Modifying an M.2 ethernet adapter to fit into a Dell micro case

I have an iocrest M.2 i225 2.5G ethernet adapter installed in a Dell 7040 micro box. The connector pins on the M.2 board for the cable which goes to the RJ45 connector stand up too high so I had to do some janky modification to leave enough room for the SATA SSD as well as getting the case lid back on.

I would like some advice from anyone who knows a bit about electronics what would be the best way to modify the M.2 adapter to connect to the cable so that it sit flat/low but is still reasonably sturdy.

I was leaning towards de-soldering the pins and replacing them with some 90 degrees pins or even finding a header with smaller pins. I was also thinking of soldering the wires directly to the M.2 board but I feel like that would be too easy to break.

Also, one of the lights on the RJ45 connector itself doesn’t work so I want to replace the it with a good one. Are all RJ45 mountable connectors made with a common pinout and physical layout?

I’m hoping I can buy any brand of RJ45 connector as a replacement instead of having to find one specific to this iocrest adapter.

You should be able to find a 90 degree 2x5 pin header and resolder it in place. You’ll want to measure the pin pitch on yours, they’re likely 2.54mm spacing but I can’t say for sure on that NIC.

I do have a spare InnoDisk Industrial m.2 A/E-key Intel 2.5gbe card that has low profile connectivity. I could probably part with it for a reasonable price if you think it’ll work better for you.

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You can also buy a female to male 90 degree adaptor like https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005554565638.html to save the de soldering, measure the pitch though.
As for the led on the RJ45 check your manual it may light up only in specific case, you didn’t say which of the two.
You have activity/link and speed, speed is usualy green for 1gb connection and above but it depends. activity / link if connected is orange and blinking during activity

a picture of the clearance of the card and the ssd also would be nice to see what’s the issue.
I have the same dell 7040

I am interested in that because I eventually want to add another intel adapter to this Dell and it would need to be A+E key.

The one I’m trying to modify is an M key. I don’t suppose you have an M key adapter available as well?

Are you able to mention the price here?

If it’s close to $60USD that that’s more than I can afford at the moment. If it’s closer to $30 then I can manage that. Are you able/willing to post it to Australia?

I just sent you a DM.