Monday, March 23rd 2009

Bigfoot Networks Back with Killer Xeno PCI-Express NIC

by
btarunr
 Discuss (68 Comments)
Bigfoot Networks is perhaps the first company that gave the network interface card (NIC) a high-end consumer take. The Killer N1 and K1 PCI NICs were known to come with some very innovative features that, as our review showed, did impact positively on networked gaming performance. After close to two and a half years since its previous NIC, Bigfoot Networks Killer is back. In the making is the Killer Xeno NIC.

With near identical features and more, this NIC takes the advantage of the newer leaner components in the market, such as the NPU which may be using a newer manufacturing process, NPU-accelerated audio that provides audio-chat with zero system-overhead, and up to 256 MB of onboard memory to drive this mini "PC inside PC". The ASIC is done away with, a newer gigabit Ethernet transceiver made by Broadcom is present. The card uses a native PCI-Express x1 interface. It comes in two variants: the 128 MB "Pro", and 256 MB "Ultra". Apart from selling these cards under its own banner, Bigfoot Networks has struck an OEM deal with Alienware. Also, the company has an AIB partner (a-la graphics cards), and guess who it is - EVGA. The Xeno Ultra will be priced at US $179.99, and the Xeno Pro at $129.99.
Source: Engadget

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68 Comments on Bigfoot Networks Back with Killer Xeno PCI-Express NIC

#52
Deleted member 3
Mike0409Waste of cash. NIC=NIC it's all processed the same way, information is sent the same way it doesn't change.
There definitely is a difference between various chips, though this isn't exactly my idea of what a NIC should be. The fact that it's basically a complete system is interesting though, it could run other applications. Would be nice to use as firewall/router in a small office.
Posted on Reply
#53
Swansen
thraxedThat'll be the day when I spend $130 on a network card.
Hey, it has a USB port though xD
Posted on Reply
#55
btarunr
Editor & Senior Moderator
SwansenHey, it has a USB port though xD
Plug in a USB drive. Use the bundled FNA bittorrent app. The NIC will save your download onto that drive with zero system overhead.
Posted on Reply
#57
Mussels
Freshwater Moderator
h3llb3nd4Now that is a cool feature!
Yeah.... but the PC still needs to be on, and Utorrent is sooooo resource heavy.
Posted on Reply
#58
soryuuha
It is time for Bigfoot Networks to release Killer ISP.
Posted on Reply
#60
AsRock
TPU addict
TheMailMan78That market is for:
A: People with to much money.
B: Noobs
C: Noobs with to much money.
D: Anyone who has bought an Apple in the past 3 years.
What about companys \ people who run there entire net work though one computer. As i did as there was 4 computers involved which allowed me to balance the internet speed required for each computer usage and needs..

all though not wortht he price tag and i only used to buy $15 one even 8 year ago lol. Good see the prices come down one day there be more exceptable.

And are not Apples PC's these days anyways ?.
Posted on Reply
#61
newtekie1
Semi-Retired Folder
btarunrPlug in a USB drive. Use the bundled FNA bittorrent app. The NIC will save your download onto that drive with zero system overhead.
I already have a dedicated downloading machine, specifically so that I don't have to leave my power hungry gaming machine on 24/7.:laugh:
Posted on Reply
#62
Disparia
AsRockWhat about companys \ people who run there entire net work though one computer. As i did as there was 4 computers involved which allowed me to balance the internet speed required for each computer usage and needs..

all though not wortht he price tag and i only used to buy $15 one even 8 year ago lol. Good see the prices come down one day there be more exceptable.

And are not Apples PC's these days anyways ?.
Considering that a dual-port Intel Pro/1000 is cheaper than a single Killer NIC (and I'd want two), I'm going to stick with the former in my router box. It would be hard enough going to my boss trying to explain the need for Killer NICs :D But sir, they make the Internet ZOMG aweomse!!!!!1
Posted on Reply
#63
Deleted member 3
Does the killer NIC still operate when the computer is turned off? Seeing how it doesn't seem to have any real heatsink power consumption must be low. Low enough to operate when the computer is off though? For instance, I can charge my phone battery while my computer is off.
If it can operate under such conditions it would be very interesting.
Posted on Reply
#64
h3llb3nd4
then I would beg my dad to get me one :D
Posted on Reply
#65
TheMailMan78
Big Member
DanTheBanjomanDoes the killer NIC still operate when the computer is turned off? Seeing how it doesn't seem to have any real heatsink power consumption must be low. Low enough to operate when the computer is off though? For instance, I can charge my phone battery while my computer is off.
If it can operate under such conditions it would be very interesting.
What have you done with Dan? The comments I've been seeing from you have been far to nice. Where is our sarcastic dick head Dan at?

Posted on Reply
#67
Disparia
I know his secrets, but you must listen closely to me before I'm banne
Posted on Reply
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