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A network card is an essential equipment for creating a connection between computers & networks to play fast games. Having this card will let you exploit and replacing the wired internet connection. The biggest benefit of this card is you can install it without any technical knowledge or experience. However, there is a need to have a little bit of knowledge for choosing the best network card for gaming as there are tons of choices available to buy in the market.
Top 5 Best Network Cards for Gaming Reviews
If you are worried that inadequate information will result in shopping a lousy model, then you have arrived on the right platform. Here, our team of experts will give the required details using which you will end up shopping for perfect equipment. We have created a list of top 10 best network cards for gaming to choose from. Have a look at every model from the gamer’s point of view and shop the one that suits your needs adequately.
1. TP-Link Gigabit Ethernet Network Card (Editor’s choice)
The TG-3468 is one of the most selling products from TP-Link brand thanks to its ultra-fast technology. It is a top-class low profile adapter that features 10/100/1000 Mbps express network and effective Gigabit PCI system. Together they help in boosting the performance of almost any computer brand quite quickly.
This easy to install unit will help in making your gaming much faster when compared with a wired connection. The company sells it both normal & low profile bracket ensuring that buyers can set it anywhere according to their convenience. This equipment is compatible with many systems that range from Windows 10 to XP.
We all know that TP-Link is a very trusted brand, and that’s why they sell this unit with two years warranty & 24X7 technical support. It is an excellent choice to make considering the great set of features available in this network card.
Pros
- Supports both auto-negotiation & auto MDI
- Ultra-fast speed
- Backed by two years solid warranty
- Delivered with low profile & standard profile brackets
Cons
- Unplugging is a little bit harder
- Positioning the network card takes time
2. TRENDnet Copper Gigabit PCI Card (Runners up)
Creating a connection with this adapter with the available PCI slot on the system will only let you have a quicker connection but also allow you a better data rate while playing games. It comes with integrated FIFO buffers that minimize the overhead of memory transfer. Furthermore, this network card is compatible with Full-Duplex Mode that almost doubles the data rate.
It is ideal for heavy games thanks to the availability of 2,000 Mbps bandwidth capacity. The most prominent feature of this highly positively rated unit is the latest VLAN tagging that allows it to utilize the bandwidth to have maximum data throughput. There is almost a zero possibility that a gamer will find this network useless.
The manufacturer delivers this unit in a package that includes PCI adapter, CD drivers, and quick installation guide. You will get a 5-year limited warranty from the company’s side on this network adapter that is a great benefit of shopping this model.
Pros
- Incredible 2,000 Mbps bandwidth capacity
- Use network bandwidth efficiently
- Provide maximum data throughput
- Easy to understand installation guide
Cons
- Complaints about inaccurate description in specific packages
- Lack of low-profile bracket might be an issue for some people
3. Ziyituod Gigabit Ethernet Card (Best for compatibility)
If we talk about the compatibility, few models can beat this Ethernet card from Ziyituod. It is a high-performance main control chip that only not offer stability but also works with almost all types of computer systems. In addition to gaming, you can use it for a variety of applications like mobile workstations, communication platforms, desktop, and servers. This equipment comes with jumbo frames and VLAN tagging that will make gaming better.
It is equipped with top-grade alloy heat sink for better dissipation of heat. It helps in boosting the stability along with increasing performance that everyone looks for. You will get a one-year warranty and free lifelong technical support for excellent after-sales service. The hardware of this equipment has crossover detection and auto-correction ability.
A top highlight of this incredible network card is that it supports protocol offload and quad-core receive side scaling. Apart from the main network card, you get tons of accessories with this package like a set of screws, a low profile bracket, and a mini-screwdriver.
Pros
- Provide stability to the gaming system
- Backed by super 30 days package return
- Compatible with a variety of systems
- Wonderful heat dissipation
Cons
- Not compatible with latest ESXi
- Ask for custom installation
4. EDUP Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express Network Card (Best budget-friendly pick)
There is an excellent possibility that many of our readers are those gamers who might be studying in school or college. We all know students have a limited budget for buying technical stuff. Our team has added this network card for such youngsters who want to enjoy a high performance but can’t spend too much money. It is a low-price & high-quality component that supports a two-year warranty and 24X7 technical support that is amazing for sure.
It will add a 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports to your computer system using the PCI-E slot. Creating a connection using this network card to the system is quite easy. In addition to gaming systems, this equipment is ideal for a workstation, server, and PCI-enabled client. It is fully compatible with all types of Windows systems adequately.
Finding such a worthy product at this low price is a challenging task. It works nearly ten times faster when compared with the traditional 10/100 Ethernet cards available to shop in the market. Nothing to worry about the installation process as the company sells this unit with a low-profile bracket.
