On Thu, Feb 24, 2005 at 08:57:33AM -0600, Jon Noack wrote: > From src/sys/pci/if_rl.c: > "The RealTek 8139 PCI NIC redefines the meaning of 'low end.' This is > probably the worst PCI ethernet controller ever made, with the possible > exception of the FEAST chip made by SMC. The 8139 supports bus-master > DMA, but it has a terrible interface that nullifies any performance > gains that bus-master DMA usually offers. > ..." > > I would bet that (in)famous comment coupled with everyone recommending > fxp or em adapters[1] causes most who experience problems to abandon rl > adapters at the first hint of trouble. A few weeks ago I was copying a large file from a machine with an rl interface to a machine with an fxp one. Both were running 6-CURRENT with almost identical kernel configs. top showed the rl irq was eating 20% of the CPU time of a 1050MHz K7. On the other end, the fxp irq was eating 1% of a 400MHz Pentium II. > [1] I use fxp and em adapters and I've never had a problem with them. > As such, I can't argue with the recommendation. Seconded. --EmilReceived on Thu Feb 24 2005 - 23:35:54 UTC
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