Questions about networking PC's & A3k

[x56h34]

@Melott:

X-surf2 is a great card. Works in 10mbit mode only, however I haven't noticed any major difference between 10mbit and 100mbit in the Amiga world.

Mediator would require getting a Mirage 3000 tower as there is no A3000 desktop solution yet for the original case (nor there will be as nothing is planned for now).

If you are happy with Z3 slots only, getting an X-surf2 or a similar Zorro compatible network card would be the best solution.

Make sure you check Amibench and Ebay for better deals other than going through dealers directly. Save dealers as your last, desparate decision as they are pricey.

[x56h34]

A3000D mediator is compatible with A3000 motherboards that came out of desktop cases is the correct description which everyone failed to make  clear, unofrtunately...especially Elbox.

The A3000D mediator only fits inside Mirage 3000 tower.

A4000Di mediator fits inside A4000D case (C= case) however A3000D equivalent of that product doesn't exist.

You will need a Voodoo 3 PCI card (2000 or 3000) in order to get RTG graphics through mediator, or at least S3 Virge PCI which is about on par performance wise with CV64/3D as they use exactly the same chipset. You can't just use any PCI gfx card with mediator as each one requires a specific driver written for it, and so far there's only drivers for Voodoo 3, 4, and 5 PCI, and S3 Virge PCI.

Your cheapest option is a Z2 ethernet card otherwise (prices taken from Elbox store):

Mirage 3000 Tower - 179.95 EUR
Mediator PCI 3000D - 289.95EUR

That's about 590USD before shipping.

And you would look for Ethernet, Sound, and Voodoo 3 elsewhere for better deals.