realtek RTL8125 vs intel i225
realtek RTL8125 vs intel i225
Hi, I own a few Realtek models and recently switched to Intel. In my Proxmox setup, a Realtek is already running. I need another 2.5Gb NIC for a backup server or NAS. My main server is Debian-based and currently uses Proxmox. I’m considering moving to Truenas Scale as both NAS and hypervisor. The reason is IOMMU can be an issue, so it’s better to run it directly on the hardware without extra steps. My Realtek is present but sometimes fails and needs a reboot. It’s mainly a home server for streaming, gaming, and media—thanks for your help!
Intel has faced some problems recently, but I haven't encountered any (just hoping it's okay). Usually Intel handles fewer driver issues and offers better support compared to Realtek. My TrueNAS scale box uses an Intel NIC with 2.5 GbE speed. I also remember adding a heat sink and extra protection for it.
Intel usually manages CPU tasks more efficiently, offering a bit more speed. However, my setup uses a USB Realtek 2.5Gbit adapter that has been running continuously without any issues. I’m seeing around 2.33Gbit from the Realtek and 2.37Gbit from an Intel i225 B3.