GLOTRENDS LE8202 2-Port PCIe Network Card
Overview
The GLOTRENDS LE8202 2-Port PCIe Network Card is a versatile network adapter designed for desktop PCs. Offering dual Ethernet ports, it supports speeds of 1000, 100, and 10Mbps, ensuring reliable and fast connections. This network card is compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it a flexible solution for different setups. It also includes both standard and low-profile brackets, so it can be easily installed in compact or standard desktop cases, providing a seamless fit for various builds.
Features & Benefits
Equipped with the Realtek RTL8111H chipset, this PCIe Ethernet adapter delivers stable and efficient performance. The card automatically negotiates the best data rate, adjusting between 1000, 100, and 10Mbps for optimal speed. Its Wake-On-LAN and RealWoW! features enable remote management, adding convenience for users who need to wake their PCs remotely. It’s also plug-and-play with most major operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, while offering support for virtualization platforms like VMware, Proxmox, and unRaid.
Best For
The GLOTRENDS LE8202 is ideal for users who want to upgrade their desktop network connectivity. Its dual-port configuration makes it perfect for home servers or small office setups, especially for those requiring multiple Ethernet connections. It also suits networking enthusiasts who use virtualization software or manage NAS systems. Additionally, its low-profile bracket option makes it a great choice for users with compact PC builds or cases where space is limited, all while providing a cost-effective solution for dependable Ethernet access.
User Feedback
With a solid rating of 4.5 stars from 541 reviews, users have praised the easy installation process and the card’s reliability. Many appreciate how it delivers consistent performance across different operating systems. However, some users noted the need for additional driver installation, especially on newer versions of certain operating systems. The card’s flexibility, with both standard and low-profile brackets, has also been highlighted, as it allows for compatibility with a wide range of desktop setups. Overall, users find this card to be a great value for its price.
Pros
- This network card offers easy installation and plug-and-play compatibility with Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- The two gigabit Ethernet ports ensure stable and fast connections for desktop setups.
- Support for virtualization platforms like VMware, Proxmox, and unRaid is a big plus for enthusiasts.
- The low-profile bracket option is a great feature for compact builds or smaller PC cases.
- Realtek RTL8111H chipset provides reliable performance, handling heavy traffic smoothly.
- Ideal for small office or home server setups, offering a cost-effective Ethernet solution.
Cons
- Some users reported needing additional driver installations on specific OS versions, which may be inconvenient.
- The card may not be suitable for high-demand enterprise environments due to limited ports.
- Not all users found the automatic speed negotiation to be flawless, with occasional drops in connection speed.
- Those looking for a more industrial-grade build might find this product's durability lacking.
- The card's 2-port setup may be limiting for users needing more network interfaces in large-scale setups.
- A few reviewers mentioned difficulty in ensuring full compatibility with older OS versions.
Ratings
The GLOTRENDS LE8202 2-Port PCIe Network Card has garnered positive feedback from verified users worldwide, with reviews coming from a diverse range of countries and languages. After filtering out low-quality, duplicated, and incentivized reviews, our analysis reflects a balanced perspective on both the strengths and pain points users have highlighted. Across multiple platforms, users have noted its ease of use, broad OS compatibility, and solid performance, though some have raised concerns about driver installation on specific systems. These insights provide a well-rounded view of what buyers can expect from this network card.
Performance
Value for Money
Installation Ease
OS Compatibility
Virtualization Support
Reliability
Driver Installation
Setup Flexibility
Network Stability
Build Quality
Customer Support
Port Configuration
Suitable for:
The GLOTRENDS LE8202 2-Port PCIe Network Card is an excellent choice for users looking to enhance their network connectivity without breaking the bank. It is particularly suitable for home or small office setups where stable gigabit Ethernet speeds are required. Networking enthusiasts running virtualization software, such as VMware, Proxmox, or unRaid, will find it especially useful, offering seamless integration with these platforms. Additionally, users needing a cost-effective solution for NAS systems or those looking to upgrade an older desktop PC will benefit from the plug-and-play compatibility with Windows, Linux, and macOS. The flexibility of both regular and low-profile brackets also makes it a great option for various case configurations, ensuring it fits in compact builds as well as standard desktop cases.
Not suitable for:
While the GLOTRENDS LE8202 2-Port PCIe Network Card offers solid performance for most users, it may not be the best fit for those with advanced networking needs or high-demand applications. Users requiring more than two Ethernet ports for larger setups may find it limiting. Additionally, while installation is straightforward for many, some users experienced issues with driver installation on specific operating systems, which could be a hassle for those who aren't comfortable with troubleshooting. For users with complex server or network setups demanding extremely high reliability or support for advanced features, this network card may not meet all expectations. Similarly, if you're looking for a more rugged or industrial-grade product for long-term heavy-duty use, this card's build quality may fall short.
Specifications
- Ports: Equipped with 2 gigabit Ethernet ports supporting 1000/100/10Mbps speeds for stable network connections.
- Chipset: Powered by the Realtek RTL8111H chipset for reliable and fast Ethernet performance.
- Interface: Uses a PCIe x1 interface, ensuring easy installation in available PCIe slots on desktop PCs.
- OS Compatibility: Compatible with Windows, Linux, macOS, CentOS, Ubuntu, and Debian operating systems.
- Virtualization Support: Supports virtualization platforms including VMware ESXi, Proxmox, and unRaid for flexible network configurations.
- Wake-On-LAN: Features Wake-On-LAN (WoL) support for remote management and power control of connected systems.
- Speed Negotiation: Automatically negotiates speed settings between 1000MbE, 100MbE, and 10MbE for optimal data rates.
- Brackets Included: Includes both regular and low-profile brackets, offering flexible installation options for different PC case sizes.
- Driver Installation: Driver installation is required for some operating systems, with support for plug-and-play on most platforms.
- Data Transfer Rate: Supports a maximum data transfer rate of up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) for high-speed networking.
- Dimensions: The card measures 5.71 x 4.92 x 0.94 inches, fitting most desktop PC cases.
- Weight: Weighs 0.24 kg, making it lightweight and easy to handle during installation.
- Form Factor: Compact form factor suitable for both standard and low-profile installations in desktop systems.
- Network Standards: Complies with IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, and IEEE 802.3ab standards for reliable Ethernet networking.
- Compatibility with NAS: Ideal for network-attached storage (NAS) systems, providing dual Ethernet ports for enhanced file transfer speeds.
- Power Consumption: Low power consumption, making it suitable for long-term use in energy-efficient systems.
- Bus Type: Uses a PCIe x1 bus type, ensuring compatibility with most modern desktop PCs.
- Latency: Offers low latency performance, suitable for real-time applications and reducing network delays.