IC Socket on Some NIC cards have use?

saralvr247 · 06-11-2006, 04:02 PM

I have noticed that on some NIC cards, they have a IC socket near the back. Such as...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833127102
Or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124107

I was wondering if they had any use, and if so, what are they for?

**Terrister** · 06-12-2006, 08:42 AM

They were used for Boot proms. A chip that would boot your computer from the server.

Most network cards come with a socket for remote-boot PROM (programmable read-only memory). You use remote-boot PROMs on diskless workstations that can't boot on their own but instead boot from the network server. A diskless workstation is less expensive than a system with floppy disk and hard disk drives. It is also more secure because users can't download valuable data to floppy disk or upload viruses and unauthorized software.

**johnwill** · 06-12-2006, 02:29 PM

They're still used for a boot ROM if you desire that capability.

Volt-Schwibe · 06-12-2006, 10:31 PM

are the bootprom chips all the same?

**johnwill** · 06-13-2006, 03:01 PM

Nope, every brand, and even models within brands have a unique boot ROM.

Volt-Schwibe · 06-14-2006, 07:35 AM

thank you.

i've always wondered that.

06-11-2006, 04:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
saralvr247 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 15 OS: XP Pro	IC Socket on Some NIC cards have use? I have noticed that on some NIC cards, they have a IC socket near the back. Such as... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833127102 Or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124107 I was wondering if they had any use, and if so, what are they for?

06-12-2006, 08:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
Terrister Moderator Hardware Forum Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Georgia, USA Posts: 7,098 OS: Xp	They were used for Boot proms. A chip that would boot your computer from the server. Most network cards come with a socket for remote-boot PROM (programmable read-only memory). You use remote-boot PROMs on diskless workstations that can't boot on their own but instead boot from the network server. A diskless workstation is less expensive than a system with floppy disk and hard disk drives. It is also more secure because users can't download valuable data to floppy disk or upload viruses and unauthorized software. __________________

06-12-2006, 02:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,685 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	They're still used for a boot ROM if you desire that capability. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

06-12-2006, 10:31 PM	#4 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,372 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	are the bootprom chips all the same? __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? Power Tip: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. New Members: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>

06-13-2006, 03:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,685 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Nope, every brand, and even models within brands have a unique boot ROM. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

06-14-2006, 07:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,372 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	thank you. i've always wondered that. __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? Power Tip: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. New Members: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>