YuanLey AQC113-X1 10Gbase-T PCIe Network Card Review

The YuanLey AQC113-X1 10Gbase-T PCIe Network Card represents an interesting entry in the increasingly crowded budget 10GbE market. At under $55, this compact NIC aims to bring Marvell's proven AQC113 controller to systems that need high-speed networking without breaking the bank.

Design and Build Quality

The card follows a minimalist approach that works well for its intended purpose. The small form factor is immediately noticeable - this isn't one of those massive NICs that dominate your PCIe slots. The design philosophy seems clear: make something that fits almost anywhere while delivering solid performance.

Key design elements include:

• Single 10Gbase-T RJ45 port
• Both full-height and low-profile brackets included
• Relatively large heatsink for thermal management
• PCIe Gen4 x1 interface

The heatsink deserves special mention. While the card's power consumption sits around 3.5-5W, the thermal solution is substantial. This suggests YuanLey prioritized thermal headroom over minimal footprint, which is a sensible trade-off for sustained performance.

Technical Specifications

The AQC113 controller has been around for a while, which works in the card's favor. Driver support is mature across most operating systems, and the PCIe Gen4 x1 interface provides ample bandwidth for 10GbE traffic.

Here's where this card differentiates itself from older designs: many AQC113 implementations used x4 slots to accommodate PCIe Gen3 limitations. The YuanLey's x1 form factor means it can fit in tighter spaces while still leveraging modern PCIe Gen4 lanes when available.

Performance Testing

We tested the card using our standard iperf3 setup to measure real-world throughput. The results were predictable but reassuring - the card consistently delivered 9-10Gbps in both directions.

This performance level matches expectations for the AQC113 controller and demonstrates that YuanLey hasn't compromised on the core networking capabilities. The card maintains these speeds under sustained load, suggesting the thermal design is adequate for real-world usage scenarios.

Market Position and Competition

The YuanLey AQC113-X1 enters a competitive space where it primarily battles Realtek RTL8127-based cards. The key differentiators are:

Price Point: At under $55, it undercuts many alternatives while maintaining Marvell's reputation for reliability.

Form Factor: The x1 design offers flexibility that x4 cards cannot match, especially in systems with limited PCIe slot availability.

Future-Proofing: The PCIe Gen4 interface provides headroom for future upgrades, though most current systems won't fully utilize this capability.

Practical Considerations

For home lab enthusiasts and small business users, this card offers several advantages:

• Emergency Replacement: We purchased this as an emergency NIC when we needed 10Gbase-T connectivity quickly. It arrived, installed, and worked without fuss.
• Upgrade Path: If you're currently running 2.5GbE or 5GbE, the price delta to 10GbE is minimal enough to justify the upgrade for future flexibility.
• Power Efficiency: The 3.5-5W power draw is reasonable for always-on networking equipment.

Limitations

However, there are some considerations:

• Data Center Features: This isn't a data center-grade NIC with advanced offload capabilities or management features.
• Performance Ceiling: While 10Gbps is excellent, it's not pushing the boundaries of what's possible with modern networking hardware.
• Brand Recognition: YuanLey isn't a household name in networking, which may concern some buyers despite using proven Marvell silicon.

Final Assessment

The YuanLey AQC113-X1 succeeds at its primary mission: delivering affordable, reliable 10GbE connectivity in a compact package. The use of Marvell's AQC113 controller provides confidence in long-term driver support and performance consistency.

At under $55, the value proposition is compelling, especially when compared to the cost and power consumption of data center alternatives. The inclusion of both bracket types adds practical value for users with different chassis requirements.

For users looking to add 10GbE to their systems without significant investment or complexity, this card represents a sensible choice. It won't win awards for innovation, but it delivers exactly what it promises: affordable, reliable 10GbE connectivity that just works.

Where to Buy - Amazon affiliate link to the product page

Bottom Line: The YuanLey AQC113-X1 is a no-frills, budget-friendly 10GbE NIC that leverages proven Marvell technology to deliver solid performance in a compact form factor. For under $55, it's hard to find significant fault with this approach to affordable high-speed networking.