Intel NIC recommendation for new pfSense build

RickTosch

Hello,

I am looking to replace my consumer grade router with pfSense. I have an older (5 year old Intel DG33FB box) computer with an onboard Intel NIC. The plan is to add 2 NICs for a typical WAN/LAN scenario.

Everywhere I look, Intel NICs are recommended. However, I cannot find a comprehensive thread talking pros/cons about the very many different Intel NIC flavors (CT,ET,MT,PT and so on).
Of course, I understand that this is solely based on individual needs and budget.
My specific case is probably a common one: Home environment with 1GB traffic, with 10 or so computers (half of which are virtual). By no means it is a demanding environment.

Would anyone advise what flavor of Intel NICs I should be leaning towards?
I personally have an option to buy the following cards: Intel Gigabit CT 82574L: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ethernet-products/gigabit-server-adapters/gigabit-ct-desktop-adapter.html
I see many prefer the dual or even quad port NICs but I could happily live with 2 physical NICs I suppose unless there is an underlying difference between those (power consumption, better overall)

Thoughts?
Thank you,

whosmatt

Get a used server NIC. They're cheap, reliable, and besides using an extra watt or two over the brand new ones will be great for a home router. I have the https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=hp%20360t%20nic and love it. It uses the Intel 82571EB chipset with the em driver and is rock solid. You'll have to run it in the x16 slot on that board but it will work just fine.

RickTosch

Thanks, i'll look for these on ebay. It's a re-branded intel card?
Also, a friend of mine said he can give me 2x Intel Pro/1000 GT (82541PI). Is that any good?

Jailer

@RickTosch:

Thanks, i'll look for these on ebay. It's a re-branded intel card?
Also, a friend of mine said he can give me 2x Intel Pro/1000 GT (82541PI). Is that any good?

Yes that's a good card.

whosmatt

@RickTosch:

Thanks, i'll look for these on ebay. It's a re-branded intel card?
Also, a friend of mine said he can give me 2x Intel Pro/1000 GT (82541PI). Is that any good?

The HP card is made by HP with an Intel controller. Not exactly a rebranded card, but just as effective as its Intel-made counterparts. pfSense won't know the difference since all it sees is the controller.

From Googling, the Intel Pro/1000GT is a PCI card. In that case you'll probably want PCI-e cards. But I could be finding the wrong product.

Edit. Here's an Intel branded card with the same chipset as the HP: https://www.amazon.com/Intel-1000-Dual-Server-Adapter/dp/B000BMXME8/ref=pd_sim_147_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HKZZ6KWX602AW061TPSS It's about $5 more than the HP. Either one will work like a champ. I chose the HP because it was easy to find with a low profile bracket.

Tzvia

I've got two of the Intel PRO 1000 PCIE cards (from Amazon); one in a NAS4FREE NAS box I built and the other in my PFSense box. Cheap and reliable. If the motherboard you are using has a PCIE and a PCI slot available, get a PCIE card as PCI will limit the bandwidth and should be avoided like the plague if possible. Those HP cards with the Intel chip are also nice, I have the 4 port one in a server and it is a well made card for a low price. If you are trying to put something together without breaking the bank they are a good way to go.