Network Card Check

[PRyan]

I am just starting with FreeNAS and have been reading all the documentation I could find. I also have my first small test system set up with the plan to build a larger system later after I know what I'm doing.

My question is this, I have the chance to buy a Chelsio Dualport PCIe 10GBit Network Card (T520-LL-CR) quite cheap (returned merchandise) from a reputable dealer. This would be great for my next system.

Since I need to order it quickly can anyone tell me if it is compatible with FreeNAS?

I found a reference to it on the Free-BSD hardware compatibility list that with the correct settings it's compatible but the rest of what I found was not definitive or at least what I was able to understand.

Thanks in advance,

Patrick

 

[danb35]

I'm not sure about the -LL designation, but in general, Chelsio cards are very well-supported in FreeNAS.

 

[PRyan]

Yeah, I've read that the Chelsio cards are usually good for FreeNAS and since they are quite expensive here in Germany and fairly hard to find I'd love to get one at a bargain price.

If I understand correctly the LL stands for Low Latency. If I had a machine to test it on I'd just order it and if it doesn't work return it. But since I wasn't planning to build my next system for a while I would be out a good chunk of change (even though I could get it now for more than 50% off) if it doesn't work.

Found a good list at the link below with the Chelsio T520-CR but as SFP+ not 10GBASE-T. Don't know if it would still work since the model number is the same.
https://www.servethehome.com/buyers...as-servers/top-picks-freenas-nics-networking/

 

[PRyan]

Just as a follow up. The card does work with FreeNAS 9.10. I tested it in a HP Microserver and it worked no problems then built my own server with a SuperMicro board. At first the board wouldn't boot with the Chelsio card installed. But thanks to some amazingly patient and helpful technical support from Chelsio we go it to work! Great support from Chelsio (thanks Tom!) even though the problem ended up being a SuperMicro bios issue (had to update to the absolutely newest version).