The new PC struggles to download at speeds exceeding 100mbps.
The new PC struggles to download at speeds exceeding 100mbps.
Hey everyone, I just finished assembling a new PC last night and ran into some issues. I had 500mbps internet, but my previous setup handled it smoothly. Now I’m seeing speeds capped at 100mbps. I’ve installed the right drivers from ASUS for my motherboard (ROG Strix B550-F, non-WiFi), tried the latest version and the one before it, and used a Cat 5e cable on both machines. I remember people usually recommend clearing the drive before a fresh build, but I didn’t do that recently—just installed Windows 10 about a month ago. Any tips beyond a full reinstall?
Probably a faulty Ethernet cable. I recently replaced one at a customer’s home that was made by Spectrum and had continuity problems, requiring crimping new ends. I’d recommend switching to a Cat6 cable and testing it. A Cat5e should suffice for 1 gigabit speeds unless there are bad connections or damaged ends.
Are you getting a full gigabit Ethernet connection, or did your PC fall back to 100 meg Fast Ethernet? ( Here's how to check. ) Gigabit Ethernet needs all four pairs of wires in the cable to be good, but Fast Ethernet can do with only two pairs. If your cable is marginal, your PC might not have been able to negotiate a gigabit connection properly. (Of course, that's also assuming it's plugged into a Gigabit interface at the other end and there aren't any 10/100 devices mid-run.)
Does the audio feel like a restriction somewhere when you hit 100mbps? Verify your network and sharing center, then select Ethernet—expect a reading of 1.0gbps. Next, inspect the gadgets between you and your internet connection; ensure all switches are powered on and optimized for gigabit speeds, review your router’s specifications, etc.
I don't believe the Ethernet cable is faulty. I looked into my network configuration, and Windows reports a speed of just 100/100, unlike the 500/500 I’m paying for. I might still attempt to replace it, but my connection is long enough to reach the basement without any conduit.
Link velocity at 100/100 indicates a poor Ethernet link and it's reverting to 100 Mbps. Remember, this reflects your PC's connection to the router, not your overall internet performance.
The speed display indicates maximum supported speed for your network switch, not actual internet connection speed. A long cable might also suggest it doesn’t meet the required specifications.
Unless you possess a continuity tester to verify, my concern remains on defective connectors being crimped. Consider redoing the ends if you handled them yourself, which seems probable considering the effort you invested.
I used my mother's laptop with a full RJ45 port. After plugging it in, the speeds matched what I expected. When I sent the cable back to my desktop, it performed at gigabit speeds and delivered full bandwidth. I wasn't sure if the connection was complete, but it now works fine. I might still upgrade to a CAT 6e cable later, but it's not urgent right now. Thanks for your assistance!