We get into the new cheap 10GbE NICs and switches that will make 10Gbase-T cheaper in 2026. We expect chips like the Realtek RTL8127, Marvell AQC113C, and Intel E610 to make 10Gbase-T a reality. Also, we have so many new 10GbE switches that we are using our new Ixia / Keysight IxNetwork setup to test, giving us low-level performance data on these devices.

STH Main Site Article: https://www.servethehome.com/10gbe-in-2026-is-finally-hitting-the-tipping-point/

Substack: https://axautikgroupllc.substack.com/
STH Top 5 Weekly Newsletter: https://eepurl.com/dryM09

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Join STH YouTube membership to support the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv6J_jJa8GJqFwQNgNrMuww/join
Professional Users Substack: https://axautikgroupllc.substack.com/
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Where to Find The Unit We Purchased
Note we may earn a small commission if you use these links to purchase a product through them.
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- AliExpress RTL8127 listing 1: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3zEyqgV
- AliExpress RTL8127 listing 2: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4rWm0UH
- Amazon Affiliate RTL8127 listing: https://amzn.to/3LYN5zn

STH Merch on Spring: https://the-sth-merch-shop.myteespring.co/

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Where to Find STH
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STH Forums: https://forums.servethehome.com
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Other STH Content Mentioned in this Video
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- Ultimate Cheap 10GbE Switch Buyer's Guide: https://www.servethehome.com/the-ultimate-cheap-10gbe-switch-buyers-guide-netgear-ubiquiti-qnap-mikrotik-qct/
- Realtek RTL8127 Review: https://www.servethehome.com/cheap-10gbe-realtek-rtl8127-nic-review/
- TRENDnet 8x 10G Review: https://www.servethehome.com/trendnet-tl2-f7080-review-a-cheap-8-port-10g-web-managed-switch/
- MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zooc6soHJU
- Ubiquiti USW-Flex-XG Review: https://www.servethehome.com/ubiquiti-flex-10-gbe-usw-flex-xg-review-the-low-cost-ubiquiti-10gbase-t-switch-marvell-10gbe/
- QNAP 25G/100G Switch Review: https://www.servethehome.com/qnap-qsw-m7308r-4x-8x-25gbe-and-4x-100gbe-managed-switch-review/
- Minisforum MS-S1 Max Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPjA1Lm4ftY
- Beelink GTR9 Pro Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHB3-9AG6tw
- Minisforum N5 Pro Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiU0HhDYK7o

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Timestamps
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00:00 Introduction
01:17 Realtek RTL8127 Cheap NIC
07:16 Intel X710-T4L, X710-T2L, and Intel E610 for Servers
10:41 Cheap 10Gbase-T Switches
15:52 World-class 10GbE and 100GbE Network Testing

ServeTheHome

New Realtek RTL8127 network interface controllers bring affordable 10GbE connectivity to consumer systems, using only PCIe Gen 4 x1 lanes and consuming under 3 watts. Available for $40-50 on AliExpress with a target price under $30, these NICs support 10/5/2.5/1 Gbps speeds. Intel's E610 server adapters offer enterprise features at 5-6 watts for four-port configurations. Budget-friendly 10GbE switches from Ubiquiti ($299) and MikroTik ($199) provide fanless, low-power options. The article also announces upcoming professional-grade switch testing using Keysight IxNetwork equipment to evaluate performance across price points.

New CHEAP 10GbE NICs and Switches 10Gbase-T for 2026