> Intel PRO/1000 Gigabit Ethernet - except for the ones based 
> on 82541 which is entire GT and MT line (the only ones that 
> are currently in stock, at least where I am looking)

Wierd, the Pro/1000 MT Desktop Adapters I use all say 82540 on them. I must
admit they're a few years old now, but I wouldn't have thought they've
changed much.

> other choices are 3Com 3c996-SX, 3c996-T - These cards cost 
> $150+ USD not exactly in my budget

The 3c996-T uses the Broadcom BCM5701 controller - I have one in my dual
athlon right now. They're nice cards, especially if you've got a PCI-X slot
to shove 'em into.

It *should* be able to use this driver (from Chris B's post):
device		bge		# Broadcom BCM570x (``Tigon III'')

FWIW - if you don't necessarily have to buy new, there are usually plenty of
996-T or 996-BT cards floating around on ebay for under your $50 figure.

I've used both the Intel and 3com cards (but not the latter with m0n0wall)
and not had problems with either. Given the prices are fairly similar (at
least on auction), I go with the Intel ones for standard PCI slots, and the
3com/broadcom ones for machines with PCI-X slots.

Regards,

Chris
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