User Manual for StarTech.com 1-Port PCIe 2.5G Ethernet Network Adapter Card

Quick guide from the manual

This guide provides essential instructions for installing and configuring the StarTech.com 1-Port PCIe 2.5G Ethernet Network Adapter Card. Before beginning, ensure your host computer has an available PCI Express 2.0 or greater slot (x1, x2, x4, x8, or x16). Warning: Static electricity can damage the card. Always use an anti-static strap or mat, or discharge static by touching a grounded metal surface before handling the card.

Product Overview

The adapter card features the following components:

• Bracket: Secures the card to the host computer case. A full-profile bracket is pre-installed, and a low-profile bracket is included.
• LED Indicators: The top LED shows 1000/100/10 Mbps link activity (Solid Green: Link, Flashing Green: Activity). The bottom LED shows 2.5 Gbps link activity (Solid Green: Link, Flashing Green: Activity).
• Ethernet Port: For connecting your network cable.
• PCIe 2.0 x1 Connector: For insertion into the host computer's PCI Express slot.

Installation

1. Turn off the host computer and disconnect all peripheral devices.
2. Unplug the power cable from the host computer.
3. Remove the computer case cover.
4. Locate an open PCI Express slot and remove the corresponding slot cover plate from the back of the case.
5. Gently insert the PCI Express card into the slot and fasten the bracket to the case.
6. Replace the computer case cover.
7. Reconnect the power cable and all peripheral devices.
8. Turn on the host computer.
9. Connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port.

Driver Installation

To install the necessary drivers:

1. Visit www.startech.com/PR12GI-NETWORK-CARD and navigate to the Drivers & Downloads tab.
2. Download the driver package for Windows.
3. Extract the zipped folder.
4. Follow the instructions in the accompanying Intel_Windows_DIG file.

Verifying Driver Installation

Windows

Navigate to the Device Manager, locate Network Adapters, right-click Intel Ethernet Controller I225-V, and select Properties to confirm the driver is working.

Linux

Ensure you are using kernel 5.8 or higher (LTS versions only). Check your kernel version with uname -r. Open a terminal and run sudo dmesg | grep Intel to verify the driver integration.