ASUS XG-C100C Review – Affordable 10GbE Networking for Power Users

Upgrading to 10-Gigabit Ethernet no longer needs to be expensive or complex. The ASUS XG-C100C is designed to bring ultra-fast wired networking to desktops and workstations with a simple PCIe add-in card—no SFP+ modules, no fiber optics, and no enterprise-grade headaches.

In this in-depth review, we break down real-world performance, benchmarks, use-cases, and whether the XG-C100C makes sense for creators, gamers, NAS users, and small offices.

Overview & Positioning

The ASUS XG-C100C is a PCIe x4 10GbE network adapter using a standard RJ-45 port, supporting speeds from 100Mbps up to 10Gbps. It’s aimed squarely at:

• Content creators working with large media files

• NAS & home-lab users

• Workstations doing backups or virtualization

• Power users who want future-proof networking

Unlike enterprise NICs, this card works with Cat6/Cat6A copper cables, making it ideal for home and SMB setups.

Key Specifications

Design & Build Quality

ASUS keeps things practical and robust:

• Large passive heatsink ensures silent operation

• Solid PCB and reinforced slot design

• Ships with both full-height and low-profile brackets

• No RGB, no gimmicks—pure function

This makes the XG-C100C perfect for always-on systems like NAS-attached workstations or servers.

Benchmark & Performance Testing

Test Environment

• Intel Core i7 workstation

• PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4 electrical)

• 10GbE switch + Cat6A cabling

• NVMe SSD source & destination

Synthetic Throughput

Real-World File Transfer

➡️ Result: The XG-C100C consistently operates close to theoretical 10GbE limits when paired with fast storage.

Thermals & Stability

Even under extended load:

• Heatsink remains warm, not hot

• No throttling detected

• Zero driver crashes or disconnects during testing

This makes it suitable for 24×7 workloads like media servers or office file servers.

Compatibility & Driver Support

• Plug-and-play on Windows 10 / 11

• Stable drivers for Linux kernels

• Works flawlessly with modern 2.5G / 5G / 10G switches

• Backward compatible with existing Gigabit networks

No BIOS tweaks or special configuration needed.

Ideal Use Cases

✔ NAS + workstation workflows
✔ Video editing over network storage
✔ Large dataset transfers
✔ Home-lab virtualization
✔ Small business file servers

Not ideal if:

• You only use basic Gigabit internet

• Your storage cannot exceed ~300–400 MB/s

• Your switch/router doesn’t support >1G

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

• True 10GbE performance over RJ-45

• Excellent price-to-performance ratio

• Silent passive cooling

• Broad OS compatibility

• Backward compatible with older networks

❌ Cons

• Requires Cat6A for full 10GbE reliability

• PCIe slot usage (not for ultra-compact systems)

• Overkill for casual users

Final Verdict

The ASUS XG-C100C is one of the best-value 10GbE NICs available today. It delivers near-enterprise networking speeds in a consumer-friendly, easy-to-deploy package.

If you’re building a high-speed NAS setup, content creation workstation, or future-proof home network, this card is an easy recommendation.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

Where to Buy

Buy ASUS XG-C100C in India:
NationalPC – https://nationalpc.in/network-adapters/asus-xg-c100c

Quick FAQ

Q: Can it work with my existing Gigabit switch?
Yes. It will auto-negotiate down to 1Gbps.

Q: Do I need Cat6A cable?
For stable 10GbE—yes. Cat6 may work for short runs.

Q: Is it good for gaming?
Yes for LAN gaming and low-latency transfers, but internet speed depends on your ISP.

Q: Does it support Linux?
Yes, with mature drivers.