I'm using drivers 1.7.44.0 from 2026-02-18 on a Dell Optiplex 7020 and it seems the X610 NIC has issues with Pre-Boot-DMA Protection, as it looses connectivity during boot time.
Disabling said DMA Protection resolves the issue, but I'd like to keep this option on.
Thank you for posting in the Intel Community. We acknowledge receipt of your concern and would like to assure you that assisting you is our top priority. To effectively troubleshoot the issue you're facing, we require some additional information from your end.
Kindly reconfirm the adapter model.
Could you please confirm whether the driver used is from Intel or Dell?
Could you please confirm whether the adapter was purchased separately or pre-installed on the system?
Please confirm whether this behavior was observed after a driver update.
this is a PCIe networking card "Intel® Ethernet Network Adapter E610-XT2"[1] which I added to my Dell Optiplex by myself.
The driver in use is Intel(R) Network Connections Software, Release 31.1 for Windows 11 from 2026-03-01, the driver version and date given above was displayed in my computer management.
Since 31.1 is the latest Intel driver I tried downgrading, but that didn't seem to have any effect.
Regarding this issue, we require additional information from your end:
i) Could you please confirm whether you are attempting a PXE/network boot, or any other pre‑boot or early‑boot network activity, at the time when you see the connectivity loss? Please give us more details.
ii) Kindly share clear pictures of the Ethernet card (showing the full adapter and label)
iii) Please share the NVM firmware version of the adapter (can be collected via SSU logs, you may refer link below on how to generate the SSU log)
We are following up to find out if you were able to find the information we provided. Please reply to confirm, so we can continue helping on a resolution. Looking forward to receiving your reply.
