Intel I226-V And Disconnects on Z790. About to return everything.

[XEXE]

12900k

Z790 Ace

96Gb DDR5

Windows 11 Up to date

Ethernet disconnects for fun whenever it feels like it. Sometimes I'll be on WiFi and not even have a reason why. 

I have read up all over the internet about this issue and looked into which version chip I have(Revision 04) and STILL this issue persists. I have update to the most recent version of the drivers on MSI's website:(Intel Network Drivers2.1.3.32023-03-010.72 MB) and Intel Driver Update utility also says it's the most up to date version. I have reinstalled Windows. Tried different ports.

This is the most insane thing I have ever seen from intel. You would think that something as fundamental as ethernet would not be so screwed up! I was using a z87 board and 4670K before thinking that it was long enough to upgrade. And *this* is what I am met with? I heard about the issues with the I225-V and didn't bother upgrading then. Now it's the same with the I226-V?

Is there a proper and actual working solution to this ongoing problem or am I to return everything and stick with my old PC until intel gets their act together or AMD provides a board with Realtek/Marvell chipset instead?

[B_Y]

Hello @XEXE,

Thank you for posting in Intel Ethernet Communities.

We are sorry to hear about the bad experience with I226-V network controller. Let's see how we can help from here on.

Kindly provide the following information for us to check on your issue.

1.) System Support Utility(SSU) log of your system. This will allow us to check your Adapter details (network controller's driver and firmware version) and configuration. This would also help us identify if you are using an OEM or retail version of Intel Ethernet Adapter. Kindly refer to the steps below.

a- Go to https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25293/Intel-System-Support-Utility-for-Windows-?product=91600 and download the software.

b- Open SSU.exe

c- Mark the box "Everything" and then click "Scan".

d- When finished scanning, click "Next".

e- Click on "Save" and attach the file to a post.

2.) May I know if you mind to share the detail of your router/broadband such as model ?

3.) Did the issue only occurred on LAN/wired network connection? Did it happened on both LAN port of motherboard?

Looking forward to your response.

Best regards,

BY_Intel

Intel Customer Support

[XEXE]

The modem is an XB7 modem and it happens on both ports. Even from a cold boot it sometimes won't even show any lights despite BIOS being up to date and drivers as well. Even viewer shows it disconnecting often as well.

• Model Numbers: CGM4331COM and TG4482A
• Friendly Model Name: XB7
• Gb Ethernet Ports: 4
• Dual-Band WiFi Option: Yes
• 2.4GHz Connected Client Limit: 75
• 5GHz Connected Client Limit: 75
• Maximum Data Throughput: 2.5 Gbps
• WPS (WiFi Protected Setup): Yes
• Gateway / Network Management Tool (http://10.0.0.1 Yes
• Xfinity xFi Eligible: Yes
• Xfinity xFi Advanced Security: Yes
• Xfinity app Activation: Yes
• Two Total Telephone Ports: Yes (separate Alarm Port)
• Battery Backup Capability (Xfinity Voice Only): Yes
  • The xFi Advanced Gateway (XB7 and higher) is the only device currently offering a backup battery for purchase (non-EPON)
• Link Cordless Phones (CAT-iq 2.0*): Yes
• Home Hotspot Capable: Yes
• Compatible With Xfinity Home Pro Protection: Yes
• Compatible With Xfinity Home Self Protection: Yes
• Compatible With Xfinity Storm-Ready WiFi: Yes

[XEXE]

Wow!
I just realized why I had been struggling so much the past week trying to get wake on lan to work on the computer, whereas with the Z87 based system, I had no issues.

The freaking Ethernet ports shut off when the computers turned off! Even though the BIOS had wake on lan turned on, half the time it will just shut off the ports! And here I was trying different cables, routers, ports to try and get it working consistently!

