Using onboard NIA's (net intrfce adapter) vs PCI-E NIC's - is 1 better than another?

[tuprox]

Sorry for the odd title, but I was limited in characters.

Ok I'm curious to know if my on-board network interface adapter/port are as good as NI cards (PC, PCI-Express)? When talking about this don't take manufacturers into the picture, just the physical aspects or whatever it is that makes it interface with the system.

Also, I'm wondering if I should use an Intel Pro dual port gigabit card or the onboard Broadcom adapters. I'm using a gigabit switch (full duplex).

 

[imagoon]

Assuming same speeds, minimally in home use. When pushing the limit of say a 1gbps connection you might get 25-80mbps more from a PCI card from Intel / Broadcom.

 

[JackMDS]

In most cases there is No difference.

So check what you get from your Onboard.

PCIe - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833106033

PCI - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833106121

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P.S. the duals are special items that need additional peripherals and might be an expensive ordeal for regular use.

 

[alfa147x]

Also, I'm wondering if I should use an Intel Pro dual port gigabit card or the onboard Broadcom adapters. I'm using a gigabit switch (full duplex).

The only reason I bought one of those cards is to mess around with Link Aggregation.

Check out the pictures in this post: Link

Notice how the HP NC360T is the same card as the Intel? The HP cost me less than $30 on ebay.

Just a heads up Saving money is always a good thing.

 

[alfa147x]

In most cases there is No difference.

So check what you get from your Onboard.

PCIe - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833106033

PCI - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833106121

---------
P.S. the duals are special items that need additional peripherals and might be an expensive ordeal for regular use.

Wow both of those are $30! Might as well get the HP card.

Btw you won't be able to use both ports with a cheap $20 switch.
I'm running a HP ProCurve 1800-24G which sells for $150ish used. The 8 port version sells for $50.

 

[vailr]

Is the Intel Gigabit NIC worth 3x the price of this Realtek-based NIC?
http://www.microbarn.com/details.aspx?rid=102333

 

[Arcanedeath]

Is the Intel Gigabit NIC worth 3x the price of this Realtek-based NIC?
http://www.microbarn.com/details.aspx?rid=102333

Yes it is

 

[JackMDS]

Is the Intel Gigabit NIC worth 3x the price of this Realtek-based NIC?
http://www.microbarn.com/details.aspx?rid=102333

If you do have a Giga card on the Mobo, then it is a waste to buy an inexpensive card.

If the Mobo's card is only 100Mb/sec., the inexpensive card will provide decent Upgrade.

The Intel cards are good choice when there is special Bandwitdh demands on an elaborate Network.

 

[tuprox]

Thanks for all the replies! This is the card that I was talking about:
http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/network-adapters/gigabit-network-adapters/pro-1000-pt-dp.html

I found these for sale from $50-100 (used) and $150-200 new so I figured that they must be better than an onboard NIC... I guess that maybe they aren't.

I'm asking because these came in a lot of server that I purcahsed (dell 1950's) and was wondering why they had these in addition to the two onboard NIC's. I'd like to use one of these servers as a router/proxy running Linux and squid and was wondering which NIC's I should go with, the on board or one of these Intel cards..

Thanks for any help guys!

On a second note, I might use the onboard for the WAN/internet connection since I only have a 12Mbps connection and I'm sure the onboard will keep up with that. I'll use the 2 Intel's for two seperate internal networks or a DMZ..