The Davuaz Da-K9801W is another low-cost, fanless switch pushing 2.5GbE networking to new affordability brackets. This new 8-port 2.5GbE and 1-port SFP+ 10GbE switch we purchased on Amazon for $89 and decided to give it a try. If you saw our Sodola 8-port 2.5GbE and 1-port 10GbE Switch Review, for example, we have a similar chipset being used, but with a different PCB and chassis.
Davuaz Da-K9801W Overview
We featured this video in our September 2023 mini-round-up of fanless 2.5GbE switches that you can find here:
We have also added this switch to the Ultimate Cheap Fanless 2.5GbE Switch Buyer’s Guide where we have now listed 32 models and we already have 5 more switches tested, but not on that list. Bookmark that page to get the latest, we will like all of these reviews from that page.
Davuaz Da-K9801W Hardware Overview
On the front of the switch, one can see eight 2.5GbE ports and a SFP+ port along with a snazzy blue Davuaz faceplate.
Just comparing here, this is the Sodola unit that we reviewed previously. Here we can see the SFP+ port placement is offset from the main switch ports to a larger degree on the Sodola than it is on the Davuaz.
The switch itself is not much deeper than a SFP+ cage inside the switch as we can see from this side view. We also get the same green QC sticker as we have seen on 4-port 2.5GbE and 2-port SFP+ units like the Davuaz Da-K6402W 4-port 2.5GbE 2-port 10GbE fanless switch we review.
Here is the other side of the switch. While the chassis is metal, it is still light enough to allow Velcro mounting.
The rear has a DC power input and a grounding point.
On the bottom, we get a label. We also get mounting holes so one can use two screws to mount the switch to a desk, wall, or elsewhere. Davuaz does not even try to print some, likely fake, regulatory markings. Instead, we just get a model number, serial number, and the fact it is a 12V DC-in device.
Inside the switch, we can see the ports and a relatively simple design.
Here is the internal overview where we can see how the switch was built.
Since we have looked at a number of these switches, here is the internal overview of the Sodola:
The switch appears to be using the RTL8373-CG and the RTL8224-CG switch chips just like the earlier models. It is using a 10G uplink from the RTL8224-CG to the RTL8373-CG. Each has four 2.5GbE links downstream and the latter has a 10G SFP+ link as well. Still, Davuaz has a smaller PCB that makes the switch notably shallower than the Sodola.
Next, let us get to performance and power consumption.
