Newbie: how good are these fake Intel nics?
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This http://www.ebay.it/itm/Winyao-WYI350T-PCIe-dual-port-Gigabit-Ethernet-PRO1000-network-Card-intel-I350T2/132009714315?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649 is a Winyao clone of the I350T2. Why the original has a pci e x4 and the Winyao one has a pci e x1? ;D
x4 is single data lane, enough for 2x 1Gbps ports.
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x4 is single data lane, enough for 2x 1Gbps ports.
These cards are all PCIe v2.0+, x1 is enough for quad port full duplex gigabit.
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Yeah, I wasn't sure if the cards are PCIe 2.0 or 1.0, but either way good.
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Yes, my question was more about the different pci connector from the Intel one. I thought that they were mere "clones"
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Now I have to choose from this two options:
http://www.ebay.it/itm/Intel-82576EB-Dual-RJ45-Port-E1G42ET-PCI-E-X1-Gigabit-Server-Adapter-ROS-VMare/272346169212?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649http://www.ebay.it/itm/Winyao-WYI350T-PCIe-dual-port-Gigabit-Ethernet-PRO1000-network-Card-intel-I350T2/132009714315?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649
The first one, is $19.95 + $25 fast shipping ($44 total) no brand, the second one is $45 with 20/25 days shipping, but it's a Winyao, which seems to be a good brand from what I read here -
I haven't looked recently but usually you can find a server pull i340-t4 with fast shipping in the $45-50 range.
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The x1 connector is actually a nice feature over the intel part. In the server market it really doesn't matter (I don't recall seeing any real servers with x1 connectors, they're generally at least x4 if not x8.) But in the small form factor space, there are a lot of boards with only x1 pcie which it's been a pain to get a dual port intel card into.
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For home use, just trim the card to x1.
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Not BS, part of the spec, it's even silk screened on the pins where to cut. Some people just aren't much for physical alteration, which is fine. But for those who are it is a useful option. i.e., instead of buying off brand dual port just because it fits, buy quality quad port and modify within spec for fit.
But again, only worth while for someone capable and comfortable with physical alteration, no matter how simple it may be.
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My mobo has only one x16 slot, but for now it's free, I could just use it for a x4 card, right?
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The 'unbranded' cards work fine here. I have some OEM, some server pull and a few 'unbranded' (fake? white label with no label? different market segment? insolvency sale parts?), and they pretty much all work equally well.
Most of the times when you have a 'fake' card, it just won't work well no matter what you do. It's not like they work in the beginning but fail a day later.
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@johnkeates:
The 'unbranded' cards work fine here. I have some OEM, some server pull and a few 'unbranded' (fake? white label with no label? different market segment? insolvency sale parts?), and they pretty much all work equally well.
Most of the times when you have a 'fake' card, it just won't work well no matter what you do. It's not like they work in the beginning but fail a day later.
Does your unbranded card pretend to be a Intel one?
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@johnkeates:
The 'unbranded' cards work fine here. I have some OEM, some server pull and a few 'unbranded' (fake? white label with no label? different market segment? insolvency sale parts?), and they pretty much all work equally well.
Most of the times when you have a 'fake' card, it just won't work well no matter what you do. It's not like they work in the beginning but fail a day later.
Does your unbranded card pretend to be a Intel one?
Basically they are all Intel cards. The only ones that don't report as Intel are some of the OEM cards that have a different name/PCI ID string for the vendor.
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My mobo has only one x16 slot, but for now it's free, I could just use it for a x4 card, right?
Yep.
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The x1 connector is actually a nice feature over the intel part. In the server market it really doesn't matter (I don't recall seeing any real servers with x1 connectors, they're generally at least x4 if not x8.) But in the small form factor space, there are a lot of boards with only x1 pcie which it's been a pain to get a dual port intel card into.
Use a PCI-E x1 to x4/x8/16 riser.
You're welcome.
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I bought yesterday the one on the first post. When it'll arrive I'll try to make a little review
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Here I am. The "fake" nic is arrived and is now running rock solid into my system. It's recognized by both bios and pfsense as an Intel one. Definitely worth the money
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Hi,
@johnkeates:
Basically they are all Intel cards. The only ones that don't report as Intel are some of the OEM cards that have a different name/PCI ID string for the vendor.
The main chip most likely is, apparently Intel sells those to third parties…
As for the rest of the card a lot of people say that the cheaper ones use lower quality components...
On a real Intel card you will usually have clearly visible Delta chips as well with the logo engraved and not printed (printed are fake and intended to deceive), not MR-MACOM chips of more dubious quality...
On a real Intel card (or real OEM (HP, IBM, etc...) card) even the crystal will be branded while you will barely find any markings except from the clock speed on a cheaper card.
Apparently Winyao cards are not bad but it would not be my first choice, I would either go with a real Intel card (but that means $$$) if it is for a business or a server pull (real Intel or real HP, IBM OEM version, etc..) for home...
Good luck and have a nice day!
Nick
