Looking for a inexpensive PCI-E dual port NIC
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Ive found a old PC noone is currently using so I am going to turn it into a native (nonvirtual) pfSense box.
i5, 4GB….good and OK for our needs.
It just has one port integrated NIC so I might as well give it a dual NIC.
So what recommendations are there for a inexpensive PCI-E dual port NIC?
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I do also have the possibilty to buy two single port PCI-E NIC and use that if it comes out cheaper.
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You can usually find dual port intel nics on ebay for 20-40$
Even though it's used, it seems like a better option then buying a new cheap brand dual port that most likely has a realtek controller. -
there are fake intel nics going around … better be careful
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They are easy to spot. It would be missing the yottamark and or the dimensions don't match the intel spec sheet.
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If you are able to buy Intel Server NICs it would be the best option to with pfSense.
- Intel Dual Port PT, Quad Port EM NICs would be the best choice in my eyes to have good supported adapters.
- Intel I210-T1, I350 or I354-AM adapters would be the second good choice as I see it right.
- Intel GT desktop adapters would be the third choice to get supported Intel Adapters.
Beware of buying on Realtek chips based adapters this would not really matching your goals.
To be realistic, there are often and also many faked Intel adapters on the market for sure, but
to get a new one you have to pay many money! -
@BlueKobold:
If you are able to buy Intel Server NICs it would be the best option to with pfSense.
- Intel Dual Port PT, Quad Port EM NICs would be the best choice in my eyes to have good supported adapters.
- Intel I210-T1, I350 or I354-AM adapters would be the second good choice as I see it right.
- Intel GT desktop adapters would be the third choice to get supported Intel Adapters.
Beware of buying on Realtek chips based adapters this would not really matching your goals.
To be realistic, there are often and also many faked Intel adapters on the market for sure, but
to get a new one you have to pay many money!Amazon has PRO/1000 PT for 74€. Seems too good to be true, dont you think?
I210-T1 = 77,26 €Could you post some model numbers to make it easier to search? The desktop adapters I cant find a dual port.
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Amazon has PRO/1000 PT for 74€. Seems too good to be true, dont you think?
Hmm, can be a good deal but on the other side also a fake. there fore a link would be good.
I210-T1 = 77,26 €
Likes here in Germany 77 € @alternate.de
Could you post some model numbers to make it easier to search?
At first I will starting in your position searching the hardware database from the pfSense website
and then the forum here what you can find out on supported adapters and then for sure you could
be doing research at the Internet where to get them cheap.The desktop adapters I cant find a dual port.
For sure there none as I see it right. Only single port adapters.
But two single port adapters (GT) would do the job also, as I
see it right we talk about a home setup. -
How to tell easily if certain Intel nics are fake or not? From the product photos?
And actually how are they "fake"? Are they realteks with intel logos painten on, or what? -
How to tell easily if certain Intel nics are fake or not?
No one was telling around that this would be an easy job!
From the product photos?
Never they will be also perhaps fakes or original photos will be used
to cheat the customers, for sure, but without a hyperlink you will also
never find out if this deal is tricky or a "good shot".And actually how are they "fake"?
Buying cheap thing from the asian continent and solder them together
brand them as a Intel NIC and sell them as used very, very,very cheap!
Would be one way to do soAre they realteks with intel logos painten on, or what?
From this age and state of the art the most forgers are long away from
as I see it right. Sometimes here in the forum someone was complaining
about his "brand new" and very cheap card from china or else where in
Asia. (Also Dual port and Quad Port NICs) -
@BlueKobold:
Hmm, can be a good deal but on the other side also a fake. there fore a link would be good.
http://www.amazon.es/dp/B000BMZHX2/ref=asc_df_B000BMZHX227571101/?tag=googshopes-21&creative=24514&creativeASIN=B000BMZHX2&linkCode=df0
Thats the link
@BlueKobold:
Likes here in Germany 77 @alternate.de
https://www.alternate.es/html/product/1152944
But it is a single port
At first I will starting in your position searching the hardware database from the pfSense website
and then the forum here what you can find out on supported adapters and then for sure you could
be doing research at the Internet where to get them cheap.Ive searched the website for compatible ones. I just want to know a cheap one.
The desktop adapters I cant find a dual port.
For sure there none as I see it right. Only single port adapters.
But two single port adapters (GT) would do the job also, as I
see it right we talk about a home setup.What do you mean by a "home setup"? I wanna make sure about that as this will be used in testing enviorment in a 15 person SOHO and I dont want to have it limited either.
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PCBuyIT Limited Call or mail him and ask for this adapter then you get something in your hands (written)
that you are able to resend the article. If it is a so called china fake. But if not the card looks good and the specs
sound also right.But it is a single port
My fault sorry.
Intel NIC I210-T1 - single port
Intel NIC I350-T2 - dual port
Intel NIC I350-T4 - quad portIve searched the website for compatible ones. I just want to know a cheap one.
For sure I know that, but only a cheap one that is not running smooth and is not really supported
would lead you also in a trap, or am I wrong with this?What do you mean by a "home setup"?
Only for you at home, private I meant.
I wanna make sure about that as this will be used in testing enviorment
In a test environment it would not make really something if this card is not running so
proper as expected.in a 15 person SOHO
Then it must be running liquid and I would mail the seller first what kind of an adapter he is
selling and why this would be so cheap. Only my opinion. -
Buying off of Amazon or Ebay is a good bet for the lowest prices, and they have customer product guarantees. You can receive the item, and if it's counterfeit you'll receive a full refund. I've had this happen 2 or 3 times and never ran into an issue getting my money back. Also, if you pay with a credit card anywhere else online, you can make a counterfeit items claim and get your money back. I had this happen and VISA reimbursed me for a bulk pack of SLC flash drives I ordered that claimed to be Intel, but were a chinese knock-off with a 2MB/sec read/write rate. (yea.. steer clear of Ali-express and Alibaba lol)
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A quick Google search of these PCBuyIT Limited guys show pretty legit results. Might as well buy from Amazon from them, right?
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Got mine from Ebay, it was branded Dell or HP.
No issues at all, just buy from a seller with good rep.Cheers.
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Make sure that the nic you buy is compatible with the expansion slot. Generally, a dual port PCIe nic will require PCIe x4 slot.
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Got mine from Ebay, it was branded Dell or HP.
No issues at all, just buy from a seller with good rep.Cheers.
Yeah, Im seeing on eBay the same card even cheaper.
Ill problably go down that route as Amazon might be charging a higher Price for a used card.
