Good network interface cards? [UPDATE: Got email about Realtek 8139]

[Leo V]

UPDATE: I just received an email from the webmaster who did the review. I posted it at the bottom of the thread.

Hi,
I've just networked two of my home PC's using a temporary hub (my D-Link DSS-5+ 100mbps switch is on its way). However, I'll need 2 more 100mbps NIC's, because I'll eventually build a dedicated server/firewall/router.

I need your advice on which brands/models are good (and worth the price). I definitely want stuff like Remote Wakeup. I've also dug up this comment in a D-Link networking kit review: "I have been warned by a network Guru not to install any Nics that are based on anything but a Realtek 8139 chip. "

Incidentally, the D-Link kit reviewed includes my ordered DSS-5+ switch, plus 2 NIC cards with the recommended Realtek chip! (click the link above) Should I sell the standalone switch, and get that kit instead? (thereby saving money) I wouldn't want to sacrifice quality. Any suggestions?
--leoV

 

[Soccerman]

"I have been warned by a network Guru not to install any Nics that are based on anything but a Realtek 8139 chip."

it sounds like this guy knew something. ask him why!

I don't know the answer, so I'm giving you a friendly bump!

 

[SickBeast]

i have 2 realtek cards that have both given me problems -- whenever there is a power failure i have to reinstall the drivers...such a pain in the ass. i'd go with something else if i were you.

 

[MooCow]

I'm not sure I'm much help, but I've used many (10?) realtek cards and they seem to run just fine, I'd say keep what ya got and just add realteks as you get more. If you have any troubles replace them all with realtek.

I guess that the very least I'm giving this a bump, good luck

 

[Leo V]

Soccerman,
I've just emailed the man (who'll have to ask his Guru friend ). Thanks for the bump!

I'm still waiting for opinions on DLink/other nics!

 

[Leo V]

WHOA! 3 simultaneous posts at 11:00. Better start reading...

 

[Leo V]

These are pretty contrasting experiences between SickBeast and MooCow. I currently have two 3COM nics (one is 10/100 with wakeup, the other a generic 10 I got for free).

My greatest concern is understanding what magical things could make one nic better than another. The Realtek endorsement sounded like I'd be seriously missing something with another part...go figure!

 

[Leo V]

My alternative: for $20 extra, I could get a pair of 3COM Fast EtherLink 10/100 instead. (This computer has one right now).

Anyone know which is better?

 

[Wizkid]

I have 4 of those DLink 530TX+ Realtek 8139 NICs and they all work perfect. OS ranges from win9x, NT4, win2k and never a problem. The cards are great. I am using them with D-Link DSS-8+ and Linksys 10/100 Switches.

Forgot: I also have other cards plugged into the Dlink switch (Linksys 10/100) and they work fine too.

 

[Soccerman]

heh.. Leo, how did you wire your house?

BTW, guys, he is (probably) wanting Linux support..

 

[urbantechie]

Realtek is just the cheapie "SOHO" brand. I personnally don't like D-Link, Linksys, etc. I only use 3com and Intel. Just my .02 cents.

 

[Leo V]

Wait a second! These DLink nics are $10 online, perhaps I was being too cheap.

I should probably rephrase my question: am I missing anything with 3COM Fast EtherLink XL? I have one right now, and don't mind adding another 2 if they're top quality. (I believe they do have Linux support.)

Soccerman thanks for asking, I haven't yet--I temporarily moved my workstation downstairs. I'll have to in a couple weeks, though.

 

[urbantechie]

Urban hears a chant.......










INTEL INTEL INTEL INTEL INTEL INTEL INTEL INTEL INTEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rahvin]

There is very little difference in network cards in my experience. I've heard Linksys are the devil incarnate as far as drivers go though....

 

[Leo V]

I'll avoid LinkSys. But isn't quality still a relevant factor? There has to be *some* difference between a $10 DLink 10/100 nic and a $35 3COM 10/100 nic.

