Old Intel PRO 100 vs new Realtek 100

[PeteRoy]

Someone I know left an old Intel PRO 100 NIC with sb82558b on the chipset

I already have Realtek 100 NIC in my computer.

Should I switch the Intel nic with the realtek nic even though it older?

Also, I heard Intel NIC don't use the CPU like Realtek cards do, so will I free my CPU if I use the Intel card?

Thank you.

 

[Cooky]

there's only one way to be sure:
pop in both NIC's, and perform a test to see which one's faster.

You need to look into the property of the NICs, and see if it's got the CPU offload option. If it does, yes, you can save some CPU cycles, but in a home networking setup, you won't see much difference.

 

[cmetz]

PeteRoy, the Intel NIC is a lot better.

 

[Cooky]

cmetz, what are the detail specs of Intel's sb82558b chipset?

 

[PeteRoy]

Yeah I couldn't find a lot of info on that sb82558b chipset.

On the chipset it writes Intel 1996, doesn't that mean it's very old?

The Realtek I got is very cheap NIC I bought few months ago.

 

[nweaver]

the intel is a far better NIC. I won't buy machines with Realtek's, I'd rather spend 20-30 more and get Intel's, but this is in the workplace.

 

[Cooky]

I was trying to make a point that even though Intel is considered a well known manufacturer who makes excellent equipment, Realtek also makes decent chipsets for many OEM manufacturers.

If the Intel NIC is very old, (OP states "1996" written on chip) it certainly doesn't perform as well as a brand new Realtek simply because circuit design has gone far better in the past 10 years.

Unless one knows the exact specs of the two chipsets, he has no evidence to say the Intel NIC is better than the Realtek.
I have no affiliation w/ Realtek, and if the 2 NICs are brand new, I'd choose the Intel too.

 

[JackMDS]

The Intel is a better card, but not in the sense that you would see any difference in performance on a client computer that is part of a small peer to peer Network.

As far as Realtek, or any other card (including Intel) newer does not necessarily mean newer functional technology.

Newer can also be, smaller, less costly to manfacturer, take less power, easier to make driver for, more suitable for esoteric functions etc.

In other words, from the perspective of the average user, newer it not automatically better functionality.

:sun:

 

[PeteRoy]

I made some tests and it hard to see difference but I think I get better pings with the new Realtek and worse pings with the old Intel.

 

[kevnich2]

Using pings, I don't think your going to see a bit of difference. In my work I don't use realtek's because IMO, their cheap and break easier and don't show the quality that intel seems to have.

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: PeteRoy
I made some tests and it hard to see difference but I think I get better pings with the new Realtek and worse pings with the old Intel.

You think? Are you sure? I mean, did you actually test it, like 5 domains, 5 times, write down the averages and do the same thing again? Then go back and forth 5 more times? That is probably the only way you come to that conclusion due to so many variables.

 

[nweaver]

I have had multiple problems with Realtek nics in the past...drivers, PXE booting, dos drivers for imaging, throughput, etc.

I have had no issues with my Intels. My work relies on PXE booting and imagins day in and day out. I have to have a known quantity...Intel is superior to Realtek in every aspect that matters to me (reliablity, usability, speed)

 

[JackMDS]

An I have No issue what so ever with few Onboard NICs that are based on RealTek chipset.

These computers are on various Peer to peer networks (3-6 computers) sharing Internet as well.

If I had a Heavy traffic corporate Network I probably would not use them, but for my specific use it ain't making any functional difference.

:sun: