Internet Downloading Speed - Mbps.

[LKlosky]

What is the 'realistic' internet download speed for the HP Desktop PC Model s5-1114? Product specs say 1000 Mbps - is this capability realistic, or is some slower speed more likely, day-to-day? Notes: (1) Our PC has not had any hardware changes since it was purchased; (2) Our Modem has been speed tested at 400+Mbps, but speed tests on the PC show only 100Mbps or less. Many thanks.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

What is the actual connection speed the ethernet adapter is connecting at?

To find that out, go to the Windows control panel>Network & Internet>Network & Sharing Center.

Click on the ethernet connection showing up under the View your active networks section.

It should show a speed of 1 GB/S.  If it only shows 100 MB/S, you may want to try a cat 6 ethernet cable if you do not have one installed now.

You can also try updating the ethernet driver to the latest version available on the Realtek website.

Download, unzip and run the setup application from the W10 driver at the link below...

Realtek PCI GBE Ethernet Family Controller Software - REALTEK

[LKlosky]

The guidance for checking the Internet download speed on the HP Desktop PC Model s5-1114C led to success. As expected, the Control Panel on the PC contained the speed information, which was found by following the Paul_T guidance provided. Many thanks.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

[itsmyname]

@LKlosky -- if you are getting 100 Mbps, take a very close look at the printing along  the length of the Ethernet cable.

If you see "CAT 5e", that cable is capable of 1000 Mbps.

If you see "CAT 6" or "CAT 8", that cable is capable of faster-than-1000 Mbps.

But your actual speed depends on what speed specified in the contract between you and your Internet Service Provider. 

But, if you see "CAT 5", its maximum speed is exactly 100 Mbps, as you have observed.

In this case, replace the Ethernet cable with a "CAT 5e" cable, to get the full speed that you are paying for.

Also, note that "1000" is a large power of 10.

If you run a Speed Test, you may get "940" Mbps, because 940 is reported as a very-large power of 2.

Compare to measuring in metric or in yards. One meter is 39.37 inches, which is slightly larger than one yard.