2.5 GB Network Card

GrimUpNorth · 06-11-2026, 21:19

Hi everyone

So it's renewal time with Vodafone and for an extra 50p they're also offering me an upgrade from their 910 Mbps to the 1.6 Gbps package which is a no brainer.

I only have a 1Gbps network card so it's time for an upgrade. Any suggestions, or is a cheap and cheerful option from Amazon worth considering?

Thanks

**Paul** · 06-11-2026, 21:25

I would think any cheap and cheerful option from Amazon is worth considering.

Network cards usually just work, or dont, and you wont be pushing 2.5G anyway.

Jaymoss · 06-11-2026, 21:35

£15 with a realtek chipset on Amazon

1 tip red flag = not telling you the chipset

gunner45 · 06-11-2026, 21:53

Is this for a PC? Best is a PCIe 2.5GbE card using the Realtek RTL8125B chipset, lots of options from Amazon. Another option is a USB-C (or USB 3.0) to 2.5GbE adapter into a USB 3.0 / USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) port or higher.

If you have Cat 5e cable it should be fine.

If you have a switch with only gigabit ports then that's not so fine.

GrimUpNorth · 06-11-2026, 22:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunner45

Is this for a PC? Best is a PCIe 2.5GbE card using the Realtek RTL8125B chipset, lots of options from Amazon. Another option is a USB-C (or USB 3.0) to 2.5GbE adapter into a USB 3.0 / USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) port or higher.

If you have Cat 5e cable it should be fine.

If you have a switch with only gigabit ports then that's not so fine.

Quite a few switches around the house all 1Gb but it's not problem as nothing else has a connection faster. I'm just going to upgrade the pc for now. The WiFi is 6E so maybe I'll see an increase from the Vodafone speed bump.

I was thinking the same as Paul that from experience a network card either works or doesn't, but will take the advice and order something based on the RTL8125B chip set

Thanks

Jaymoss · 07-11-2026, 08:08

Oh I wish I mentioned realtek now oh wait haha

---------- Post added at 08:08 ---------- Previous post was at 08:07 ----------

This is the £15 I was referring too. I should have linked to it

https://www.amazon.co.uk/2-5G-YuanLe...24&sr=8-5&th=1

GrimUpNorth · 07-11-2026, 11:23

Ironically, that's the one I ordered last night.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaymoss

Oh I wish I mentioned realtek now oh wait haha

---------- Post added at 08:08 ---------- Previous post was at 08:07 ----------

This is the £15 I was referring too. I should have linked to it

https://www.amazon.co.uk/2-5G-YuanLe...24&sr=8-5&th=1

Jaymoss · 07-11-2026, 12:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrimUpNorth

Ironically, that's the one I ordered last night.

sorted then . Did you get the voucher with it?

GrimUpNorth · 07-11-2026, 19:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaymoss

sorted then . Did you get the voucher with it?

Looking at my orders I paid £14.38 so looks like I did.

Jaymoss · 07-11-2026, 20:14

Excellent that is where I got my £15 from :-)

damien c · 08-11-2026, 12:39

I have been running these QSFPTEK card's in some of my systems and they have been rock solid giving full 2.5Gb speed.

Also been using 2 of these Binardat switches and had no real issues with these either.

These newer realtek chipsets are not as bad as their older ones, you just have to make sure you buy from someone who isn't going to try and flog older cards as newer ones.

Corey N Georgie · Today, 09:26

Im using a 2.5gb/s card in my second system that cost me £19 on amazon.

My speed went from 910mb to around 1.135 on my virgin 1gb/s.

im just hoping that Virgin will offer the 2gb increase next year.

**Hugh** · Today, 11:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey N Georgie

Im using a 2.5gb/s card in my second system that cost me £19 on amazon.

My speed went from 910mb to around 1.135 on my virgin 1gb/s.

im just hoping that Virgin will offer the 2gb increase next year.

Not being funny, but what difference will it make?

Carth · Today, 12:29

none I'm guessing, but if it arrives he definitely wants it