Simple NIC questions...

[Kitros]

What makes a standard network card $10, $20, $30, etc.?

What are the technical differences between half/full height cards?

Are they like modems, etc. where they are classified as "hardware" or "software" NiCs?

Thanks.

 

[fastman]

I'll take a stab at these.



<< What makes a standard network card $10, $20, $30, etc.? >>



Name brand and features, I think that is what you are asking?



<< What are the technical differences between half/full height cards? >>



This usually comes into play in a server environment, where the actual height is a factor in how much rack space is needed, less cost less of course.

 

[GreenGecko]

I'll take a second stab at these for you.

1. Brand Name and Features definitely determine pricing.
Features include things such as 10 Mbit vs. 100 Mbit transfer, PCI vs. ISA bus, Ethernet vs. BNC vs. Wireless, etc.

2. Half and Full Height would seem to apply more to the server environment as has been stated.

3. I've never heard of a NIC being classified as Software, onyly Hardware.

Hope this helps.

 

[Kitros]

So in affect, thre is no real diff between a Linksys or Netgear $20-30 card than a "comparable" Linkskey or "3rd party" brand that costs $10?

 

[JackMDS]

In general, there is two-tier considerations to pricing.

1. Quality and manufacturing cost.
2. How to take people for a ride.

I reside in NYC. You can go into Bloomingdale's, and get a dress shirt for $90.
You can go to Stern's and get the same shirt for $40, or you can go to the Lower East Side, and get it for $22.

The same applies to computer parts.
It makes a big difference on how informed you are.

Last week Tom?s hardware compared three NICs.
I used Pricewatch.com to find the best price.

3Com 3CR990-TX-97 - $80
3Com 3C905C-TX $30
SMC 1211TX $13

Quote from: http://www6.tomshardware.com/network/01q3/010820/nic-11.html#conclusion

?Well, there is some difference between Network cards. The difference was not that great. Some cards did have better performance than others, but over all most of the cards performed within acceptable ranges. ?

If you read the rest, you can infer that if there a difference it will impact high volume cooperate Network, and not three computers sharing the Internet at home.

Another comparison you can find here:

Network Card Roundup - Which is the Best PCI Network Card?

I wonder how many people spend over $50 for a NIC, can not afford a Router, and share with ICS.

 

[rawko]

I think you mean length instead of height.

 

[Kitros]

No, I meant height...

Bravo JackMDS, thank you for the insight and quotes. In my 3 PC home environment, I shall go with the $15 Linksys. It's not like I

<< need >>

the extra 10kbps I get for spending $30 more. Thanks all.

 

[rawko]

Well, height is not going to matter a single bit in most if not all computers and servers. Length is going to be the problem in some.