I generally buy Intel NICs but am looking to buy some ConnectX-5 NICs (new, not EBay) for the first time for use in a new TrueNAS box.
While the Intel NICs have "limited lifetime" warranties and unlimited access to firmware/software updates, it appears the ConnectX cards only have a 1 year warranty. It also appears you need to have an active support contract to get firmware/software updates. The support contacts also appear to extend the warranty's hardware coverage. Luckily, the "Silver" support contacts aren't super pricey.
Questions:
1) Are the ConnectX cards generally reliable?
2) Do people buying new ConnectX cards usually buy support contracts with them?
While the Intel NICs have "limited lifetime" warranties and unlimited access to firmware/software updates, it appears the ConnectX cards only have a 1 year warranty. It also appears you need to have an active support contract to get firmware/software updates. The support contacts also appear to extend the warranty's hardware coverage. Luckily, the "Silver" support contacts aren't super pricey.
Questions:
1) Are the ConnectX cards generally reliable?
2) Do people buying new ConnectX cards usually buy support contracts with them?