StarTech.com M.2 2.5Gbps Ethernet Adapter - PCIe 2.0
Quick Start Guide
Product Overview
This guide provides instructions for installing and configuring the StarTech.com MR12GI-NETWORK-CARD, an M.2 2.5Gbps Ethernet adapter for PCIe 2.0 slots.
Product Diagram
The product consists of an M.2 network card and a CAT6 cable adapter. The diagram below illustrates the main components:
| Label | Component | Function |
|---|---|---|
| [1] | M.2 Connector | Connects to the M.2 slot on the host computer. Supports B Key or M Key slots. |
| [2] | Ethernet Port (on M.2 card) | Connects to the CAT6 cable adapter. |
| [3] | LED Indicators (on M.2 card) |
|
| [4] | RJ45 Connector (on CAT6 adapter) | Connects to the Ethernet port on the M.2 network card. |
| [5] | Mounting Bracket | Screw-in design to secure the CAT6 cable adapter to a full-profile or low-profile bracket (not shown). |
| [6] | Ethernet Port (on CAT6 adapter) | Connects a standard network cable (e.g., CAT6). Supports 2.5Gbps, 1Gbps, 100Mbps, and 10Mbps. |
*Product may differ from the image.
Package Contents
- 1x M.2 Network Card
- 1x CAT6 Cable Adapter
- 1x Full-Profile Bracket
- 1x Low-Profile Bracket
- 1x Quick Start Guide
Requirements
- Host computer with an available M.2 PCI Express slot (B Key or M Key).
- Phillips head screwdriver.
For the latest requirements, visit www.startech.com/en-us/connectivity/network-cards/mr12gi-network-card.
Installation
Install the M.2 PCI Express Card
CAUTION! Static electricity can severely damage expansion cards. Ensure your host computer is properly grounded before opening the case or touching the expansion card. Wear an anti-static wrist strap or use an anti-static mat when installing any host computer component. If an anti-static wrist strap is not available, discharge accumulated static electricity by touching a grounded metal surface for a few seconds. Handle the expansion card only by its edges and do not touch the gold connectors.
- Power off the host computer and all connected peripherals (e.g., printers, external hard drives, etc.).
- Disconnect the power cable from the host computer.
- Disconnect all peripherals connected to the host computer.
- Remove the computer case cover. Consult the documentation provided with your host computer for detailed instructions on how to perform this operation safely.
- Locate a free M.2 PCI Express slot and remove the corresponding slot cover plate from the back of the host computer case. Note: Consult the documentation provided with your host computer for detailed instructions on how to perform this operation safely. This card works in M.2 PCI Express slots with B Key or M Key.
- Gently insert the M.2 PCI Express card into the free M.2 PCI Express slot. Secure it using a Phillips head screwdriver and the provided screw.
- Remove the screws (x2) from the mounting bracket. Attach the mounting bracket to the full-profile or low-profile bracket using a Phillips head screwdriver and the screws (x2).
- Connect the CAT6 cable adapter to the Ethernet port on the M.2 network card.
- Secure the full-profile or low-profile bracket to the back of the host computer case using a Phillips head screwdriver.
- Replace the computer case cover.
- Reconnect the power cable to the back of the host computer.
- Reconnect all peripherals disconnected in step 3.
- Power on the host computer and peripheral devices.
- Connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the CAT6 cable adapter.
Download the Driver
- Go to www.startech.com/en-us/connectivity/network-cards/mr12gi-network-card.
- Click the "Driver and Downloads" tab.
- Under "Driver", download the driver package for Windows.
Note: Windows typically saves downloaded files to the Downloads folder associated with your user account (e.g., C:\Users\useraccount\Downloads).
- Right-click the downloaded zipped driver package and select "Extract All". Follow the on-screen instructions to extract the files.
Note: Make a note of where the drivers were extracted, as this location will be used in the next steps.
- Follow the instructions in the attached Intel_Windows_DIG file for further installation.
Verify Driver Installation
Windows
- Open Device Manager.
- Under "Network adapters", right-click "Intel Ethernet Controller I225-V" and select "Properties".
- Verify that the driver is installed and functioning correctly.
Linux
Note: Ensure you are using kernel 5.8 or higher (LTS versions only). Execute the following command from the terminal prompt to check your kernel version: uname -r.
- Open a Terminal window and type the command
sudo dmesg| grep Intelto check for Intel driver integration. - If the drivers are present, you should see a response similar to: Intel(R) 2.5G Ethernet Linux Driver.
