WisdPi USB 10GbE Adapter Performance
We tested the wisdPi adapter using iperf3 to measure aggregate throughput across multiple TCP streams. The chart below shows results across different stream counts.
Aggregate throughput reaches near 9Gbps across the tested stream counts. This result aligns closely with what we measured from the Xikestor SKN-U310GT, which makes sense given that both adapters use the same Realtek RTL8159 controller.
USB overhead prevents these adapters from reaching the full 10GbE line rate. A USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port provides 20Gbps theoretical bandwidth, but the RTL8159 chipset and USB protocol overhead limit actual network throughput to around 9Gbps in practice. Systems with only USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) ports will see lower speeds, typically under 5Gbps of network throughput.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 x86: Measured maximum 9.5Gbps throughput (spec: up to 9.6Gbps)
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 x86 Measured 6.5Gbps throughput (spec: approximately 7Gbps)
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 Apple M4 MBP Measured 6.2Gbps throughput
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 x86: Measured 4.7Gbps throughput (spec: up to 5Gbps)
This performance profile is similar to the Xikestor (effectively the same) but differs from the Sabrent NT-P10G we reviewed earlier this year. The Sabrent adapter uses a Marvell AQC113 controller over USB4, which can reach higher speeds on systems with proper USB4 or Thunderbolt 3/4 support. In our Sabrent testing, we saw the AQC113-based adapter achieve closer to full line rate performance when connected to a suitable USB4 host port.
RTL8159 and AQC113 represent two different approaches to USB 10GbE adapters. Realtek’s solution prioritizes cost-effectiveness and low power consumption, with solid multi-gig performance, while Marvell’s AQC113 targets users who need maximum throughput and have USB4-capable hosts.
Power Consumption
Power draw for the WisdPi adapter stays in line with other RTL8159-based units we have tested. The aluminum enclosure serves as a heatsink, dissipating heat generated by the 10Gbase-T PHY and controller. We measured power consumption using a Power-Z USB-C power meter (Amazon affiliate link). We saw power in the 2.04-2.85W range depending on the platform.
Users should note that 10Gbase-T adapters inherently consume more power than lower-speed NICs due to the additional signal processing required. For battery-powered laptops, enabling link speeds below 10Gbps when full speed is not needed can help extend runtime.
Final Words
This WisdPi WP-UT9 USB 10GbE Adapter fills a useful niche for users who need portable 10G networking without opening their system chassis. Performance matches the Xikestor SKN-U310GT we reviewed earlier, as both share the Realtek RTL8159 controller. The small size and raised channels on the aluminum enclosure really make this adapter stand out compared to other, larger, less exciting adapters we have seen. On something like this that can be used for travel, this is one that can get you style points. For most, however, the more exciting feature is that you can get roughly twice the performance of the WisdPi WP-UT5 5Gbps USB-C to 5GbE Adapter we reviewed.
For users with USB4 or Thunderbolt hosts who need maximum throughput, there are a lot of options. This WisdPi makes more sense when the host offers USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 as it is a low-power NIC.
Where to Buy
You can find the wisdPi USB 10GbE Adapter via this Amazon affiliate link.
