Third party NIC questions.

[CZory91]

Hi, I'm wanting to get a non-onboard NIC for my computer. Mostly just because, even though it's only a slight increase in performance. I want the pure stability and drivers from a standalone piece of hardware along with the minor increase in speed. I'm wondering how long they will last in terms of performance. In other words, a NIC from 5 years ago is as good or better than onboard NICs today on mainstream boards, correct?

What is the difference between these two adapters, and is there something better I can get for the money than these two?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833106036
vs
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833106123

 

[ch33zw1z]

The main difference between the two is that EXPI9301CT is PCI-Express, and the PWLA8391GT is PCI

https://www.google.com/search?q=pci...rgsATW8oKgAQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1482&bih=875

Open the side of your computer and see what's available.

It's also good to note which OS the adapter will be installed in. For the most part, onboard network adapters are more than sufficient for home use.

What is your current motherboard and onboard LAN setup?

 

[CZory91]

I'm aware that what I'm using is "fine" for my uses. I have an AsRock Extreme4 Z77. What is better in terms of bandwidth I suppose, would be the difference?

 

[ch33zw1z]

From ASRock's website:

- PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s
- Broadcom BCM57781
- Supports Wake-On-LAN
- Supports Energy Efficient Ethernet 802.3az
- Supports PXE

That's your onboard LAN. Have you tried any throughput testing by transferring large file or using iperf?

IMO, unless your're having problems with it, then you're throwing money away.

 

[OlafSicky]

I suggest you read this http://www.buildegg.com/bewp/?p=78