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Intel LYSB00517AKL6-CMPTRACCS EXPI9301CTBLK PRO/1000 CT Desktop Adapter — main product image
Intel

Intel LYSB00517AKL6-CMPTRACCS EXPI9301CTBLK PRO/1000 CT Desktop Adapter

★★★★★5.0 (1 reviews)

Intel Gigabit CT desktop network adapter with PCIe interface, I/OAT acceleration, and entry-level server features.

$52.00*
✓ In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Intel EXPI9301CTBLK PRO/1000 CT Desktop Adapter is a PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet card built on Intel's proven networking silicon. It is designed for desktop PCs that need a reliable, high-performance wired network connection — whether the onboard NIC has failed, lacks advanced features, or simply is not present. Beyond basic connectivity, the adapter includes Intel I/O Acceleration Technology (I/OAT), which offloads network data movement from the CPU, reducing processor utilization during file transfers, backups, and other network-heavy workloads. This makes it particularly useful in systems that double as workstations and light servers.

For users running virtual machines, the adapter's VMDq (Virtual Machine Device Queues) feature sorts incoming network traffic into per-VM queues at the hardware level, improving throughput and reducing hypervisor overhead. NIC teaming support enables link aggregation or failover configurations when paired with additional Intel adapters, a feature typically reserved for dedicated server hardware. The included Intel PROSet utility provides a single interface for driver management, adapter diagnostics, and advanced settings. Sold in bulk packaging, this adapter is straightforward to install in any system with an available PCIe slot.

Key Features

Intel EXPI9301CTBLK PRO/1000 CT Desktop Adapter PCI Express Bulk.

For PCs with PCI Express (PCIe) slots,

Teaming support and an array of other advanced features enable customers to utilize this adapter as an entry-level server adapter as well.

Features -- Intel I/O Acceleration Technology (I/OAT), Virtual Machine Device Queues (VMDq).

Software Included -- Intel PROSet.Peripheral / Interface Devices -- PCIe slot.

Intel Gigabit CT Desktop Adapter offers the newest technology for maximizing system performance and increasing end-user productivity.

Specifications

Brand
Intel
Model
EXPI9301CTBLK
Interface
PCI Express (PCIe)
Data Link Protocol
Gigabit Ethernet
Intel I/OAT
Yes
VMDq
Yes
Teaming Support
Yes
Software Included
Intel PROSet
Compatibility
Desktop PCs with PCIe slots
Packaging
Bulk

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Intel I/OAT offloads network processing from the CPU, freeing system resources during heavy network traffic
  • VMDq support makes the adapter viable for virtualized desktop or entry-level server environments
  • NIC teaming capability allows pairing with additional adapters for redundancy or increased throughput
  • Intel PROSet software provides straightforward driver management, diagnostics, and configuration

👎 Cons

  • Limited to Gigabit Ethernet speeds in an era where 2.5GbE and 10GbE adapters are increasingly available
  • Single-port design requires additional adapters for multi-NIC configurations
  • Bulk packaging means no retail box, accessories, or printed documentation are included

Frequently Asked Questions

It requires a PCI Express (PCIe) slot, which is available on most modern desktop motherboards and many server boards.
Yes, it includes Virtual Machine Device Queues (VMDq), which improves network I/O performance in virtualized environments by sorting network packets into queues for individual virtual machines.
Intel I/OAT offloads certain network data processing tasks from the CPU to the adapter itself, reducing processor overhead and improving overall system performance during network-intensive operations.
Yes, it supports NIC teaming and includes advanced features like VMDq and I/OAT that make it suitable as an entry-level server adapter, though it is designed primarily as a desktop product.
It comes with Intel PROSet, which provides driver installation, diagnostics, and advanced configuration options for the adapter.

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