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ROG STRIX X870-F GAMING WIFI Ethernet Controller I226

Flamezx
Level 7

Hi. 

There is an issue with the built-in network adapter, Intel Ethernet Controller I226-V. The driver from the official Asus website (Intel LAN Driver V2.1.4.3 for Windows 11 (WHQL), Version 2.1.4.3, 2.72 MB, 2024/09/09) is not functioning properly. It consistently disconnects every 3-4 hours of operation on Windows 11 Pro 24h2, and only restarting the adapter temporarily resolves the issue.

On Windows 10 Pro, I had to restart the entire computer to get the internet working again. In both cases, disabling the power-saving mode did not help. I also tried installing another driver dated 20.02.2024, but the issue persisted, though the disconnects occurred every 6-8 hours on Windows 11 Pro 24h2.

I purchased the motherboard less than a month ago. I need the internet for work, and I've been facing this problem for three weeks now. This has caused significant issues for me since a stable connection is essential for my job. Without it, I've lost income, which is incredibly frustrating. It's disappointing that a motherboard marketed as premium performs like a cheap product, all because the developers can't ensure proper system functionality.

If anyone has encountered a similar issue, please share how you resolved it.

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6 REPLIES 6

BDrummy
Level 7

Not helpful but same issue here. have tried several drivers and disabling crap in the network drivers, very frustrating.

DubbyMcDubs
Level 7

I also have the same issue with my Z790 DARK HERO. This is an issue with the I226 which Intel have said requires an NVM firmware update 2.22 for the chipset in addition to running the current drivers. The problem is that Intel will not issue the I226 NVM firmware update 2.22 to the public and it is only available from hardware manufacturers. So its up to ASUS to give it to us. This is all documented and reported in the following threads:

ASUS PLEASE GIVE US THE NVM UPDATE  2.22 OR GREATER !!!!!!

https://community.intel.com/t5/Ethernet-Products/Intel-R-Ethernet-Contoller-I226-V-connection-drop-f...

https://community.intel.com/t5/Ethernet-Products/I225-226-series-network-card-and-a-strange-mofcomp-...

https://forum.opnsense.org/index.php?topic=40556.0

 

Flamezx
Level 7

Guys, I solved the problem, published an article https://www.reddit.com/r/computer/comments/1ienzk9/fixing_network_disconnects_packet_loss_on_intel/?..., hope it helps you.

DubbyMcDubs
Level 7

There is no content on your reddit post.

Flamezx
Level 7

Fixing Network Disconnects & Packet Loss on Intel I226-V
🔥 The Problem
I recently bought an Asus ROG Strix X870-F Gaming motherboard and ran into a huge issue – constant network disconnects, lag, and packet loss due to the Intel I226-V network chip.

After a lot of frustration and troubleshooting, I finally found a working solution to make the connection stable.

🛠 ASUS Support's solution?
They simply suggested reinstalling the BIOS 🤡.
That’s a lazy and useless response that doesn’t actually solve anything.

🛑 Intel I226-V – The Flawed Network Chip
The Intel I226-V is a problematic network controller, released in 2022.

🟠 Key Specs:

Interface: PCIe 3.0 x1

Speed: 2.5GbE (supports 1Gb and 100Mb)

Common Issues: Disconnects, packet loss, Auto-Negotiation failures

💀 Known Issues:
Frequent disconnects (especially under load)
Speed drops from 2.5Gb → 1Gb or even 100Mb
Conflicts with PCIe and unstable drivers
Auto-Negotiation doesn't work correctly

👎 Manufacturers KNOW about this, but keep using the faulty chip!

How to Fix the Network Disconnects (Step-by-Step Guide)
💡 These steps worked for me and many others!

1️⃣ Disable Auto-Negotiation and Set a Fixed Speed
Problem: The chip keeps changing speeds, causing instability.
✔ Solution: Manually set a fixed speed.

📌 How to do it:

Win + X → Device Manager

Expand Network Adapters → Intel(R) Ethernet Controller I226-V

Go to Properties → Advanced

Find Speed & Duplex → Set a fixed speed:

If your router supports 2.5Gbps → 2.5 Gbps Full Duplex🔻 If you have packet loss → 1.0 Gbps Full Duplex⚠ As a last resort → 100 Mbps Full Duplex

2️⃣ Disable Unnecessary Features That Cause Lag
📌 Go to Device Manager → Network Adapter → Advanced Tab

Disable (Set to Disabled):
✔ Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) – power-saving mode can cause instability
✔ Interrupt Moderation – reduces latency (important for gaming and VoIP)
✔ Large Send Offload (IPv4/IPv6) – prevents packet fragmentation issues
✔ Wake on Magic Packet / Pattern Match – unnecessary Wake-on-LAN features

3️⃣ Check for Packet Loss
📌 Open Win + R → cmd and run these commands:

Check Ping to Router (if there’s loss, your local network is the issue):

ping 192.168.1.1 -n 100

Check Ping to the Internet (if there’s loss here, your ISP is the problem):

ping 8.8.8.8 -n 100

If your router connection is fine, but you still lose packets online, your ISP might be the issue.

4️⃣ Optimize PCIe Settings in BIOS
📌 If disconnects still happen, adjust PCIe mode.

Enter BIOS (Del or F2 during boot).

Go to Advanced → PCIe Configuration.

Change PCIe Auto → PCIe Gen 3.

Save settings and restart your PC.

Why does this help?
Intel I226-V doesn’t work well with PCIe Gen 4/5 – forcing it to Gen 3 improves stability.

📌 Final Results
No more network disconnects
Packet loss is reduced / eliminated
Stable connection at full speed

💬 If you had the same issues, try these steps and let me know if they helped!
👍 Share this guide so more people can fix Intel I226-V bugs! 🚀

🔄 Alternative Solutions (If the Problem Persists)
1️⃣ Buy an External Network Adapter

PCIe Realtek RTL8125B (Best choice, no Intel bugs)

USB Realtek RTL8156 (If no free PCIe slots available)

2️⃣ Update Intel I226-V Firmware

Intel releases NVM firmware updates, but they don’t always fix the problem.

Download from Intel’s official site.

3️⃣ Change Ethernet Cable (If using Cat 5e)

For 2.5GbE, use Cat 6 or higher.

🚀 Final Advice
🔴 Next time you buy a motherboard – CHECK what network chips it has!
💰 Don’t fall for marketing tricks – read reviews, tests, and real user experiences!

DubbyMcDubs
Level 7

These steps didnt work for me. We really need the NVM update.