Yet another question....

Voodoo · 13-January-06, 08:49 AM

In my quest to get the money together to buy the right parts to build my first PC, I have thrown a few questions out here to give all of you PC Guru's a chance to flex that muscle on top of you necks

. Well, here's another one.

I know that most MOBO's have a network connection built into it. Is it better to get a dedicated network card (ie; a PCI add-on) or just go with what the MOBO's momma gave it?

Forgive me if my vocabulary is incorrect, I will gladly accept any corrections if I'm off the mark in any way....that is how I learn (just like when I was little, and my Mom told me not to touch the stove....well after getting a burn on my finger, I learned it was hot!)

Thanks in advance!

Wordbiker · 13-January-06, 09:42 AM

A lot of mobos today even have two NICs. Unless you have need for something other than the onboard (Gigabit if it doesn't have it, WiFi, etc.), save the PCI slot and your money. You can always add one later if the need arises...and sometimes it does as onboard NICs do have a tendency to fail.

Voodoo · 13-January-06, 11:00 AM

Is there a difference in performance? Or are most of these connections built pretty much the same?

Wordbiker · 13-January-06, 11:07 AM

Sure, you may see some differences in performance, but that can go either way for an onboard NIC versus a PCI NIC. I don't have time to get into a treatise regarding the relative performance of NIC chipsets, but that'd be a waste in any case. As long as the NIC is functional, it has far more to do with your connection settings, how you are routing your network, etc. If you have specific needs, get the cards specific to that task. If all you're looking at is getting an internet connection, onboard NICs are fine, and many are better than what you can buy aftermarket.

Voodoo · 13-January-06, 11:19 AM

Thanks for the help, guess I'll save myself some time and money.

Cpt.Planet · 13-January-06, 11:24 AM

I dont think you will really see a difference in performance really. Some argue that onboard has a more direct connection. Honestly all in all your never really gonnna get 100mbps or 1000mbps in the real world. If your doing large large file transfers over the lan constantly it might be a good idea to get a gig nic if your mobo doesnt have one.

13-January-06, 08:49 AM		#1 (permalink)
Voodoo Apex Techie Wannabe	Yet another question.... In my quest to get the money together to buy the right parts to build my first PC, I have thrown a few questions out here to give all of you PC Guru's a chance to flex that muscle on top of you necks . Well, here's another one. I know that most MOBO's have a network connection built into it. Is it better to get a dedicated network card (ie; a PCI add-on) or just go with what the MOBO's momma gave it? Forgive me if my vocabulary is incorrect, I will gladly accept any corrections if I'm off the mark in any way....that is how I learn (just like when I was little, and my Mom told me not to touch the stove....well after getting a burn on my finger, I learned it was hot!) Thanks in advance!

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13-January-06, 09:42 AM		#2 (permalink)
Wordbiker Apex Tech God	A lot of mobos today even have two NICs. Unless you have need for something other than the onboard (Gigabit if it doesn't have it, WiFi, etc.), save the PCI slot and your money. You can always add one later if the need arises...and sometimes it does as onboard NICs do have a tendency to fail.

13-January-06, 11:00 AM		#3 (permalink)
Voodoo Apex Techie Wannabe	Is there a difference in performance? Or are most of these connections built pretty much the same?

13-January-06, 11:07 AM		#4 (permalink)
Wordbiker Apex Tech God	Sure, you may see some differences in performance, but that can go either way for an onboard NIC versus a PCI NIC. I don't have time to get into a treatise regarding the relative performance of NIC chipsets, but that'd be a waste in any case. As long as the NIC is functional, it has far more to do with your connection settings, how you are routing your network, etc. If you have specific needs, get the cards specific to that task. If all you're looking at is getting an internet connection, onboard NICs are fine, and many are better than what you can buy aftermarket.

13-January-06, 11:19 AM		#5 (permalink)
Voodoo Apex Techie Wannabe	Thanks for the help, guess I'll save myself some time and money.

13-January-06, 11:24 AM		#6 (permalink)
Cpt.Planet That's Mr. Freeze to you!	I dont think you will really see a difference in performance really. Some argue that onboard has a more direct connection. Honestly all in all your never really gonnna get 100mbps or 1000mbps in the real world. If your doing large large file transfers over the lan constantly it might be a good idea to get a gig nic if your mobo doesnt have one.