Different download rates on gigabit connections
Different download rates on gigabit connections
I have evaluated two different computers at home to ensure consistency across tests. Each system uses distinct hardware, yet both function properly. I’m measuring internet performance using Ookla’s speedtest tool. Both devices are connected via the same Cat6 Ethernet cable directly linked to the modem. The procedure is straightforward: I run a test on PC A, which shows download speeds around 950Mbps—close to the gigabit rate we subscribe for. Then I disconnect the Ethernet from PC A and connect it to PC B, where speeds drop to roughly 150-200Mbps. What might explain this significant variation? PC A runs Windows 10 Pro, while PC B uses Windows 10 Home. PC B includes a built-in Wi-Fi card, but I disabled Wi-Fi and kept Bluetooth active.
PC A uses an i5-8600K while PC B has an i7-10700K. You likely won’t need a special Intel Network Adapter Driver for Windows 10 unless you’re connecting external devices. Otherwise, standard drivers should work fine.
I saved the latest Intel Network Adapter Driver and kept receiving around 200Mbps over Ethernet straight from the modem. The driver also came with the Intel PROSet Adapter Configuration Utility, so I ran some diagnostic checks to rule out issues and confirmed everything was working properly—hardware tests passed, but the cable test failed when using different Cat6 cables between the modem and router (which then connects to the modem). Could it be that my motherboard’s Ethernet port is the issue? Would getting a PCIe network adapter card help resolve the problem? The overall situation isn’t too bad since I still have a solid internet connection, but I did see a 600Mbps download when testing Wi-Fi directly from the modem using the built-in Wi-Fi card. It’s unclear if a hardwired setup would be worth considering, even though it might offer more stability.