at 1Gbps, 100Mbps and 10Mbps.
- Listed support for QTS, Windows 10, recent Linux kernels and Windows Server 2019 with a driver.
- Needs a 2.5GbE-capable switch or router at the other end for full speed.
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