download speed problem

HJBbradders · 03-09-2010, 12:32

Hi,
I don't know whether I am posting this in the right place and whether it's a Post or a Thread, , but here goes.

I have just bought a new PC and am comparing the download/upload speeds with the old one.
The new PC has 3G RAM, the old PC, which takes ages to boot-up, 0.5G RAM.
Both are running XP Pro and are in the same room and both connected wirelessly via a Dlink DIR-615 router (supplied by VM) to a modem downstairs. The old PC is fitted with a Belkin PCI card and has Macaffee A/V on, the new one with AVG, a ZyXel PCI card plus Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller (I have no idea what the latter does, can anyone enlighten me?). I have one monitor, one keyboard and can switch quickly between PCs, so I can compare D/L speeds for the 2 PCs quite quickly.

Puzzle 1: The old PC connects to the Internet almost immediately on boot-up, the new one can take up to 15 minutes to finally establish connection, even though both PCs indicate strong signals from the router. When connected, they do not drop out. Any suggestions?

Puzzle 2: When I connect to the usual speedcheckers (BBSpeedchecker, ThinkBB, etc) the old PC is invariably faster to D/L, but not U/L, than the new one, e.g. old: 8.8M, 458K, c.f. new: 4.2M, 472k ... a big disappointment. Has anyone any suggestions?

How reliable are these data?

I haven't had the lid off the new PC yet, but should I remove the (Chinese) ZyXel and install the Belkin in the new PC?

Is the Realtex a separate PCI card or part of the motherboard?

Finally, I am puzzled that I can see the Belkin if I go to CP/add/remove software, but I can only see the ZyXel in Device manager.

Any suggestions most gratefully received.

Dai · 03-09-2010, 12:50

The Realtec device is probably for a wired connection and is most likely built into the motherboard. You should be able to check this by the position of the ethernet socket on the back of the machine. If it's grouped with the other mobo connectors that will confirm that it's not a separate card.
Most likely the Zyxel card is your wireless card. If that is a separate PCI slotted device then you could consider changing for the Belkin to see if that improves matters.

HJBbradders · 03-09-2010, 18:41

David,
Thanks, I will check that out.
HJBbradders