Choose one of the available Ethernet ports on your motherboard.
Choose one of the available Ethernet ports on your motherboard.
Hello! Your motherboard offers two Ethernet options: a 2.5Gbps Realtek RTL8125-CG and a 1Gbps Intel I211-AT. Since you don’t have a router or switch supporting higher speeds, the Intel LAN might be more suitable for your needs. The product description highlights benefits like reduced CPU load, better TCP/UDP performance, and lower latency—especially useful for smooth streaming between rooms. It seems the Realtek could work well for gaming, but the Intel LAN appears to offer a smoother experience overall. Many users in similar setups have found the Intel option preferable for bandwidth-heavy tasks like video streaming.
I prefer the Realtek connector, but I’m sure you won’t see much of a change either way. It’s wise to have alternatives—there are three options available. If needed, stick with Realtek and switch to Intel if necessary. You’re unlikely to notice any significant difference either.
It doesn't matter which port is active, it won't influence your internet speed. Could you tell me the model of your device?
It's not the internet speed that concerns me, it's the LAN link for streaming games locally between PCs. The ROG Strix X570-E Gaming offers reduced CPU overhead, which is a positive feature, but how does it compare to the Realtek version? Most people think it won't make a big difference, so I might stick with the Realtek model.
I don't care about what's being discussed; just go with what you see.
Unless your setup includes other devices with 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, it doesn't matter. If you have compatible devices, use the Realtek port and verify all cables and equipment also support 2.5 Gbps. Intel is often trusted for reliability, especially in professional and enterprise environments. Consumer-grade parts usually don't show a difference.
In the past, Intel processors offered superior hardware handling and speed boosts over Realtek cards, which meant network drivers consumed slightly less CPU power. However, at very high download rates—close to 1 gigabit per second—the difference becomes almost imperceptible. The RTL8125 chip is newer and, according to theory, can now handle up to 2.5 gigabits per second, meaning its internal components are more advanced than Intel’s earlier designs. This improvement might explain why the original claim still holds, or why it could be true now. It’s possible the 2.5Gbps capability reduces CPU load even at lower speeds, possibly due to larger buffers or more powerful hardware. Ultimately, sticking with a 1Gbps Intel card makes sense if you want flexibility, since the other device is limited to that speed. You could opt for the 2.5Gbps chip for future-proofing, keeping the connection ready when needed—like connecting a friend’s laptop via Ethernet for faster transfers or using a small NAS with a dedicated 2.5GbE card.