Comparison between USB adapter and NIC

[theCheetah]

If I have the option to choose from a USB ethernet adapter and a NIC, what is the best deal. Does a USB adapter put extra strain on the CPU than a NIC?

 

[bex0rs]

I'd go with the internal NIC unless it was absolutely necessary to do otherwise (as with an i-opener and some laptops). They are cheaper, offer more throughput, are more supported, and use less processor time than the USB network devices. About the only reasons I can think of to go with USB (if you don't have one of the above mentioned devices) are if you are uneasy about tinkering with your computer or if you have no more slots available.

~bex0rs

 

[warcleric]

I have a couple USB adapters around, and they are the most convenient thing I could have gotten for $20. They have helped me out in so many jams it isnt funny, and with no noticeable slowdown of transfers. If it is a permanent solution go for a PCI NIC, but USB is not a bad solution.

 

[JackMDS]

I have a mixture of many NIC, and few USB Ethernet connections. Unlike Warcleric (which I highly respect) the USB connections seems always 20% to 30% slower then PCI NIC (using Qcheck).

However nothing beats the convenient of USB, in less then 3 minutes I can make any computer (with USB port) a Network computer.