How to test onboard NIC?

[Kneedragger]

I have been having some ongoing issues since I built a low powered server for my house. I'm wondering now if maybe one of the onboard NICs is the culprit. My first thread about this.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2382043&highlight=

I don't use the Synology NAS anymore but still have the two PCs. I don't get the error much but transfer speeds will drop out of no where to 9-12 MB/s still. Could it be a NIC?

I have new pc parts on the way to see if it's one of my current PCs.

 

[inachu]

Is the low end motherboard new or used?
If you bought it used do any of the caps on the board look buldgy or leaking fluids

Does the PC NAS run with the case closed or open? Is it truly a clean OS install?
Also when you built the system is the hard drive new or used?

A. Make sure system BIOS is up to date. There could be a BIOS patch that addresses your issue.
B. If the BIOS is up to date and no damage to nic port on motherboard then next to make sure the plug in area of the nic is clean with nothing dirty in it.

Next I would suspect your network cabling might be at fault. Either bad CAT5 or a rat ate into the wires. Get twisted pair as it tries to cut down on crosstalk. If you can afford it then just use CAT 6 but CAT 5 E is just fine if you do not want gigabit speeds.

If it is not the pc,nic,jack,lan wires, Then I would suspect its your router/switch.

Make sure it is a true switch and not a HUB. HUBS are old technology and are famous for sending out collisions over the network thus slowing down speeds.

Next.... how many other computers are on that network and what do they do?

 

[Kneedragger]

Is the low end motherboard new or used?
If you bought it used do any of the caps on the board look buldgy or leaking fluids

Does the PC NAS run with the case closed or open? Is it truly a clean OS install?
Also when you built the system is the hard drive new or used?

This is a brand new build every part. Fresh OS also.

A. Make sure system BIOS is up to date. There could be a BIOS patch that addresses your issue.
B. If the BIOS is up to date and no damage to nic port on motherboard then next to make sure the plug in area of the nic is clean with nothing dirty in it.

All Bios and drivers are up to date with the manufacturer stuff.

Next I would suspect your network cabling might be at fault. Either bad CAT5 or a rat ate into the wires. Get twisted pair as it tries to cut down on crosstalk. If you can afford it then just use CAT 6 but CAT 5 E is just fine if you do not want gigabit speeds.


If it is not the pc,nic,jack,lan wires, Then I would suspect its your router/switch.

Make sure it is a true switch and not a HUB. HUBS are old technology and are famous for sending out collisions over the network thus slowing down speeds.

Next.... how many other computers are on that network and what do they do?

I can double check the cables but from my first thread I posted I believe I tried other cables.

I have also tried bypassing the switch and it still occurs. I will try other cables just to do it tonight.

 

[inachu]

Also I assume you are only using the IPV4 technology side of networking yes?

If so then inside the OS control panel,network settings,adapter settings in the list you might see IPV6.... You will want to disable IPV6.
Many reports of IPV6 slowing down network speeds. Also disable IPV6 in your router/switch if or when possible.

Thanks!