Onboard LAN possibly dead. RMA or buy new NIC?

jtvang125

Diamond Member
Nov 10, 2004
5,399
51
91
I don't see any network adapter listed in the device manager. When I try to view my network connections there is nothing there. I uninstalled the drivers and restarted but Windows doesn't detect any new hardware. Then booted to the BIOS but I don't see it listed there either. At this point I'm pretty sure the onboard LAN is dead.

I think its still under warranty but not sure if the time and effort is worth it to get an RMA from gigabyte. Thinking of just getting an intel nic but I'm concern about other things going bad on the board as well. What are the chances of having further problems with the board in the future?
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,535
417
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It depends on how inclined your are to do the work.

A New NIC is only $10.
 

somethingsketchy

Golden Member
Nov 25, 2008
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Originally posted by: JackMDS
It depends on how inclined your are to do the work.

A New NIC is only $10.

+1

Well if you haven't noticed any other problems occurring with the board shortly after the LAN port failed, chances are you won't seen another problem. Best bet would be to follow JackMDS' advice and pick up a cheap NIC.

Besides it could be a while before the motherboard will be back from the RMA. Are you able to forego the desktop while the motherboard is being replaced/repaired?
 

Bateluer

Lifer
Jun 23, 2001
27,730
8
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I'd RMA the motherboard. You paid for a fully functional product and you don't have it. A new NIC may be cheap and easy, but you still have a defective motherboard that could experience further problems down the line.
 

zerogear

Diamond Member
Jun 4, 2000
5,611
9
81
Originally posted by: somethingsketchy
Originally posted by: JackMDS
It depends on how inclined your are to do the work.

A New NIC is only $10.

+1

Well if you haven't noticed any other problems occurring with the board shortly after the LAN port failed, chances are you won't seen another problem. Best bet would be to follow JackMDS' advice and pick up a cheap NIC.

Besides it could be a while before the motherboard will be back from the RMA. Are you able to forego the desktop while the motherboard is being replaced/repaired?

No suggestion for the Killer NIC? :D
 

Blain

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
23,643
3
81
Onboard LAN isn't the greatest to begin with. Since the gigabit craze, they've been susceptible to heat problems.

My advice is to keep the MB if everything else is in order and buy a good NIC card.
After you RMA, what will you have... A MB that's got the exact same vulnerability as the one you sent back.
IMO, it's just not worth the bother, when good NIC cards cost so little.

What's the RMA hassel worth to you?
Or maybe even this
Or this