Network cards?

[eqmassa]

I?ve decided on the hardware for my new gaming rig (Barton 2500, Abit NF7-S, 9800np, WD SE 800JB, etc.), but have yet to pick a network card. My only experience with them is that, on this computer, I used to be on dial-up and was without a card until I got on SBC Global DSL. They just sent me an installation package and I installed the included Ethernet card and software, plugged up the modem, and was ready to go. SBC Global has been alright so far, but then again, this computer is awful so I?m sure I?ll get better performance on my new one.

I?m also sort of at an impasse for a few reasons. I?m moving out in a month and will then need my own ISP, but am currently living with my family who will still be using this PC. I?m not going to buy a router and only use it for a month. Do you guys think it would raise any issues if I just ripped the card I have out of this one, installed it in my new one along with the drivers, subscribed to the internet, and then uninstalled it all when I move? Or is it a better idea to cough up a few bucks for a good Linksys (or something) card so I can just have it sitting there idly? Will this give me performance gains? I do a lot of online gaming and something tells me SBC includes sub-excellent Ethernet cards.

By the way, if you think I should reconsider DSL providers, or go for cable or something (I?m not paying more than $30 per month for a connection), feel free to suggest away J

 

[kalster]

sbc includes a dlink ethernet card which is pretty good

most ethernet cards perform the same, unlesss u have a bad card (which most likely aint the case) u wont get ne perfomance improvement IMO

u can use ne card, all are cheap (~10 bucks)

as far as isp, i have sbc global too and its pretty dgoodi get downloads upto 150-160 kbytes/sec

dont know wat u get

 

[ethebubbeth]

yeah i personally love dlink cards. they tend to be compatible with just about everything out there and run well. i'd just reccomend you stay the heck away from netgear.

 

[Paulson]

d-link or linksys for me.. of course I have a 3com in my main rig

 

[Confused]

Your NF7-S will have onboard LAN, just use that.


Confused

 

[thorin]

Originally posted by: Confused
Your NF7-S will have onboard LAN, just use that.

Ya that's definately the cheapest and easiest choice, why pay for something and then not use it?

Thorin

 

[eqmassa]

Well, I didn't see a note of onboard LAN on Abit's page about the NF7-S. Even if it has onboard LAN though, won't I still need an Ethernet card?

By the way, sorry about the cross post. I couldn't decide where to post this and was kind of frustrated at the time. Won't happen again.

 

[nick1985]

why would you need an ethernet card if you have onboard lan?

 

[StraightPipe]

onboard LAN = Ethernet

no card required.

if you want 2 comps on at the same time, get a router (linkys has great support). one possiblity if you want to save money: avoid router and put 2 ethernet cards (1+onboard) in one PC. connect one to internet, and other to the 2nd PC, it not as good as a router, but you can get a (network interface card =NIC=ethernet adapter=LAN card) for about $7.

there really isnt a difference between in cheap NIC's. they all are built from the same specs. some companys do offer better support, but I've never heard of anyone needing support for a NIC. routers are a diferent story