Intel I226T1BLK-c PCIe Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter (I226-V, Low Profile)

Upgrading a compact firewall appliance or a small business server often hits a wall when the onboard NIC fails or you need an extra dedicated port. This Intel I226T1BLK-c adapter slots into any standard PCIe x1 slot and delivers a reliable, full-speed Gigabit Ethernet connection, making it a practical choice for network administrators and homelab enthusiasts alike.

Key specifications

• Controller Chipset: Intel Ethernet Controller I226-V
• Host Interface: PCI Express 3.0 x1
• Network Interface: 1 x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
• Data Transfer Rate: 10/100/1000 Mbps
• Supported Standards: IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, 802.3az, 802.1Q, 802.1P, 802.1x
• Wake-on-LAN (WoL): Yes
• PXE Boot Support: Yes
• Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 9.5 KB
• VLAN Tagging: Yes (IEEE 802.1Q)
• Full Duplex Support: Yes
• Auto MDI-X: Yes
• LED Indicators: Link/Activity (Green/Yellow)
• Operating System Support: Windows 8.1/10/11, Linux Kernel 4.x/5.x/6.x, macOS 10.15-13.x
• Bracket Type: Standard profile (installed), Low profile (included)
• Checksum Offload: IPv4/IPv6, TCP/UDP/IP
• Receive Side Scaling (RSS): Yes
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE): Yes (IEEE 802.3az)

Why choose it

Intel's I226-V controller is trusted for its stability and driver maturity across multiple operating systems. This adapter supports advanced features like VLAN tagging, jumbo frames, and Wake-on-LAN, giving you the flexibility needed for modern network setups. The included low-profile bracket ensures it fits neatly in small form factor cases, while the standard bracket covers typical tower servers.

Ideal use cases

• Adding a dedicated management port to a virtualized server
• Replacing a faulty onboard NIC in a desktop or entry-level server
• Building a custom router or firewall appliance with pfSense or OPNsense
• Expanding connectivity for network-attached storage (NAS) devices

Good to know

This adapter is a compatible replacement part, not an Intel-branded retail unit. It is designed to meet or exceed original specifications. The PCIe 3.0 x1 interface provides ample bandwidth for full Gigabit throughput without bottlenecking. For low-profile installations, simply swap the bracket using the included screws.