Pros
- Effortless installation process
- Delivered with a low-profile bracket
- Fits with the majority of systems
- Very affordable to buy
Cons
- Instructions are quite terrible
- Doesn’t work for Linux systems
5. Intel Gigabit CT PCI-E Network Card (Best under $35)
The next option is this terrific network adapter from the Intel brand that can do wonders for gamers. It is a top-quality device that will continue supporting you for a long time. There is quite a sizeable installed base, and low profile part added to the unit that makes the installation process easier when compared with most models. The manufacturer has made enough arrangements to ensure proper airflow.
We understand that the price of this unit is a little bit higher as other options on the list are available at a high cost. However, the terrific upgrade offered by this card to the system makes it worthy in every sense. More than 90% of the total buyers are quite happy with the performance and believe it is the most fantastic card for gaming.
It is one of the few network cards that can obtain the gigabit speeds. The after-sales service of the company is also quite excellent as they help the buyers appropriately. The instant recognition and instant connection of this card allow the gamers to enjoy without any glitches.
Pros
- Provide instant connection
- Five-star customer support
- Extremely sturdy design
- Compatible with Windows & Linux
Cons
- Expensive option to buy
- Degrade over the temperature of 55°
What are the benefits of a network card for a gaming system?
There is considerable confusion among buyers whether it works for a gaming system or not? It equipped with an Ethernet adapter that creates a perfect connection between a wired network and a computer. We all know the modern gaming consoles ask for a reliable & quicker connection that basic computer systems can’t offer. Let’s have a look at the benefits of the network card for gaming below:
Boosts Speed
The presence of network card gives a quick connection to the internet that is demanded by online gaming. If you buy a Gigabit Network card, then it can boost your speed up to 1 Gbps. Unlike traditional wired connections, the speed stays constant even if wires go through the floor or walls.
Reliability
The level of safety reaches the next level when you connect the system to the network card. It doesn’t get wireless interferences caused by cordless phones and wireless routers providing reliability to the system.
Security
You may get amazed to know that the network card adds extra protection to the system. It ensures your connection doesn’t get affected as gamers can lose their game even if the system stops for five seconds.
How to choose the best network card for gaming? Buying Guide
While shopping for a network card, you need to understand that there are tons of factors involved. Many buyers don’t pay any attention to them that should be avoided at every cost. Have a look at these factors below in detail:
Connector Types
There are three common kinds of connector types used in the network card, named AUI port, RJ-45 port, and BNC port. Some offer two ports on the cards simultaneously, whereas others provide three ports at the same time.
AUI connector works with the thick coaxial cable while the BNC connector is used for thin coaxial cable. On the other hand, the RJ-45 port works perfectly with unshielded twisted pair. Shop the one that suits your computer system.
Transmission Rate
The network cards are available with different transmission rates that range from 10 Mbps to even 10 Gbps. If you follow the general myth, everyone suggests choosing the network card with the highest transmission rate. However, they don’t understand that there won’t be any benefit of buying a 1 Gbps card in the system with a 100 Mbps twisted pair.
Choose the network card with the transmission rate that is compatible with the twisted pairs of your computer system. Otherwise, it will be a waste of money that no one should make.
Budget
As you can see, there are varieties of brands that manufacture network cards in different price ranges. Here, we have shown you options that available for less than US$ 15 and others that can cost nearly US$ 35.
There will indeed be a difference in features between a low cost & high-cost model. However, you should understand who much your pocket can afford. Stay within the budget and shop the network card accordingly.
Compatibility
The compatibility of the network card needs to be carefully examined before you decide to buy it. The reason behind this factor is every network card doesn’t work with all types of computer systems. While it is true that the majority of models work with Microsoft Windows, it isn’t the same for Linux or Apple.
Check out the model you are shopping for is compatible with your computer interface or not. The only shop once you are 100% assured it would work for your system.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does network cards useful for gaming?
Well, the majority of games get a significant boost with the presence of network cards when compared with a wired connection. It works perfectly with the gaming system with ease.
2. How do network cards works?
The working of the network card is based on the technique of taking the data provided to the CPU and transferring it further to the location. The data is further translated to the form that can be transferred to the cables. This data converted into a form that can be further used by the computer.
3. Does internet speed affected by network adapter?
The internet speed is greatly affected by the distance between the network adapter and the router. So, you should try to ensure that the distance stays minimal between this equipment.
4. How to enable network card?
You have to follow these steps: Tap Settings< click on network & security< tap on status< tap on the change adapter options< right click on the network adapter and choose the enable option.
Conclusion
We believe you have a clear idea about why it is ideal for shopping for a network adapter. There are tons of models available to shop, but our team wants the buyers to buy the best network card for gaming to have an enjoyable experience. If you believe that there is a query in mind regarding this equipment, please write about it clearly in the comment section.
You can also check: Best WiFi Extender for Gaming: Reviews & Buying Guide
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