 

[Ryu]

Click here

try that link for intels nics 2 for 50 bucks and they have support for encryption.

i've used dlinks, linksys, and now intel. intel has the best support from all 3. the dlink was great until i upgraded to a tyan 1854 board and then it would cause my computer to stall. i removed it and installed the linksys and now it works great.

ok never mind they killed the deal, wierd i just checked it like 2 days ago.

 

[Leo V]

Ryu, I think the link doesn't point quite correctly.

Edit: Arg! It's fortunate that I'm not in a rush (now that I'm definitely keeping the switch instead of getting the kit). I'll look around for good deals. I'll also inform you guys when that webmaster replies to me.

 

[urbantechie]

Is everyone not supporting me execpt Ryu?


Intel Intel Intel!!!!!! Intel Intel Intel!!!!!! Intel Intel Intel!!!!!! Intel Intel Intel!!!!!! Intel Intel Intel!!!!!!

 

[SPAnDAU]

The realtek 8139 chip is an extremely good chip. I use tons of Allied Telesyn 10/100 cards with them and they are rock solid. The only other way to go with networking hardware is Intel. If ya got the $$, spend it on Intel

 

[dszd0g]

I personally use and like Netgear network cards. They are $15-20 and have better driver support than 3com. The only problems I've ever had with them is with the PCI bus overclocked past 43Mhz in which case I have had Windows have difficulty detecting them. I have also had problems with 3com cards overclocked a little past that. Other than in those extreme conditions the Netgear cards are wonderful and something I would highly recommend.

For those that have not heard of Netgear they are part of a little company called Bay Networks. (Sarcasm, Bay Networks is #2 in networking sales last I checked.) Netgear is their home/SOHO brand.

 

[HeeroYuy]

I use a Realtek 8029 NIC with my 3COM U.S. Robotics cable modem, and I have never had a problem out if it. Several people I know bought Realteks because they knew mine worked...
I had an Intel before the 8029, but it died.

 

[Electric Amish]

I've use many (15 or so) Ovislink 10/100 nics (Realtek 8139). I get them locally for $12. Haven't had any problems. I can't bring myself to recommend buying 3Com (that's what I use at work 'cuz the boss says so) that are $48. I can tell no difference. I have those realteks in all my pc's at home and all my friends have them.

amish

 

[BenSkywalker]

All my machines have RealTek 8139 10/100 NICs in them, and I have never had a single problem.

This may be a plus for you Leo, I'm running Mandrake 7.1 and the cards were completely configured for me when I first installed the OS, I only had to plug in my network settings. I expected that to be a major hassle, but it didn't require a single bit of effort on my part(I can almost assure you that you will have significantly more problems with your GF2 then with this card).

With all the horror stories I have heard about setting up NICs under Linux I was expecting troubles, at least with Mandrake Windows seems cryptic by comparison.

BTW- They cost me $10 each, though I would gladly play quite a bit more, particularly after setting up a few "higher quality" LinkSys LANs:|

 

[Leo V]

BenSkywalker, thanks for sharing your Linux experience.

I've just received a response from the webmaster who endorsed the Realtek8139. Here's what he says:

"The network guru I mentioned runs a Hosting company and also serves presentations from his server farm all over the the world. When I first set up a network here at OzarksWeb I inquired with him on what to get. He pointed me to a off brand Nic that rang up at $8.00 each. They were each outfited with the realtek 8139a chip. He told me that in his experience that a Nic based on that chip was the best out there.

"The important part for me is that I run these nicks in all of OzarksWebs Computers and have never had a problem installing or using them. Also there are drivers for most all( if not all) currently used operating systems for the realtek NICs."

After all the feedback, I'm starting to lean towards Realtek. If the extra cost of 3COM's and Intels truly makes no relevant difference, I might as well save (now) $50.

 

[Leo V]

I do have a doubt however: my 3COM EtherLink has several hardware-acceleration features I'm not sure I'll miss with Realtek:

* Parallel tasking (3COM's claimed way of optimizing traffic)
* Flow control 802.3x
* Hardware TCP/IP checksup--3COM claims this greatly cuts down on CPU usage