On board ethernet controllers versus dedicated non gimmicky NIC cards

[ceemuk]

Any tangible benefits to using a gigabit NIC over your motherboards gigabit ethernet controller?

Note: I'm not talking about those overhyped gimmicky gaming NIC's - I'm talking about straight up NIC's from the likes of intel.

Cheers

 

[leezer3]

No, rot all difference.
Many integrated ones don't have support for VSphere, and if you're running silly length cabling (100m +) you may see a small difference in terms of packet loss, but nothing to be concerned about.

Highly unlikely to decrease your ping, and any quoted CPU figures are either within the margin of error (2% increase/ decrease can easily be a background service not the NIC) or plain rot.

The *only* time they're of any use to a general consumer is if you're having issues with the internal NIC.
Your milage may vary if you're using a server with a support contract, but otherwise don't bother.

-Leezer-

 

[paradigm]

In the old days you might have got a slight bit of reduced CPU usage, but in these days of 4-8 core machines with fast clock rates, you won't see any real tangible difference.

You might however see slightly better TCP/IP stack optimization or additional "advanced" features on the better Intel chipsets.

Nothing at all wrong with adding a PRO/1000 PT or similar, and at least (unlike the joke "killer" NICs) they don't cost a fortune.

On my machines at home though, I'd rather have the expansion slot in use for a discreet sound card, as at least there you can still notice a difference between dedicated and onboard.

 

[KIA]

Indeed, go Intel if you must have a dedicated NIC.

 

[Duke]

Indeed, go Intel if you must have a dedicated NIC.

Seconded

 

[Locky]

I think most Intel boards come with Intel OB NIC now anyway?

 

[Sin_Chase]

For a desktop for desktop usage..not really needed.

When you start building appliances, firewalls and routers....very much worth it.

 

[gavind]

The cost difference isn't really that huge. I would go with the gigabyte controller just to be ready for future requirements.

 

[413x]

No issues with on board here, would spend elsewhere

 

[anything I don't mind]

startech or tp-link make gigabit nic for real cheap and work fine. I bought some for my firewall but nothing wrong with onboard.

 

[nightmare99]

I think most Intel boards come with Intel OB NIC now anyway?

Most use Realtek or Atheros with only high end boards using Intel.

startech or tp-link make gigabit nic for real cheap and work fine. I bought some for my firewall but nothing wrong with onboard.

These generally use Realtek chips which is going to be the same or worse as what's onboard the motherboard already.