Network problems with Ethernet, considering a new network card.
Network problems with Ethernet, considering a new network card.
Hey everyone, I'm dealing with a persistent Ethernet issue that intermittently drops for about ten seconds. It's been happening sporadically over the past year, sometimes completely and other times only affecting internet access. During these drops, I notice only my internet connection is affected, not any other devices. Initially, I suspected the new router from my ISP, but it doesn't behave the same way on my work computer or after a factory reset. I also considered VPN interference, but the problem persists even with a fresh Windows installation and no VPN enabled. My powerline adapters aren't the issue either—they work fine across the room, and my work PC uses them without issues. I've tried swapping cables and checking driver updates, but nothing seems to resolve it. The only remaining clue is that the problem likely lies with the Ethernet port or network adapter on my motherboard, specifically the MSI B450 Tomahawk. Since replacing it would be costly, I'm weighing the option of getting a dedicated network card. If you have any tips or suggestions, I'd really appreciate them!
When the connection drops, clicking the network icon displays the network as connected but without internet access. Thank you for your response—it's working now. A few hours after sharing this, I ordered the cheapest newton card available online (under a dollar, single port). It just installed an hour ago and is performing perfectly. Previously, I was experiencing 4 or 5 dropouts per hour. I asked if anyone could point out any obscure settings I might have missed.