which company makes the best nic?

[imported_itr]

i've heard many people saying that intel makes the best nics b/c of their low cpu usage. i would like to get a cofirmation from other members on this.

 

[Arch Enemy]

I'm not sure if this is true, but I was talking to a guy at a local pc store here and we were talking about nics, and he was saying that intel nics run best only if you're using other intel nics, otherwise it slows the network down? this was a couple years ago, maybe it's changed since then, but I've used 3com, they seem to be pretty decent.

 

[Wizkid]

I've always used a combination of Intel and D-Link 10/100 NICs and always get good speed (10-11 MB/s).

However, wireless is a different story and I find Apple to be better than Intel. I'm not sure about gigabit at all...

 

[nweaver]

for hard wired, I use Intel. Great support in many OS's and just rock solid stable without issues. Had one die in 3 years in the test lab. Gone through several 3Com 3C905X's, and we don't bother with off brand, too much hassle.

For wireless, Atheros hands down. Best H/W, Best utility for configuration (windows). This is what is in the high doller Cisco CB21 cards. Intels are pretty decent, but the utility is hairy (and getting worse every rev) and they have strange roaming.

Worst: In my experience os realtek for wired, Broadcom for wireless (although I don't use any home user wireless cards, such as DLink or Linksys)

 

[n0cmonkey]

10/100 = Intel
1000 = SysKonnect chipsets (marvell uses them a bunch, I think)
wireless = ralink chipsets

Apple uses broadcom chipsets in their wireless stuff. Makes me want to vomit.

 

[JackMDS]

For professional systems Intel is currently the preferred choice.

Otherwise, the best is the "It Does Not Matter as long as it Inexpensive" brand.

:sun: