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TP-Link 10GB PCIe Network Card (TX401)-PCIe to 10 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter,Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Servers 2019/2016/2012 R2, and Linux, Including a CAT6A Cable
TP-Link

TP-Link 10GB PCIe Network Card (TX401) -PCIe to 10 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter

Bottom line: The TP-Link 10GB PCIe Network Card -PCIe to 10 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter ($60.53 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 10 Gbps 10GBase-T over copper, 10x the typical onboard Gigabit NIC; main trade-off: needs a free PCIe 3.0 x4-or-wider slot, ruling out many small builds.

$60.53

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 10 Gbps 10GBase-T over copper, 10x the typical onboard Gigabit NIC
  • ✓ 1.5 m CAT6A cable included, so no separate 10G-rated cable purchase
  • ✓ Auto-negotiates 10G/5G/2.5G/1G/100M for mixed-speed existing switches
  • ✓ Low-profile and full-height brackets both in the box for small towers
  • ✓ Linux plus Windows 11 through 7 and Server 2019/2016/2012 R2 drivers

Cons

  • ✗ Needs a free PCIe 3.0 x4-or-wider slot, ruling out many small builds
  • ✗ 10GBase-T copper runs hot; case airflow over the heatsink matters
  • ✗ Only useful if your switch or NAS also supports multi-gig uplinks
  • ✗ Bundled cable is just 1.5 m, short for a rack or closet switch run

Manufacturer description

The TP-Link TX401 is a PCIe 3.0 network card that brings 10GBase-T Ethernet to a desktop or home server, moving data at up to 10 Gbps rather than the 1 Gbps ceiling of the onboard NIC most motherboards ship with. If you are pulling large project files off a NAS, editing video from a central share, or consolidating backups across a local network, that is the difference between a coffee break and a few seconds. The 10GBase-T standard means it negotiates down cleanly to 5 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, 1 Gbps, and 100 Mbps, so it works alongside older switches and adapters you already own instead of forcing a…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored TP-Link 10GB PCIe Network Card -PCIe to 10 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro networking cards category. TP-Link's retro networking cards lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for retro networking cards of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the TX401 work if my switch is only 1 Gigabit?

Yes. 10GBase-T is backwards compatible and auto-negotiates down to 1 Gbps or 100 Mbps, so the card works on an existing switch. You only reach 10 Gbps once both ends support it.

Do I need to buy a special cable for 10G speeds?

No. TP-Link includes a 1.5 m CAT6A cable rated for 10 Gbps. A standard patch cable is typically only rated to 1 Gbps, so the included cable is what lets the card hit full speed.

Does the TX401 support Linux?

Yes. TP-Link lists Linux support alongside Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 and Windows Server 2019/2016/2012 R2. Check the product listing for the current driver package and kernel notes.

Will this card fit in a small form factor case?

TP-Link supplies a low-profile bracket in addition to the standard full-height one, specifically for mini tower cases. You still need an available PCI Express slot with enough clearance.

Is the TX401 worth it for gaming?

Its QoS feature prioritizes traffic to reduce congestion on a busy home network, but internet gaming is limited by your ISP speed. The real payoff is local transfers to a NAS or server.

Key Features

  • 10 Gbps PCIe Network Card: With the latest 10GBase-T Technology, TX401 delivers extreme speeds of up to 10 Gbps, which is 10× faster than typical Gigabit adapters, guaranteeing smooth data transmissions for both internet access and local data transmissions[1]
  • Versatile Compatibility: With extreme speed and ultra-low latency, 10GBase-T is backwards compatible with multiple data rates (10 Gbps, 5 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, 1 Gbps, 100 Mbps), automatically negotiating between higher and lower speed connections
  • QoS: Quality of Service technology delivers prioritized performance for gamers and ensures to avoid network congestion for PC gaming
  • Free CAT6A Ethernet Cable: To maximize TX401's performance, a 1.5 m CAT6A Ethernet Cable is included—rated for up to 10 Gbps while a regular cable is only rated for 1 Gbps
  • Low-Profile and Full-Height Brackets: In addition to the standard bracket, a low-profile bracket is provided for mini tower computer cases
  • Comprehensive System Support - Fully compatible with Windows 10/8.1/8/7, Windows Servers 2019/2016/2012 R2, and Linux to meet your diverse operating system needs

Full Specifications

QoSQuality of Service technology delivers prioritized performance for gamers and ensures to avoid network congestion for PC gaming
BrandTP-Link
Colorred
Model NumberTX401
CompatibilityPC, Linux
Built-In Media1.5 m CAT6A Ethernet Cable, 10 Gigabit PCIe Network Adapter (TX401), Resource CD, Standard/Low-Profile Brackets
Item Type NameNetwork card
Mfr Part NumberTX401
Number of Packs1
Compatible DevicesDesktop
Data Link ProtocolEthernet
Data Transfer Rate10 Gigabits Per Second
Hardware InterfacePCI Express x4
Warranty Description2 year manufacturer
Free CAT6A Ethernet CableTo maximize TX401's performance, a 1.5 m CAT6A Ethernet Cable is included—rated for up to 10 Gbps while a regular cable is only rated for 1 Gbps
Item Dimensions L x W x H4.76"L x 3.87"W x 0.85"H
External Testing CertificationNão aplicável
Low-Profile and Full-Height BracketsIn addition to the standard bracket, a low-profile bracket is provided for mini tower computer cases
Full listing titleTP-Link 10GB PCIe Network Card (TX401)-PCIe to 10 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter,Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Servers 2019/2016/2012 R2, and Linux, Including a CAT6A Cable

Ready to buy?

TP-Link 10GB PCIe Network Card (TX401)-PCIe to 10 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter,Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Servers 2019/2016/2012 R2, and Linux, Including a CAT6A Cable is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $60.53

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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TP-Link 10GB PCIe Network Card (TX401)-PCIe to 10 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter,Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Servers 2019/2016/2012 R2, and Linux, Including a CAT6A Cable
$60.53
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