Just just bought a Lenovo 720q with and i5-8400 processor for my home lab ($50).I’ll bring it up to 32MB memory and it will run proxmox. I want to add a 2.5gb ethernet port and I’ve identified four options.

  1. Add a riser and use a PCI card (apparently these cards run very hot and that could be an issue; also the most expensive especially if I get a 2 port adapter)
  2. replace the wireless card with a 2.5gb adapter (the adapters I’ve seen have the plug at right angles to the card and not sure if it will actually fit in the case).
  3. I could get an M.2 ethernet adapter (but then I don’t have any internal storage because there is only one m.2 storage slot)
  4. Use an external (USB) adapter (I already use this solution on a NUC8, but would prefer an internal solution)

I’m a bit confused if option 2 and option 3 can use either the M.2 slot or the wireless slot.

Has anyone used options 1-3 on an 8th generation tiny? Recommendations?

    • ghstudio@alien.topOPB
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      were any of the machines “tiny’s” ?? The question with option 2 is if the card and cable will fit in the tight space.

  • PANiCnz@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    Get the riser and a PCIE card. Riser gives you more flexibility long term.