Why Intel adapters? Most reasons is because drivers are 99% same as in their server cards (actually same controllers are used in many).
Many times you won't get much bare speed improvements, if any. But reliability, especially on constant hight loads, is considered better compared to Realtek.
Note that Intel do not provide some settings options in Windows 10 driver.
They are far from new controller model, but still considered among the best options.
One of the usage scenario can be separate direct link via patch cord to your fast NAS with footage.
If you can, get original INTEL EXPI9301CT (it has special Yottamark code and hologram on the back). It is lot of knockoffs. It is 82574L controller based.
OEM
Retail (differs in connector and transformer)
Price at aliexpress around $13 (proven new local is around $30-38)
Intel 82575 double port controllers
It is not only two ports, but also "Four optimized Transmit (Tx) and Receive (Rx) queues per port" and few other improvements.
If you have not lot of ports or want to connect two NAS with keep direct connection.
Price is around $25 shipped (it is not original Intel card, only Intel controller).
Good thing for them is support of Auto-MDI(X), meaning that you can use any 5e-6 category patch to connect directly computers. Lot of 1000Base-T adapter support it also, but some actually don't. It is part of standard, but optional part :-)
More modern Intel controller i211-AT card (used in top of the line MB's also)
It is around $20, and has much simpler board design (as chip is made for MB's).
It is almost full analog of 82574L made on smaller process with some simplifications.
Best controller for consumer 1Gbit now is i210-AT, with main difference being "Four optimized Transmit (Tx) and Receive (Rx) queues per port", 82575 also has same feature if you need it.
Also look for HP rebrands (especially used and ebay)
Fun issue with RDP
Intel® PROSet for Device Manager tabs are not visible through Terminal Services. The tabs are visible when a user logs on locally to the server.
Need to change the default user account from interactive user to a user with administrative rights.
Windows XP and Windows 2003 Server:
- On the target system, click the Start menu and click Run.
- Type dcomcnfg in the text field and click OK. The Component Services Console Root window opens.
- In the left pane, double-click Component Services > Computers > My Computer > DCOM Config.
- In either pane, right-click NCS2Prov and select Properties. The DCOM configuration properties window opens.
- In the NCS2Prov Properties window, click the Identify tab. Change the user account to the launching user.
- Click OK to exit the NCS2Prov Properties window. Close the Component Services window.
Result must look ala
Intel at its best, WMI, MSI, DCOM, etc to allow you to change few registry keys.
Now we move into 4 port versions on 82580
Cost of each adapter is $36-40 shipped.
Of course it does not make huge sense if your devices are close (up to 3-5m), in this case go for https://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/21364/making-10gbit-network-using-sfp-adapters-for-cheap#Item_1
For long lengths 10Gbit solution can become more expensive (as you need to go optical).
But if you are transferring lot of files and want to do it fast you can just make 4 patches, connect both devices directly using 4 cables (note - cheap routers won't do). And use teaming features available in Intel ProSet drivers and your OS.
Note - for single transfer speed usually is caped at single interface speed, but if you run them in parallel it be full 4Gbit/sec.
Simpler approach also works for Intel 82575 controller for 2 ports.
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