Intel PWLA8492MT PRO/1000 MT PCI/PCI-X Dual Port Server Adapter

I picked up one of these for use in a VMware ESXi 4.1 virtual server and it works beautifully. It is a PCI-x (not to be confused with PCIe) card, but it will also function in a normal 32-bit PCI slot. There have been some reports of these cards only registering one network port in ESXi. However, this was not my experience. Upon install, the system recognizes both ports with no issues at all. This is a great way to add multiple network ports to a system or server with limited space. I would buy again in a heartbeat.

good NIC but didn't work with ESXI

I purchased one of these for use in a VMWare ESXi server; it has worked great. However, the server I purchased it for I couldn't use it in. The PCI-X section of the card is optional, of course; it will work in a regular PCI slot. However, the board I tried first to put it in had a chipset directly beyond the end of the PCI slot and so it couldn't fit. I even considered using a dremel tool to cut off that section of the card, but ultimately just put the card in a different server.Once in a server that the card fit in (still PCI only, also a VMWare ESXi 4.1 box) it has worked perfectly ever since.

I received this NIC today and was surprised to see that it was not in original packaging as indicated by the product picture. It also lacked a very vital component... the low profile bracket. I ordered this card to fit into a Micro-ITX case which requires the use of a low profile card. This is disappointing. The item description specifically states that it is low-profile compatible and includes the bracket. Amazon needs to add penalties for sellers who waste customers' time and money with items that are misrepresented. The system I'm building is for a time sensitive project and now there is an unnecessary delay because of this muck up.

One port was bad. Tried different machines, slots, operating systems. Returned and got a PCIe Intel dual.

This is a great cheap network card. The dual ports is a nice feature for virtualization of network devices or firewalls. This card allowed me to successfully install Vmware on a desktop build. It will allow the virtualization to be inline for firewalls or to bridge networks. 1000mbs is probably fast for most home / SMB use as you are likely limited by storage IO unless you heavily leverage caching or are using this to route traffic from many devices.

Very inexpensive, works in a low-profile case, and does what it says. No complaints here.I used this in an old HTPC low profile computer case to build a router/firewall computer using the Untangle software. I highly recommend Untangle for those diving into this venture. It is very polished and works well. I had used PcCop in the past and although it worked pretty well, the interface was nothing to Email home about.

The original NIC I ordered unbeknownest to both parties ended up being a 64Bit PCI/x card. It is for Rack mount 1U servers.Jim, who handled my account the whole time offered some suggestions. I ended up finding the NIC card that would fit my 32 bit slots, and also purchased a USB 3.0 upgrade PCIx1 card. They responded exceptionally quickly to emails and phone calls. They were lightning fast at getting my replacements to me when we figured out the SKU that would work for me.I just dropped off my RMA to them for the original card. From what I understand this company handles thousands of electronic parts.I don't hesistate in the least strongly recommending doing any purchases you can through Online Direct. Thanks again Jim, and I hope you and yours and your colleagues have a wonderful set of holidays if you so celebrate them. gk