Which PCI-E Gigabit NIC should i choose for FreeBSD 9.1 server?

U

urello

Hi there,

We're going to upgrade our internet connection 100 M > 1 G. Our localnet is about 50 workstations with a FreeBSD 9.1 server on a Core2Duo E8400 as a router and now I'm searching for a suitable Gigabit NIC. Will I feel the difference between a $10 D-link/Tplink and a $30 Intel? Is it worth to pay more for Intel? Do all NICs work good with the generic kernel?
 
urello said:
Will I feel the difference bewtween 10$ D-link/Tplink and $30 Intel?
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Probably not but the server will ;)

The Intel cards are capabable to "off-load" things like checksums, freeing the processor of those duties.

Do all NICs work good with the generic kernel?
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Those that are supported, yes. Although some incarnations of various Realtek chipsets may prove to be difficult.
 
I'd go for Intel any time. They write their own drivers for FreeBSD, and I've had at least a decade of trouble-free operation out of them, from copper to fiber.
 
Could anyone also explain difference between Intel EXPI9301CT and EXPI9301CTBLK NICs? They are almost equal in price and i couldn't find any differences in Google.
 
I guess you can compare the reviews at e.g. NewEgg. I see no real technical differences in specifications, so it's likely in the tiny details, like offloading capabilities. You'd have to download and compare product sheets (usually PDFs). I usually buy the Intel PRO/1000 range myself, but they're a bit more expensive.
 
BLK might refer to "bulk". That just means you don't get a fancy box around the card.
 
@SirDice is exactly right. The bulk cards do not include a CD with drivers or even a box (as I recall).
 
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I tend to buy "bulk" cards anyway. The CDs I have never used and the box I throw away. You get enough packaging material to throw away when you build a new system. Last time I built a new server I had 2 garbage bags full of empty boxes, packing material and whatnot.
 
Thank you guys for your answers. Certainly I will buy "bulk" version just to avoid unnecessary garbage and make my planet a bit cleaner :)
 
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