I should've realized this sooner, because it's always a roll of the dice whether the Ethernet will even work when I boot into Windows. I often find myself on freaking WiFi for no reason and have to go into control panel, network settings, adapter settings and disable the adapter(s), re-enable them, before they actually turn on, the lights show and Windows says the cable is connected again.

I am in utter shock at the quality of product being released here by Intel. Is this even the same company I built every single system in the past on? How can Ethernet be such a disaster not once, but twice now?! I see I225-V owners struggling all over the internet and here we are, I226zV and same problems still?

Please tell me if there is a permanent fix for this or if all this should be returned. I can't be struggling with basic things like this.

[B_Y]

Hello @XEXE,

We are apologize as unable to resolve this issue immediately.

Please try the following steps to see if they help your problem:

1) You can do clean driver installation here (the written steps are for Windows® 10, which is the same for Windows® 11)

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000058304/ethernet-products.html

And install the latest driver from msi, Intel Network Drivers 2.1.3.3: 

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MEG-Z790-ACE/support#driver

2) You can also try to disable or change the values for mentioned property with the following steps to test:

a. Open Device Manager.

b. Double-click Network adapter: Intel(R) Ethernet Controller I226-V

c. Click on the "Advanced" tab, change values for following property-

- Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) to "Off"

- Ultra Low Power Mode to "Disabled"

- Flow control to "Disabled"

- Speed & Duplex to "Auto Negotiation"

- Large Send Offload V2 (IPv4): "Disabled"

- Large Send Offload V2 (IPv6): "Disabled"

- TCP Checksum Offload (IPv4): "Disabled"

- TCP Checksum Offload (IPv6): "Disabled"

- UDP Checksum Offload (IPv4): "Disabled"

- UDP Checksum Offload (IPv6): "Disabled"

Since the Intel® Ethernet Controller I226-V is embedded on Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) system, it's best to check with the manufacturer as the software drivers linked from Intel page are generic versions, and can be used for general purposes. To avoid any potential installation incompatibilities on OEM system, Intel recommends checking with the OEM and use the software provided via MSI Support. 

Best regards,

BY_Intel

Intel Customer Support

[XEXE]

I have had 2.1.3.3 installed from the very beginning, manually downloaded from MSI's website, automatically downloaded from MSI installer utility. Same issues.

I have also tried what you suggested above, still getting disconnects.

At this point it doesn't make sense to continue with this debacle. Spending $1000 on a motherboard and $600 on a 12900K, only to be met with basic functionality not working is abhorrent. I will return both products and purchase an AMD board with a Marvell ethernet controller.

Thank you for trying, I understand you're just doing your job as an employee. The company you work for has clearly lost its way though.

[B_Y]

Hello @XEXE,

Sorry to bother you, we saw the driver version: 2.1.1.14 from the log. Perhaps, the MSI installer utility didn't install or update it correctly. It’s recommended to update driver through the device manager instead of using exe file: Extract the downloaded driver: Intel_Network_inf_w11.zip and browse it from device manager.

Last but not least, please accept our heartfelt apologies and may I suggest you contact MSI support for additional assistance. Please let us know if we can be any assistance from here?

Best regards,

BY_Intel

Intel Customer Support

[B_Y]

Hello @XEXE,

I hope this message finds you well. I am just sending a follow up if you have any questions from the previous post. If so, please let us know. Thank you.

Best regards,

BY_Intel

Intel Customer Support

[B_Y]

Hello @XEXE,

Please be informed that we will now close this request since we haven't received any response from our previous follow ups. Just feel free to post a new question if you may have any other inquiry in the future as this thread will no longer be monitored.

Best regards,

BY_Intel

Intel Customer Support 

[Hsbsh]

Well... i226 was defective. I think new Asus Apex Encore did not even use I226 because of this. Anyway, it is simple to fix. Just do not use a router, but a true switch.

[KANET_PB]

I have a similar problem with the MB STRIX B760-I GAMING WIFI. The card keeps disconnecting. I am sending the output from Intel Support Utility and Event LOG windows 10.