Network cards with different Realtek RTL 8186 revisions (B and E)

[_nobody_]

Some of Realtek PCIe network cards were not detected in the PEG Slot in IVB + PPT ASUS motherboards. For example: Network card with Realtek RTL 8168B silicon.

With BIOS setup switch PEG0-GEN X set to “Auto” I did not get successful link training. Those card were only detected at a cold boot and PEG0-GEN X set to “GEN1”. After a Windows7 reboot the cards disappear form then system again (no successful link training).

But if I use PCIe Network card with Realtek RTL 8168E silicon, I do not see this problem.

Does anyone know about/detected this problem?

What is the difference between silicons RTL 8168 Revision B and RTL 8168 Revision E? Can anybody, please, elaborate in-depth about the differences, or provide some documentations about HW and FW patches between Revisions B and E?

Thank you,
_nobody_

 

[_nobody_]

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Wireless-Internet-Home/Real-Tek-RTL-8168B-811B-Issues/td-p/13333

Adds to the issue! The least, but not the last!

_nobody_

 

[_nobody_]

Response from Ryan, Realtek Tech Support!
_______

From: Ryan ******* [mailto:ryan*******@realtek.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 8:09 AM
To: _nobody_
Subject: Re: Network cards with different Realtek RTL 8168 revisions (B and E)

Hi _nobody_
Thanks for your Email and sorry for late response.

8168B is our first generation of PCIe 1.0a product. (at least 5-6 years old product)
8168E is our 4th generation of PCIe 1.0a product.

Design are totally different even they support same pcie spec.
I think its reasonable to see some compatibility between such old card like 8168B and your latest intel platform.

If you provide more information like captured data from pcie anaylzer.
We might be able to tell you why 8168B can not be used...

8168B is a phase out product. so it is not possible to have any patch to fix this kind of problem.

Regards
Ryan ******
_______

_nobody_