Why it issues: A suspected design flaw within the Intel I226-V Ethernet controller is inflicting connectivity interruptions on some Intel z700-series motherboards. It has been reported on a number of boards since late final 12 months that the outage sometimes lasts a number of seconds and happens with out warning. This problem is particular to the Intel 2.5GbE controller on the affected boards and doesn’t have an effect on Realtek, Marvell, or different varieties of onboard controllers.
According to analysis carried out by the TechPowerUp staff, the problem is attributed to the I226-V controller when operating within the default 2.5 GbE state. Short period connection outages happen randomly and might not be observed by some customers, relying on their explicit exercise degree. However, it does have a noticeable affect on any person engaged in duties or actions that require a steady, dependable connection, reminiscent of gaming, streaming, or utilizing any PC-based communication device.
There is presently no recognized resolution to this drawback, and the embedded controller is way from replaceable or repairable for the common person. The staff did report a number of workarounds, together with utilizing the motherboard’s onboard wi-fi capabilities or buying and putting in a PCIe community adapter. Higher tier motherboards may also keep away from this drawback by utilizing any further onboard connectivity choices that will not plug into the identical Intel-based resolution. So far, driver and firmware updates have confirmed ineffective in resolving the problem.
Users who suspect they might be affected can simply confirm any associated warnings utilizing the Windows Event Viewer.Events marked as e2fexpress In the supply column of the viewer, the occasion ID is 27. Clicking on a warning will present further data, particularly named Intel(R) Ethernet Controller I226-V.
The defective controller creates one other stumbling block in Intel’s line of cost-effective however questionable onboard community controllers. The controller’s predecessor, the I225-V, has been recognized to have had some points over the previous few years.Users have reported connection points much like the above, all the way down to connection loss and reported Event Viewer entries quantity 27. Connectivity points with I225-V will be resolved by forcing the adapter to run at 1 GbE.
Unfortunately for 700 collection customers, the 1 GbE workaround doesn’t apply to the I226-V problem. This places homeowners of low- to mid-range motherboards that require a wired connection within the very unlucky place that they might need to spend the additional cash to retain core performance. Hopefully Intel finds a method across the present scenario, as asking customers to purchase one other piece of {hardware} to boost a recognized failing element is tough to swallow.
Image credit score: Steve’s Hardware
