Customer Reviews

StarTech.com 1 Port Low Profile PCI 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Network Adapter Card (ST100SLP)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

For those of you that have computer systems that do not allow for full size PCI card installation, a low profile network controller is probably what you need. Although most mini, mid and full sized tower PCs offer easy installation of a normal PCI controller, a desktop PC (that lays horizontal on your desk) usually only offers open slots for low profile (sometimes called "half-height") cards. In fact, some desktop PCs offer no expansion slots whatsoever. Since low profile cards are not in very high demand these days, they can be a real challenge to find when shopping for PCI card; such as a video controller, modem, soundcard or network adapter.

My oldest daughter has a little HP desktop PC, and during a recent electrical storm her integrated network controller (built in to the motherboard) got zapped. Her system had one open PCI slot, for which I wanted to install a new network adapter, but I noticed that it was a low profile slot, which meant that I couldn't just run to my local electronics store and buy one. I searched a great deal on-line and found the StarTech ST100SLP Ethernet Network Adapter here on Amazon.com. The cost was very low, which kind of scared me a little, but I researched the product on-line and found that most people stated that it was a decent performer.

The product box contains very few items. Of course it contains the ST100SLP Ethernet adapter, as well as an installation manual and an installation floppy diskette. Yes, you heard me correctly; installation "DISKETTE". Most newer computers don't even come with a diskette drive any more so I was rather surprised to find this form of media, rather than a CD-ROM disk. Of course the drivers can also be downloaded directly from the StarTech.com website, in case anyone needs them. Fortunately Windows XP (which is the OS on my daughter's PC) has built-in drivers for this controller, so there was no need for me to install the drivers from StarTech. I simply snapped the StarTech ST100SLP adapter card into my daughter's PC and powered the PC on. As soon as Windows XP loaded it detected the new controller and installed the necessary drivers for it. It immediately acquired an IP address from my home network router (via DHCP) and I was browsing the Internet within just a couple of minutes.

Overall I am very happy with my purchase of the StarTech low profile Ethernet adapter. It functions as promised by the manufacturer and the installation was as effortless as I could have hoped for. Although this card is only a 10/100 Mbps controller (not capable of Gigabit speeds), it is a real bargain for the money. Amazon had one of the lowest prices I could find for this item, and I received it within 2 business days. I cannot truly attest to how well the ST100SLP will hold up over time but I feel that it is a well built product that will potentially last for several years (provided we don't get hit by another close lightning strike!). Even if I have to replace it in the next year or two, the StarTech ST100SLP is priced low enough to prevent any hard feelings on my part. Keep in mind, the ST100SLP is a budget network adapter, so don't expect any bells and whistles, or to set any data transfer speed records. However, for basic web browsing, e-mail, and mild amounts of home network file transfers, I highly recommend this product for any consumer that requires a low profile Ethernet adapter for their desktop PC.

Lightning took out my on board Ethernet port. So, I grabbed this from Amazon. This is a basic card, but it works as advertised. I installed it easily. Windows 7 and Ubuntu 10.04 Linux both recognized instantly with no need to manually install drivers. It comes as a low profile card, but you can easily use the included Full profile desktop plate to place it in a desktop. All for under $10. Seems like a winner to me.

Worked great for old Windows 98 computer. Installed in a snap and allowed me to network old computer to replace dial up modem.

1. Less than $10
2. works with Linux
3. free shipping
4. fast shipping

IT also has brackets for use with a low profile or full desktop.

I purchased an old small-form-factor Dell optiplex to use as a router and I needed an additional PCI Network card. This card was cheap, arrived in one day (with Prime next day shipping) and worked flawlessly.

It fit perfectly into the small form factor case (and it also came with a regular form-factor bracket if I need to move it to a different PC) and it didn't require any installation of drivers. Plug an play all the way.

I recommend it wholeheartedly.

I installed this in a computer running Vista. It was automatically recognized and configured without the need for third party drivers. The card has worked perfectly for over a month.

Open case. Remove PCI blank. Insert card. Close case. Turn on computer. I have ethernet again. It's lovely when things just work. :)

When you have to pop the cover off your computer, all bets are off. Usually a 10-minute job drags into 2 hours if not two days. This card works as advertised. I dropped it into the motherboard, my old Windows 2000 computer instantly recognized it and I was on the internet without the slightest hiccup.
I've been in technology for a long time and believe me, fuss-free products don't happen by accident. That's why they are few and far between. Very satisfied :-)

The card was exactly as stated, priced right and arrived on time. One can't ask for more than that.

It works great. It was easily installed (hardware and software.)
Great value for only $10.