O old computer connected to the local network fails to function in low temperatures
O old computer connected to the local network fails to function in low temperatures
Hello everyone, I'm facing a growing issue with my old setup. I use a vintage rig in my living room for streaming Netflix and YouTube. The hardware includes an AMD Phenom II X4 955 motherboard with an A790GXM-AD3 chipset, no dedicated GPU, and onboard graphics. It runs on a Corsair 500W PSU powered by Windows 7.
In warmer weather it works fine, but when it gets cold the Ethernet connection suddenly fails. When I power on the PC, after a few minutes the LAN drops as if the cable was removed. The Windows indicator shows a red cross, and troubleshooting suggests plugging in an Ethernet cable. This problem has persisted for years—restarting the PC repeatedly, even after cleaning it and adding extra cooling fans during hot months. Recently, when it got colder, I had to restart it multiple times and replace one cooler to keep the connection stable for over five minutes.
My question is: does the LAN controller need some interaction with the processor? Could removing and reinstalling it fix it, similar to how a faulty RAM DIMM affects performance? Would getting an offboard LAN adapter help? Any insights on what might be causing this issue? Also, I've reinstalled Windows several times without success.
The RJ45 connector contains eight springs that form contacts. Some may lose their springiness and fail to connect properly when cold. The Ethernet jack itself could also be the issue—certain pins might grip the wires instead of making solid contact inside the plastic. Temperature changes can weaken this connection. Try a different Ethernet cable. If the problem persists, consider purchasing an Ethernet card, which is affordable. Your motherboard offers PCI and PCI-e slots; you can use either type or disable the built-in network chip in BIOS (optional). Cards are available under $3 on eBay with free shipping: ebay link
I understand your perspective, but I prefer tackling challenges head-on. If a soldering iron is necessary, I’ll abandon the idea and opt for an offboard adapter or USB/LAN device instead. But if it’s just about reinstalling the processor, why not? More details on the problem here ^^
If you're curious about the chip on the motherboard that handles your LAN, I'd check if pressing it might help. It could be soldered poorly or have issues with temperature changes causing connections to drop. As mentioned before, you could use a USB 1Gb Ethernet adapter. I’d prefer a PCIe connection, though that depends on your needs.
The issue seems unrelated to the Ethernet cable. It has been modified many times, including the modem, yet the problem persists. Disconnecting and reconnecting doesn't help. Restarting Windows resolves it temporarily (about two minutes or until it gets warm).
It might stem from loose joints (soldering issues on connectors) or poor soldering on the network IC or nearby parts. As the board heats, traces and metals expand slightly, creating better connections over time. You could test this by warming the IO shield area near the plug and the network card chip with a hair dryer for 20-30 seconds before turning on the PC. The network chip is usually near the analog audio jacks, above the "Giga LAN" label on the motherboard (if it matches your model). Fluctuating voltage could be due to bad capacitors on the board or in the power supply, making them more sensitive when warm. Capacitors on the motherboard are less likely since they’re polymer-based, while power supplies often use older electrolytic types that wear out faster. Probably safer to opt for an Ethernet card instead.
I used the hair dryer right before posting on this forum. It helped for about 7 or 8 minutes, longer than before, and then it worked again. After that, I turned off one exhaust cooler and it functioned properly. I appreciated the capacitor explanation; I hadn’t considered that. I was hoping for bad solder until I had the processor contact idea. Thanks for the tip—I’m trying to fix this more out of curiosity and will buy the adapter later.