QNAP’s T310G1 enables 10GbE network speeds on computers that don’t have PCIe slots, but do sport a Thunderbolt 3 port. That shouts Mac, of course, but the adapter will also work with the rarer T3 Windows/Linux AIO or laptop. Thunderbolt is Thunderbolt… Okay, it’s now actually USB4, but that’s another story.
Design and Specs
At approximately 1-inch thick, by 2.2-inches wide, by 4.4-inches long, and weighing nearly 7 ounces, the T310G1 is hardly a dainty little thing. It is, however, styled to look at home sitting next to a Mac, meaning it’s attractive. None of the competition I’ve seen is smaller or nearly as good-looking.
The T310G1 is available in a T model for RJ-45/10base-T connections, and an S model for SFP+ (Small Form-factor Pluggable). The former retails for $183.99, while the latter for $169. Not cheap, but certainly less expensive than trading in your otherwise perfectly capable Mac for one with the 10GbE option.
While the product is specifically aimed at Thunderbolt 3 users, I’m still rocking a couple of 2015 Thunderbolt 2 iMacs so of course I had to try it using the Apple Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter and an older powered T3 dock. I saw initial success, but subsequent issues with the connection disappearing and slow performance under macOS rendered the combination basically untenable. A more recent dock might prove more stable, but you’re on your own with that.
T310G1 Performance
The T310G1 uses Marvell’s Aquatania ACQ107 chip. You’ll definitely want the firmware update from version 3.1.57 to 3.1.109 (6/22/2020) that I applied as the unit ran hot before, and only lukewarm after. The T310G1 doesn’t require a driver for macOS, but you’ll need one for Windows or Linux.
All things being equal, you should get ever so slightly slower performance using the T310G1 than with integrated/dedicated 10GbE ports. I tested the the T310G1S (SFP+) on several computers, both directly attached, as well as through both Zyxel XGS1210-12 and QNAP QSW-308-1C combo gigabit/10GbE switches. I did mention you’ll need a 10GbE switch?
Below are the results direct-attached under Windows 10. As normal gigabit speeds fall just shy of 120MBps, it’s a worthy improvement. Most worthy. I dug it. Until the connection disappeared. Sigh.
Performance was a bit slower using a switch, which is par for the course, but still fantastic compared to gigabit.
I had no issues, aside from the initial heat that the firmware update alleviated, when employing the T310G1S in any setup with a real Thunderbolt 3 port. It works as advertised and works well.
A Nice Kick in the Network Pants
It’s hard not to be happy when your copy and backup times to the network shrink to 20% of what they were previously. There are slightly cheaper T3 to 10GbE adapters out there, but none that I’ve seen can match the looks of the T310G1. That means something to most Mac users. Additionally, QNAP has been in my experience, a very reliable vendor. Good stuff, if a bit pricey.
Note that while you should ideally buy the model T310G1 (10Base-T or SFP+) that suits your current cabling, there are SFP+ to RJ-45/10Base-T adapters available for around $35.
