Spec me a non-Intel PCI-X dual-port copper gigabit server NIC

growse · 4 Mar 2009 at 10:59

Well, I'm being driven up the wall by a bug in the Intel 82546EB NIC which means that under both linux *and* freebsd I get watchdog Tx Unit Hang errors under heavy network loads. I think it's a bug in the EEPROM of the card, but can't be arsed wasting time figuring out what's broken. The bug tracker on the e1000 driver project is amusingly full of people with similar issues (http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?group_id=42302&atid=447449).

Therefore, I've decided to bin it and get another NIC. So here's what I need:

PCI (not PCIe)
Dual Port Copper gigabit
Good Linux support
802.11ad LACP bonding support

I know Marvell and Adaptec are manufacturers in this space, but is there anyone else I should be looking at?

wij · 4 Mar 2009 at 11:04

3com/HP perhaps?

A quick search around fleabay would probably turn up something.

growse · 4 Mar 2009 at 11:33

Ah, 3com. Forgotten about them. I suppose they'll all do the same, although I thought HP were rebranded Intels?

I suppose is there anything to avoid because it's horrible?

Skidilliplop · 4 Mar 2009 at 11:36

Most PCI-E Server Cards would fit the bill fine... Needing PCI-X narrows the field somewhat. Though you should be able to find some HP Proliant Expansion cards kncoking about somewhere.

Found this with a quick google shopping search.

Part Number: ST-PWLA8492MT

Intel PRO/1000 MT Dual Port Server Adaptor

There are loads more but you're looking at about £150. For a mainstream one, which you will need for linux driver support.

Edit, just looked and that uses the 82546EB processor lol

growse · 4 Mar 2009 at 12:01

Yes, I'm rather annoyed at Intel really. Having used them in windows boxes fine for ages, I'm rather annoyed that this one doesn't work properly. Got to PCI / PCI-X as no PCI-e slots in the box I want to put it in.

3com seem to have discontinued their gigabit nic range.

Skidilliplop · 4 Mar 2009 at 12:10

HP NC370T PCI-X Multifunction 1000T Gigabit Server Adaptor (Intel and AMD Support)

^^ Has a broadcom processor not and intel one. Seems if you go for separate NICs there is more choice.
Are you short of PCI slots? LACP works across network cards so you don't need a dual card unless you're limited by slot space.

growse · 4 Mar 2009 at 14:12

Skidilliplop said:
HP NC370T PCI-X Multifunction 1000T Gigabit Server Adaptor (Intel and AMD Support)

^^ Has a broadcom processor not and intel one. Seems if you go for separate NICs there is more choice.
Are you short of PCI slots? LACP works across network cards so you don't need a dual card unless you're limited by slot space.

Only the one PCI slot here. Hence a dual-port one is needed.

bigredshark · 4 Mar 2009 at 15:55

Skidilliplop said:
HP NC370T PCI-X Multifunction 1000T Gigabit Server Adaptor (Intel and AMD Support)

^^ Has a broadcom processor not and intel one. Seems if you go for separate NICs there is more choice.
Are you short of PCI slots? LACP works across network cards so you don't need a dual card unless you're limited by slot space.

NC370 is a good card. That said, I've never had any problems with the intel chipset HP NICs at all, under any flavor of Linux doing fairly advanced stuff...the quad port intel ones are particularly good...

growse · 4 Mar 2009 at 17:33

bigredshark said:
NC370 is a good card. That said, I've never had any problems with the intel chipset HP NICs at all, under any flavor of Linux doing fairly advanced stuff...the quad port intel ones are particularly good...

I'll throw £20 at a NC7170 I found and see if it makes any difference. Same chipset, but might not be a problem.