H!Fiber 2.5Gbase-T PCIe NIC with Realtek RTL8125 Chip, 2.5Gb Network Card, 2500/1000/100 Mbps,Single RJ45 Port, PCIe X1, Ethernet Card for Windows/Windows Server/Linux

This network card is exactly what I needed for faster wired connectivity. Installation was simple, and the card was recognized immediately without any driver issues. The Realtek RTL8125 chip delivers consistent and reliable speeds, making it perfect for gaming, streaming, or large file transfers. The build quality feels solid, and the card sits securely in the PCIe slot. I’ve noticed a significant improvement over my previous 1Gb network card, with stable and smooth performance. Overall, this is a high-quality, easy-to-use upgrade for anyone looking to boost their network speed. Definitely a five-star choice for home or office setups.

This was my 3rd network card. My other cards were a nightmare installing on a Windows 11 machine. I could not install drivers that worked. The H!Fiber installed instantly and the performance was flawless with standard Microsoft drivers.

Works great, like the LPB bracket inclusion if necessary. Note if using in Windows - I added this to a T420 server that only had integrated GbE, so I was looking to bump up to 2.5GbE. Windows downloaded a RealTek driver, and I was off and running. But... copies to the server were okay - 2.5GbE with occasional hangs, but only 1GbE from the unit. I figured it was PCIe bus related, so I tried all sorts of things. BUT... I finally went to RealTek, downloaded the latest Windows 10/11 drivers, and let it install... and now, I transfer 2.5GbE both ways. I like that this card is PCIe x4 as x1 is right up against the x1 speed limit, having x4 means more slots and more bandwidth to saturate the bus. Also note the cards will only link gigabit to my switch before Windows comes up, so check your link speed on your switch after boot, not on power-off link. Great deal for 4 2.5Gb ports.

works well with openwrt. openwrt comes with the kernel drivers, r8169. you just have to download the right drivers kmod-r8125 & it'll work flawlessly.

Great nic, just wish it worked out of the box with opnsense. Returned 2 but may buy some more later for my next project.

Works great in Linux / FreeNAS

Using Proxmox, which rides on Debian 12(?) Linux. This works right out of the box with NO ISSUES at all. Full speed, I have 2 of them that form my storage network, while a normal gig card talks to my main network. Would buy again and every time from this point on. Might sell and bench this one and go for the 10g model they have.

After using this NIC for a month or so, I am overall very impressed with the device. Was easy to change the metal flange to the shorter height one. Was, of course, easy to install in the system. System runs Linux, so it immediately identified the NIC and I was able to utilize it. Performed a speed test with the 2.5G switch I have and a system with a 2.5G NIC in it with this 4-port. Received 2.45 Gbps through put (tested using IPerf3 and a Cat6 shielded cable). Would buy it again (and probably will for a next project coming up)