SOLVED HP Z800 NIC Insight

[EunosNB]

My Z800's built-in B'com NIC seems to be incompatible w/ FreeNAS, so I need to buy a separate NIC (afaik). Googling around shows that compatible nics include Intel's PRO/1000 (dual or quad port) or its Gigabit CT product. However, the current freenas recommendation guide suggests the Intel I210 or I350. Does anyone know if the I210 is compatible w/ the Z800? Maybe this is a better question even though it is broader: what would cause a newer nic to *not* be compatible?

Or, do I just try each one in turn and then return those that don't work?

 

[Ericloewe]

what would cause a newer nic to *not* be compatible?

User-hostile OEMs locking down their BIOSes to only boot with selected PCI-e devices attached.

 

[EunosNB]

My Z800's built-in B'com NIC seems to be incompatible w/ FreeNAS, so I need to buy a separate NIC (afaik). Googling around shows that compatible nics include Intel's PRO/1000 (dual or quad port) or its Gigabit CT product.

I installed an Intel NIC, the EXPI9301CT. It works like a charm.