7C81 or 7I96S for PI build

Which board would be “better” for a new build (printnc) build??  From reading the 7c81 config software isn’t as mature as the Ethernet connection.  

Is SPI much slower than Ethernet.   I have a Ethernet smoothstepper connected to a G540 on mach3 on a 6040 which is ok but want to move away from windows 

the 7c81 is about 1/2 the price of the 7i96S.  (The cheaper non S version is out of stock and not expected anytime soon. The 7c81 available in 4 weeks)

thanks

Lees

7i96S
I always choose versatility when possible, so even if the RPI cr@aps out, use an old PC.

LeslieTroyer wrote:

Is SPI much slower than Ethernet.

It's probably faster, and the round-trip latency will be better. 

But both are entirely fast enough. 

I decided to go with the 7c81 for space and cost reasons. The ethernet controller wouldn’t fit in the. Enclosure I’m planning on using. I appreciate the various viewpoints