Intel Motherboards, which 2.5gbit LAN Chip is best for Unraid? RealTek RTL8125BG vs Intel i225-V vs Intel Intel i226-V

Hey Folks!

I'm wondering what you would go with for a new build? I'd like to get a higher-end motherboard, and to avoid having to add a NIC if possible.

I'm considering one of the following, but I've read a lot about the Intel i22*-V chips having stability issues. 

Alternatively, the integrated chips on lower-end boards seem to all be RealTek RTL8125BG. They don't seem to have reports of connectivity issues, but people seem to look down on them. Higher CPU usage being cited often.

What would you go with? Anything I should know about that I've missed?

• ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A D4
  • (1x Intel i226-V) 
     
• MSI MED Z690-ACE
  • (2x Intel i225-V)
     
• MSI PRO Z790-A
  • (1x RealTek RTL8125BG)

Appreciate any and all input!

Edited July 12, 20241 yr by JaredSavage