Realtek introduced the RTL8127 10GbE to PCIe NIC at Computex 2025 last May as a low-power, low-cost 10Gbps Ethernet solution for PCIe and M.2 networking cards with an estimated price of around $30 to $40.
The good news is that 10GbE PCIe and M.2 cards are now available for sale, just not always at the expected price points. Let’s have a look at some of the options available.
Auvidea M20E M.2 10GbE module
The first RTL8127 device that came to our attention last month was the Auvidea M20E M.2 10GbE module.
Auvidea M20E specifications:
- Chipset- Realtek RTL8127
- Ethernet – 10-pin PicoBlade connector for RJ45 or M12 Xcode adapter
- Host interface – M.2 Key-E (PCIe Gen4 x1) edge connector
- Compatible with NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX/AGX and others
- Power Supply
- Via edge connector
- Optional PoE via 4-pin JST-GH
- Power Consumption – < 1.5W
- Dimensions – 22 x 42mm; suitable for 2242 or 2230 sockets.
The company provides Linux and Windows drivers for the module. It’s all great until we check the price: 99.99 to 112.99 Euros. The cheaper version is the M.2 module only, while the more expensive kit also features an RJ45 Ethernet adapter board and cable. There are also other Ethernet adapters, either with an IP67-rated waterproof RJ45 jack or an M12 X-Code connector, but those are not for sale online.
A Japanese user got one and tested it at up to about 7,400 Mbps over Google Fiber. He mentions there were no issues like packet jams or loss he experienced with a Marvell AQC107 card, and the RTL8127 runs pretty cool, consuming just 1.95W, against 6W for the Marvell chip. He used Windows drivers from the Realtek website.
Realtek RTL8127 10GbE PCIe card
I could not find a cheaper RTL8127 M.2 module at this stage, but a more affordable OEM RTL8127 10GbE PCIe card is sold on Alibaba ($35) and AliExpress ($51.62 shipped), prices that are closer to expectations.
There’s not much in the way of specifications. The model number is “TXA401”, a thin heatsink covers the Realtek RTL8127 chipset, and it is equipped with a JXD TG2481S transformer. All you need is a free PCIe slot on our motherboard or SBC.
One user left a review on AliExpress, which seems to confirm the review of the M.2 module, mentioning good stability of the card compared to the AQC107:
I was happy to see the rtl8127 on aliexpress and this seller was one of the first ones to sell it. It arrived to canada in about 1.5 weeks. My motherboard came with the realtek 2.5gbe and I ensured the latest drivers were installed. After installing the rtl8127, my computer recognized it right away and I had internet access. I’m seeing no issues with network stress tests. So far, the rtl8127 is more stable than the aqc107 and it uses less power. Highly recommended so far.
That’s a good start, and we should soon see more RTL8127 PCIe cards and M.2 modules, as well as cheaper 10GbE-capable mini PCs, SBCs, motherboards, etc…
Thanks to TLS for the tip.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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