New RTL8159-based 10 GbE USB adapters offer compact design
Original: New 10 GbE USB adapters are cooler, smaller, cheaper
Why This Matters
Demonstrates evolution toward smaller, affordable 10 GbE networking solutions
New RTL8159-based 10 GbE USB 3.2 adapters like WisdPi's $80 model are smaller, cooler, and cheaper than bulky Thunderbolt alternatives. Testing showed full 10 Gbps only on USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports, with other machines achieving 6-7 Gbps.
Jeff Geerling tested new RTL8159-based 10 GbE USB 3.2 adapters that offer a more compact alternative to expensive Thunderbolt adapters. The WisdPi model costs $80, less than half the price of Thunderbolt equivalents but double that of 2.5G/5G adapters. Testing across four devices showed only the AMD desktop with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port achieved full 9.5 Gbps speeds. Framework 13, MacBook Neo, and M4 MacBook Air reached 6-7 Gbps due to port bandwidth limitations. Windows required manual Realtek driver installation, while Macs worked immediately. The adapter needs 20 Gbps USB port capacity for optimal performance. For users not requiring full 10 Gbps, 2.5G or 5G adapters remain better value options at $30 versus $80.