Quad-port Gigabit Intel card for media server ?

Does anyone have specific PCIe recommendations for the model numbers of an Intel 4-port gigabit ethernet card that works great in a media server running ESXi (5.0u1 or 5.1) ?

Anyone have 1st hand experience with Intel PCIe models they are using in ESXi media servers ?


I've got the VMware compatibility guide, but that is sometimes a little vague.

Thanks

Thanks al.
You make a good point about the passthru.
Since my objective was to use this for a sw firewall, the dual-port would be sufficient.

Lots of reported problems with server PRO1000 type of cards and vmware.

Think I'll find the following from vmware compat list available on ebay?

• ET Dual Port Server adapter (Intel 82576 Gigabit Ethernet Controller)
• Server Adapter I350-T2

don't know if this vmware quote is important or not:
"For products based on the Intel 82576 Gigabit Ethernet Controller, version 1.3.8.6.3 of the igb driver does not support VLAN tagging or jumbo frames when in NetQueue mode. Disable NetQueue when using VLAN tagging or jumbo frames."

Did see some on ebay from Canada for pretty high prices.

Bought the following and will see what happens.

Intel Pro/1000 PT Dual port GB Ethernet card EXP19402PT