Does LAN chipset matter much?

[danzg]

In selecting a motherboard / NIC ... how important is chipset?
I'm looking at a mobo with "Atheros AR8131M" -- is that good?

Thanks

 

[raulfg3]

I'm not sure.

AR8131M do not work on FreeNAS 7 see: https://sourceforge.net/apps/phpbb/freenas/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=4531

But in FreeNAS 8 I not sure, you need to google a bit: http://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/freebsd-install-atheros-ar8131-ar8132-ethernet-lan-driver/ <- +1

http://www.freebsd.org/releases/8.2R/hardware.html <- -1

 

[jafin]

In worst case you can always addin a intel or broadcom nic which generally are favourable performers.