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Green PCB network card with two gold RJ45 ports and passive heatsink

SMUGDESK

SMUGDESK Dual RJ45 2.5G PCIe x1 Network Card RTL8125B

SKU CH-JQ0X-6E124

Adds two 2.5GbE RJ45 ports via PCIe 2.1 x1 with RTL8125B controller, full/low-profile brackets and per-port LEDs for desktop, server or NAS upgrades

  • Dual 2.5G ports boost throughput to 2500 Mbps using existing Cat5e cables
  • Single PCIe 2.1 x1 lane fits x4, x8 or x16 slots without extra hardware
  • Full-height and low-profile brackets included for standard desktops and 1U NAS builds
  • Per-port LED indicators show link and activity for instant network diagnostics
  • Broad OS support covers Windows 10/11, Linux, ESXi, OpenWrt and Unraid

Dual 2.5G RJ45 PCIe x1 NIC

The SMUGDESK dual-port network card uses a Realtek RTL8125B controller to add two independent 2.5GBase-T Ethernet connections over a single PCIe 2.1 x1 lane. Each gold-plated RJ45 port auto-negotiates 2500, 1000, 100 and 10 Mbps speeds over existing Cat5e or Cat6 cabling. A passive heatsink supports continuous 24/7 operation.

Suits multi-WAN routers and NAS builds

Ideal for soft-router multi-WAN aggregation, DIY NAS storage and desktop upgrades from gigabit to 2.5G throughput. Not suited for builders who need 10G or faster interfaces, or for systems that lack a free PCIe x1, x4, x8 or x16 slot. Buyers requiring fibre connectivity or single-port 2.5G cards should look elsewhere.

Check slot clearance and OS support

Verify your chassis can accept either the preinstalled full-height bracket or the included low-profile bracket for 1U or small-form-factor cases. Confirm driver availability for your target OS: Windows 11, 10, Server, mainstream Linux, VMware ESXi, OpenWRT or Unraid. Ensure switch or router ports also support 2.5GBase-T to reach rated speed.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Ethernet Cards & NICs, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $38.99
Cheaper than about 75% of the 1,505 comparable items (median $90.99).

Specifications

No published specifications for this item yet.

Questions about this item

What motherboard slot is needed for the PCIe 2.1 x1 interface?

Any PCIe x1, x4, x8 or x16 slot works; the card uses a single lane and is backward compatible with larger slots.

Will the dual RJ45 ports run at 2.5 Gbps over my existing Cat5e cables?

Yes, each port auto-negotiates 2500/1000/100/10 Mbps and reaches full 2.5GBase-T speed on Cat5e or Cat6 without rewiring.

How do I confirm both 2.5 Gbps links are active after installation?

Each RJ45 has two LED indicators showing link and activity; solid or blinking lights mean the negotiated speed is live.

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