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Product Features
Technical Overview
The EXPI9301CT-AO implements Intel's 82574 Gigabit Ethernet controller, a mature and widely supported chipset known for its driver stability across multiple operating systems. The PCI Express 2.0 x4 interface provides four lanes of Gen2 connectivity, offering sufficient headroom for maximum Gigabit Ethernet throughput without bottlenecking the system bus.
Network connectivity is handled through a single RJ-45 port that supports standard twisted-pair cabling up to 100 meters. The card automatically negotiates connection speed with compatible switches and routers, supporting 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps operation without manual configuration.
Relevant factors for this section include Chipset Manufacturer, Chipset Model, Host Interface, Total Number of Ports. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
This network interface card combines proven Intel silicon with a straightforward deployment profile, making it an ideal choice for IT professionals seeking reliable Gigabit Ethernet expansion. The included half-height and full-height brackets allow installation in both standard and low-profile chassis, while the lifetime warranty provides long-term confidence in the hardware investment.
Driver Compatibility
The Intel 82574 chipset benefits from extensive driver support across Windows, Linux, and virtualization platforms, reducing deployment complexity in heterogeneous environments.
Physical Flexibility
Dual brackets accommodate both standard and compact system builds, while the modest card dimensions ensure compatibility with most PCIe slot configurations.
Deployment / Use Cases
The EXPI9301CT-AO serves as a practical networking upgrade for servers requiring additional Ethernet ports for network segmentation, backup networks, or management interfaces. Its compatibility with standard twisted-pair cabling makes it suitable for data center, office, and lab environments where Cat5e or Cat6 infrastructure is already deployed.
Workstation users can employ this card to add dedicated network connectivity for virtualization hosts, network-attached storage connections, or high-bandwidth applications that benefit from isolated network paths. The card's server designation indicates robust construction suitable for 24/7 operation in controlled environments.
Server Expansion
Add secondary network interfaces for iSCSI storage, backup networks, or out-of-band management without consuming valuable motherboard ports.
Workstation Networking
Provide dedicated Gigabit Ethernet for virtualization workloads, video editing systems, or development environments requiring consistent network performance.
Physical Profile
Measuring 5.20 inches in height, 0.90 inches in width, and 4.70 inches in depth, this plug-in card maintains a standard PCIe form factor that fits most desktop and server chassis. The 9.60-ounce weight reflects a solid construction with adequate heatsinking for continuous operation. The low-profile design, when configured with the included half-height bracket, enables installation in compact systems where space is constrained.
- Width
- 0.90" (22.86 mm)
- Depth
- 4.70" (119.38 mm)
- Height
- 5.20" (132.08 mm)
- Weight
- 9.60 oz (272.16 g)
What's in the Box
Each EXPI9301CT-AO package includes the complete network interface card ready for installation, along with both half-height and full-height mounting brackets to accommodate different chassis configurations.
Highlights
- Intel 82574 Gigabit Ethernet controller for proven reliability
- PCI Express 2.0 x4 interface with theoretical 2000 MB/s bandwidth
- Single RJ-45 port supporting 10/100/1000Base-T networks
- Compatible with standard twisted-pair cabling up to 100 meters
- Includes both half-height and full-height mounting brackets
- Lifetime warranty for long-term deployment confidence
- Server-grade construction suitable for 24/7 operation
- Driver support across multiple operating system platforms
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AddOn |
| Manufacturer Part Number | EXPI9301CT-AO |
| Brand Name | AddOn |
| Product Name | Intel Gigabit Ethernet Card |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Gigabit Ethernet Card |
| Technical Information | |
| Chipset Manufacturer | Intel |
| Chipset Model | 82574 |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express 2.0 x4 |
| Total Number of Ports | 1 |
| Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports | 1 |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Twisted Pair |
| Network & Communication | |
| Network Technology | 10/100/1000Base-T |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Height | 5.20" (132.08 mm) |
| Width | 0.90" (22.86 mm) |
| Depth | 4.70" (119.38 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 9.60 oz (272.16 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | Intel Gigabit Ethernet Card Half-height and full-height brackets |
| Device Supported | Server |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
FAQ
What type of systems is this network card compatible with?
The EXPI9301CT-AO is designed for servers and workstations with available PCI Express 2.0 x4, x8, or x16 slots. It includes both half-height and full-height brackets to accommodate standard desktop towers, compact systems, and server chassis. The card requires a PCIe slot that can provide adequate power through the motherboard interface.
What is the maximum network speed this card supports?
This Gigabit Ethernet card supports 10/100/1000Base-T network standards, delivering up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) data transfer rates over twisted-pair copper cabling. The PCI Express 2.0 x4 interface provides sufficient bandwidth to handle maximum Gigabit Ethernet throughput without becoming a bottleneck in the system.
Does this card require special drivers or software?
The Intel 82574 chipset benefits from extensive native driver support in modern operating systems including Windows, Linux, and various virtualization platforms. While most systems will automatically detect and configure the hardware, updated drivers are available from Intel's website for optimal performance and compatibility with specific OS versions.
What type of cabling does this network adapter support?
The card supports standard twisted-pair copper cabling (Cat5e, Cat6, or higher) with RJ-45 connectors. It is compatible with network infrastructure supporting 10/100/1000Base-T standards and can maintain connections up to 100 meters when using appropriate cable grades and proper installation practices.
Can this card be used in low-profile or small form factor systems?
Yes, the included half-height bracket allows installation in compact chassis and small form factor systems. The card's dimensions (5.20" x 0.90" x 4.70") are compatible with most low-profile PCIe slot configurations, though users should verify adequate clearance in their specific chassis before installation.
What warranty coverage does this product include?
AddOn provides a lifetime warranty for the EXPI9301CT-AO Gigabit Ethernet Card, covering defects in materials and workmanship for the product's usable life. This warranty supports long-term deployment in business environments where network infrastructure reliability is critical to operations.