Controller based NIC cards faster?

[shadowjack]

I currently use the standard ethernet LAN NIC card, that runs for about $20. I notice there are $80 NIC cards that have their own controller built in, relieving the main CPU of some duty. Are these much of an improvement???

I am running an Athlon XP2000+ system. DSL. Ethernet modem and router. I use it for general internet use, for which I am not concerned about speed....and for gaming, in which I AM interested in performance.

 

[jlanka]

no need to spend $80

<i>It's always the one thing you never suspected.</i>

 

[upec]

I agree. NIC does not use a lot of CPU power.