StarTech.com MR12GI-NETWORK-CARD 1-Port 2.5GbE M. 2 2280 Network Card - Intel I225-V NBASE-T PCIe Ethernet Card with Full/Low-Profile Bracket
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This network card operates at a maximum data transfer rate of 2.5 Gbit/s with auto-negotiation capabilities that adjust to available network speeds. The M.2 2280 form factor connects directly to compatible M.2 PCIe Gen 2 slots, providing a compact networking solution for systems where expansion slots are limited or already occupied.
Advanced management features include Intel vPro® for remote troubleshooting, PXE boot for streamlined deployment, and support for 9K jumbo frames to reduce packet overhead. The card also supports Wake-on-LAN for remote system booting and VLAN tagging for efficient network segmentation.
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 card delivers 2.5GbE performance while maintaining backward compatibility with existing 1GbE and Fast Ethernet infrastructure. The dual-bracket design ensures compatibility with both standard and small form factor desktop cases.
Space-Efficient Design
The M.2 2280 form factor eliminates the need for traditional PCIe slots, making this card ideal for compact systems or workstations where expansion space is limited. The included 2-foot Cat6 cable adapter routes the Ethernet connection to the rear bracket.
- No PCIe slot required
- Compact 2280 footprint
- Includes cable routing adapter
Enterprise-Grade Management
Built with IT management in mind, this card includes professional features that simplify network administration and maintenance tasks across desktop deployments.
- Intel vPro® remote management
- PXE boot for imaging
- VLAN support for segmentation
Deployment / Use Cases
The StarTech.com 2.5GbE M.2 network card serves as a practical upgrade path for organizations with existing twisted pair cabling infrastructure. By supporting variable speed options from 10Mbps to 2.5Gbps, this adapter ensures compatibility with mixed-speed network environments while providing headroom for future bandwidth requirements.
System administrators can deploy these cards across Windows and Linux desktop environments, utilizing the included management features for remote troubleshooting and efficient network segmentation through VLAN support.
Desktop Network Upgrades
Ideal for upgrading office workstations, creative workstations, or gaming systems to 2.5GbE networking without requiring motherboard replacement or PCIe slot availability.
- Office productivity systems
- Content creation workstations
- Gaming PC upgrades
IT Infrastructure Modernization
Deploy across enterprise desktop fleets to leverage existing Cat5e/Cat6 cabling while achieving 2.5× the throughput of traditional 1GbE connections for improved file transfers and network responsiveness.
- Corporate desktop deployments
- Network bottleneck elimination
- Infrastructure cost optimization
Physical Profile
This network card features a red PCB with compact dimensions of 0.60 inches in height and 3.10 inches in width. The lightweight design at just 0.50 ounces makes it suitable for various desktop configurations without adding significant weight or thermal load.
Both full-profile and low-profile brackets are included, allowing installation in standard ATX cases as well as compact small form factor systems. The bracket design positions the RJ-45 port at the rear of the chassis for clean cable management.
- Width
- 3.10" (78.74 mm)
- Height
- Full-Profile/Low-Profile
- Weight
- 0.50 oz (14.17 g)
What's in the Box
The package includes all necessary components for immediate installation and operation.
Highlights
- 1-port 2.5GbE M.2 2280 network card with Intel I225-V chipset
- NBASE-T (802.3bz) technology supports 2.5GBase-T over Cat5e/Cat6 cabling
- M.2 interface eliminates need for traditional PCIe expansion slots
- Includes both full-profile and low-profile brackets for chassis compatibility
- Supports variable speeds: 2.5/1Gbps and 100/10Mbps with auto-negotiation
- Intel vPro® enabled for remote management and troubleshooting
- PXE boot support for streamlined deployment and updates
- Compatible with Windows and Linux operating systems
- Includes 2-foot Cat6 cable adapter for clean cable routing
- Backed by 2-year warranty with lifetime technical support
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | MR12GI-NETWORK-CARD |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 2.5Gigabit Ethernet Adapter |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | 2.5Gigabit Ethernet Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Chipset Manufacturer | Intel |
| Chipset Model | I225-V |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Host Interface | M.2 |
| Total Number of Ports | 1 |
| Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports | 1 |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Twisted Pair |
| Maximum Data Transfer Rate | 2.50 Gbit/s |
| Network & Communication | |
| Network Technology | 2.5GBase-T |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Red |
| Product Color | Red |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Bracket Height | Full-Profile/Low-Profile |
| Height | 0.60" (15.24 mm) |
| Width | 3.10" (78.74 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 0.50 oz (14.17 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 2.5Gigabit Ethernet Adapter 1 x CAT6 Cable Adapter 1 x Full-Profile Bracket 1 x Low-Profile Bracket 1 x M3x2 Screw 1 x QuickxStart Guide |
| Device Supported | Desktop Computer |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What type of systems is this network card compatible with?
This StarTech.com network card is designed for desktop computers with available M.2 PCIe Gen 2 slots that support B or M key configurations. It's compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems, making it suitable for office workstations, creative systems, and general-purpose desktop deployments where traditional PCIe slots may be limited or unavailable.
Does this card require special cabling for 2.5GbE operation?
No, this network card leverages existing Cat5e or Cat6 twisted pair cabling infrastructure through NBASE-T (802.3bz) technology. The included 2-foot Cat6 cable adapter helps route the connection from the M.2 card to the rear bracket. For optimal performance at 2.5Gbps speeds, ensure your cabling meets Cat5e specifications or better and that all connections are properly terminated.
What management features does this network card include?
This card includes several enterprise-grade management features: Intel vPro® support for remote troubleshooting, PXE boot capability for network-based operating system deployment, Wake-on-LAN for remote system booting, VLAN support for network segmentation, and 9K jumbo frame support to reduce packet overhead. These features make the card suitable for managed IT environments requiring remote administration capabilities.
Can this card be installed in small form factor systems?
Yes, the included low-profile bracket allows installation in small form factor desktop cases. The M.2 2280 form factor itself is compact, measuring just 0.60 inches in height and 3.10 inches in width. The lightweight design at 0.50 ounces makes it suitable for space-constrained systems where traditional PCIe cards might not fit or where thermal considerations are important.
What speeds does this network card support?
This card supports multi-gigabit speeds with variable options: 2.5Gbps, 1Gbps, 100Mbps, and 10Mbps. It features auto-negotiation to automatically select the highest speed supported by both the card and the connected network equipment. The 2.5GBase-T capability provides 2.5 times the throughput of standard 1GbE connections while maintaining backward compatibility with existing network infrastructure.
What warranty and support comes with this product?
StarTech.com backs this 2.5GbE M.2 network card with a 2-year limited warranty. Additionally, the product includes free lifetime 24/5 multi-lingual technical assistance, providing professional support coverage during business hours. The card is also environmentally compliant with WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) regulations for responsible disposal.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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