QNAP QXG-2G1T-I225: 2.5 GbE network card with Intel NIC for NAS and PC

QNAP QXG-2G1T-I225 2.5 GbE

With the QXG-2G1T-I225 model, QNAP has a new network card in its portfolio that not only enables faster 2.5 GbE LAN on its own NAS systems. The retrofit solution for the PCIe slot relies on a NIC from Intel that does not require an additional cooling solution. The prize is $67.

2.5 GbE network card for QNAP NAS and Windows or Linux PCs

In addition to the two network cards QXG-10G1T and QXG-5G1T-111C for the PCIe slot on motherboards, which are offered at prices of around 94 Euro and 50 Euro respectively, QNAP has expanded the portfolio downwards with the model QXG-2G1T-I225. Instead of 10 or 5 GbE networks based on a NIC from Aquantia, the slower variant is compatible with an Intel chipset, the I225-LM to 2.5 GbE.

QNAP QXG 2G1T I225

Just like the faster siblings, the QNAP QXG-2G1T-I225 is fully backward compatible to 1 Gbit/s, 100 Mbit/s and 10 Mbit/s, but allows maximum transfer speeds of 2.5 Gbit/s via an RJ45 port. As an interface, only a free PCIe 2.0 slot with x1 connection is required on the motherboard.

Shortly, QNAP plans to launch two more variants of the 2.5 GbE network card based on the Intel NIC with two and four RJ45 ports under the names QXG-2G2T-I225 and QXG-2G4T-I225. However, these require PCIe 2.0 x2 or PCIe 2.0 x4 for the higher data load.

2,5 GbE card costs more than 5 GbE Aquantia equivalent

The QNAP webshop lists the QXG-2G1T-I225 for US$67, but the manufacturer has not yet commented on specific Euro prices. Only the faster and PCIe 3.0 compatible QXG-10G1T and QXG-5G1T-111C network cards based on an Aquantia AQtion NIC, the AQC107 or the AQC111C and an RJ45 port are currently available in retail outlets.