Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and troubleshooting of your BrosTrend 5Gb PCIe Network Card. This high-performance network adapter is designed to provide unparalleled wired connectivity for your desktop PC, offering speeds up to 5 Gigabits per second (Gbps).
Image: The BrosTrend 5Gb PCIe Network Card, featuring a heatsink for optimal performance.
What's in the Box
Please verify that all items are present in the package:
- 1 x 5 Gbps PCIe Network Card
- 1 x Standard Bracket
- 1 x Low-Profile Bracket
- 1 x Driver CD Disc
- 1 x Quick Installation Guide
Image: The BrosTrend 5Gb PCIe Network Card and its included low-profile bracket.
Setup
Physical Installation
- Power Off PC and Remove Case Panel: Ensure your computer is completely powered off and unplugged from the wall. Carefully open your PC case to access the motherboard's PCIe slots.
- Insert the PCIe Network Card: Locate an available PCIe x1, x4, x8, or x16 slot on your motherboard. Gently align the network card with the slot and press down firmly until it is securely seated. Secure the card with the retaining screw or clip from your PC case. If your PC case requires a low-profile bracket, replace the standard bracket on the card with the included low-profile bracket before installation.
- Close Case and Power On: Reattach the PC case panel and reconnect all cables. Power on your computer.
Image: Illustration showing a PC being powered off and its side panel removed, with an arrow pointing to the PCIe slot area.
Image: Diagram illustrating various PCIe slot sizes (x1, x4, x8, x16) and their compatibility with the network card.
Driver Installation
For optimal performance and to achieve the full 5Gbps speed, it is crucial to install the correct drivers. The network card may not be recognized or may not reach 5Gbps speed without the proper driver.
- Install from Included CD: Insert the driver CD disc into your computer's optical drive and follow the on-screen instructions to install the drivers.
- Download from BrosTrend Website: Alternatively, you can download the latest drivers directly from the official BrosTrend website. Visit www.brostrend.com and navigate to the support section for your model.
- Restart PC: After installing the drivers, restart your PC to ensure proper detection and functionality of the network card.
Image: Illustration showing a computer monitor displaying a driver installation prompt for the 5G Gigabit PCIe Network Adapter, with a CD being inserted into the PC's optical drive.
Connecting to Network
- Connect Ethernet Cable: Connect an Ethernet cable from your router or Ethernet switch to the RJ45 port on the BrosTrend 5Gb PCIe Network Card.
Image: Illustration showing an Ethernet cable being connected to the newly installed PCIe network card in the back of a PC.
Operating
High-Speed Connectivity
The BrosTrend 5Gb PCIe Network Card provides hyper-fast internet access and instant local network transfer speeds, making it ideal for demanding applications such as intense gaming and 8K streaming. It supports 5GBASE-T technology to fully utilize your ISP's high-speed services.
Image: A person enthusiastically playing a racing game on a computer, illustrating the benefit of hyper-fast internet access.
Image: A network diagram showing various devices (laptop, host server, client PC, NAS) connected via a 10G Ethernet Switch, demonstrating instant local data transfer.
LED Indicators
The network card features LED indicators to help you identify your current connection speed:
- 5 Gbps Link/Act: Indicates a 5 Gigabit per second connection.
- 2.5 Gbps Link/Act: Indicates a 2.5 Gigabit per second connection.
- 1000/100/10 Mbps Link/Act: Indicates a 1 Gigabit, 100 Megabit, or 10 Megabit per second connection.
Image: Close-up of the BrosTrend network card's Ethernet port showing the LED indicators for 5 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, and 1000/100/10 Mbps link/activity.
Cable Compatibility
To achieve optimal performance, ensure you are using compatible Ethernet cables:
Image: A table showing compatibility of CAT 5e, CAT 6, and CAT 6A cables with 1G, 2.5G, and 5G network speeds.
- Cat5e: Supports 1G, 2.5G, and 5G speeds. For 5Gbps, ensure it is made of 100% pure copper.
- Cat6: Supports 1G, 2.5G, and 5G speeds. Recommended for best performance.
- Cat6A: Supports 1G, 2.5G, and 5G speeds.
Maintenance
As an internal PC component, the BrosTrend 5Gb PCIe Network Card requires minimal maintenance. To ensure its longevity and stable performance:
- Ensure adequate airflow within your PC case to prevent overheating.
- Periodically clean the interior of your PC to prevent dust buildup on components, which can impede heat dissipation.
- Keep your network card drivers updated by regularly checking the BrosTrend official website for the latest versions.
Image: A close-up view of the BrosTrend 5Gb PCIe Network Card's aluminum heatsink, designed for optimal heat dissipation and reliability.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your BrosTrend 5Gb PCIe Network Card, refer to the following common solutions:
Network Card Not Recognized by Windows 11 PC
If your Windows 11 PC does not recognize the network card, it is likely due to the built-in driver not being fully compatible. To resolve this, please download and install the latest driver from the official BrosTrend website or use the included CD-ROM. After installing the correct driver, restart your PC to ensure proper detection.
Network Card Not Reaching 5Gbps on Windows 11 PC
If your network card is not reaching 5Gbps, it may be due to the built-in driver in Windows 11, which may not fully support 5Gbps speed. To achieve optimal performance, please download and install the latest driver from the official BrosTrend website or use the included CD-ROM. After installing the correct driver, restart your PC and ensure your network setup supports 5Gbps speed.
Which Ethernet Cable Should I Use?
This network card supports Cat5e and higher cables. For the best performance, we recommend using a Cat6 cable. If you are using a Cat5e cable, ensure it is made of 100% pure copper for stable and reliable 5Gbps speed.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 4.72 x 2.87 x 0.47 inches |
| Item Weight | 2.16 ounces (61.3 Grams) |
| Item Model Number | 5 Gbps PCIe Network Card P2 |
| Hardware Interface | Ethernet, PCI Express x1 |
| Compatible Devices | Any desktop computer with PCI Express slot (x1, x4, x8, x16 PCIe slots) |
| Data Link Protocol | IEEE 802.3/u/ab/az/bz |
| Data Transfer Rate | 5 Gigabits Per Second |
| Operating System Support | Windows 11 / 10, Windows Server 2022, Linux (kernel 6.9 or newer) |
| Special Features | Wake on LAN, QoS, Aluminum Heatsink |
Warranty & Support
BrosTrend is committed to providing premium network products. The 5Gb PCIe Network Card comes with lifetime protection, ensuring consistent performance and reliability.
For further assistance, driver downloads, or to contact customer support, please visit the official BrosTrend website: www.brostrend.com.
Image: Transparency verification logo, indicating that the product can be authenticated via a unique code using the Amazon Shopping app.
