new nic with 64 bits drivers tip needed

[lhffan]

Im on my way to buy a new network card for my server. Have earlier used my inbuilt nic in my motherboard. But there are to many problems with the driver (the nic dies randomly)

So i have decided to buy a new nic, i use debian lenny 64 bit, and want your input on this subject.

Does it matter what card i use. I have read somewhere that some card´s are (friendlier) against the cpu. And since srcds is a cpu whore. I want my cpu to serve my servers and not my nic.

So i want help.
What card should i choose?
Should it be pci or the newer pci express?

[loopyman]

This isn't 1998, NIC's don't really matter much.

But, some of the cheap companies don't have good drivers. Stick with name brands.

[lhffan]

But is there any diff if i use pci or pci express?

[loopyman]

I suppose pci express is on a faster bus.

[lhffan]

I did go for this i hope its an ok choice

http://www.intel.com/Products/Server/Adapters/PRO1000PT/PRO1000PT-overview.htm

[loopyman]

I wouldn't have paid $60+ for a NIC, but okay.

But I'm cheap...

This is what I would have considered: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833106033