2003 R2 x64 vNIC - Flexible vs. E1000?

[hutchingsp]

I've got a running 2003 R2 x64 VM. I noticed the vNIC is showing as an E1000 whilst all my other VMs (32bit Windows or 64bit linux) are showing as Flexible or Enhanced VMXNET.

I've read Available Network Adapters but I'm not clear what the "real world" differences are i.e. is one faster than the other, does one impose more CPU load than the other?

I ask as this VM has several Tb of file LUNs attached which have to be backed up over the network...

[AntonVZhbankov]

Yes, faster means higher throughput and lower CPU consumption.

---

MCSA, MCTS, VCP, VMware vExpert '2009

http://blog.vadmin.ru

[hutchingsp]

Which though? The article isn't too clear - keeping in mind this is 2003 R2 x64.

[AntonVZhbankov]

I suggest you to take a look at VMXNET2 and VMXNET3 instead of flexible.

---

MCSA, MCTS, VCP, VMware vExpert '2009

http://blog.vadmin.ru

[hutchingsp]

Will do - presume it's a "simple" case of shutdown the VM, remove and add a new vNIC of type "Enhanced VMXNET" and once the OS boots up it takes case of the rest - any need to re-install VMware tools?

[jpdicicco]

It's different hardware, so the OS sees it as different NICs. Be prepared to reconfigure the IP settings on the new NIC.

If you run into a case of Windows complaining of duplicate IPs, then you need to manually delete the old NIC...

1. Open a command prompt and run: set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1 && devmgmt.msc

2. In the View menu, select "Show hidden devices"

3. Go to the Network Adapters list

4. Right-click and uninstall the old NIC

JP