Multi-socket NIC cards. Why do they exist and do I need one?

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SepticLemon

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Oct 12, 2010
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Can someone tell me why there are NICs with multiple sockets on them like this?

http://www.ebuyer.com/612400-startech-com-dual-port-pci-express-pcie-x4-gigabit-ethernet-server-adapter-network-st2000spexi

Plus what's with the jump in price for them?

Is this just a network switch in a card, or is it a means to have 100% bandwidth across all sockets without any loss/low loss?

I'm asking this because I'm thinking of making my own home server, I've seen people use these before and I'm wondering if having a multiple socket LAN NIC is worth it, or if I can get away with a single socket NIC and a switch.
 
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McHenryB

McHenryB

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One reason would be if you want to connect to two networks.

Unless you have a specific use, don't bother. Servers often have dual NICs to provide redundancy but you seem to me to be losing that advantage if both are on the same expansion card.
 
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SepticLemon

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Well I've been wanting to build an all-in-one home server that will provide me with a firewall, web cache, and a NAS in one machine. Plus this November I'll be getting myself a Steam Link streaming micro console.

What I could use the Intel i350 NIC for is to put my Gaming PC on one socket, and the Steam Link on the other. Whilst the rest of the network will be tethered to a gigabit switch that's connected back to the server through a separate Intel i210 NIC.

Here's what I had in mind... https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1sGNaZdRxueVXRLUUpmQlF2VkE/view?usp=sharing

You see, I've tried out Steam Streaming before, but receiving the stream on an old Acer Aspire ONE netbook. The result wasn't pretty, even on ethernet. I have a feeling that was to do with the fact that the AA ONE isn't really made for encoding video very well. To avoid disappointment, I was thinking of using something like an Intel i350 NIC to give my gaming PC and the Steam a really clean and interruption free connection, so that if anyone else was on the network, be it friends and/or family, they would cause any lag and delay between the PC and the Steam. Personally, I think I've been over-thinking this and made an over-over kill set up that will cost way more than necessary. I've heard of Netgear switches that provide connection priority options.

The real issue is that I don't want to disappoint myself in November just because of some bull such as my router not up to the job, or even if my gaming PC is even up to challenge, seeing as it's 5 years old now running an i3 530 which I've been meaning to change for the longest time ever.

What do you think?
 
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SepticLemon

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Actually, I just had a thought...

Wouldn't it just be cheaper for the Gaming PC to have two NICs that are bridged.

Therefore, the Steam Link has direct connection to the gaming PC through a crossover cable, but is still bridged back to the home server for internet access to log into Steam.

I think I just answered my own question, heh!
 
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