Pcie x1 quad port NICs are too expensive

NPutting · February 13, 2020, 2:21am

So just cut off all the extra pins of a pcie x4 NIC

NPutting · February 13, 2020, 2:22am

Sadly pfsense is being weird at picking it up in my x1 slot on my 290, works fine in the x16.

Jhunter844 · February 13, 2020, 2:43am

I’ve heard of getting a dremel tool and cutting a slot in the back of the pcie x1 port

NPutting · February 13, 2020, 2:43am

I did that with my first 290 but it had a problem keeping it from booting. wanted to modify the cheaper component this time.

JDM_WAAAT · February 13, 2020, 5:12am

ALANMAN · February 13, 2020, 2:15pm

Jaywire · February 13, 2020, 9:13pm

NPutting · February 20, 2020, 2:33pm

Well, It didn’t work. I cut too high and cut into the trace of A17/A16 in the top right of the cut. Since these are lane 0 receiving it’s broke. Ordered a new card to try again.

NPutting · February 20, 2020, 2:36pm

On the upside, my new Nibbling Tool works great. Cuts about 6-7 pins wide and is much cleaner. Tested it on the dead card. Replacement NIC should be here today to try again.

NPutting · February 21, 2020, 2:01am

New NIC came in. Nibblers worked much better than flush cutters.

respawn · February 21, 2020, 12:37pm

But does it work? That’s what we really want to know.

NPutting · February 21, 2020, 1:52pm

It worked! All 9 show up now.