Is Ethernet Card replaceable in HP Pavillion Slimline s3200n?

[Basman99]

Hi,

does anyone know if the ethernet card is replaceable in this slimline desktop (Pavillion Slimline s3200n) ? The internet speed is all over the map but mostly slow. It looks likes it's integrated into the motherboard and the speed is only up to 100Mb/s. (10-Base- T Ethernet)

And if it is replaceable, can I replace with a higher standard?

Any other possible options to use or just time to replace the device?

Thanks in advance

Bas

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

The onboard ethernet adapter is an integral part of the motherboard and cannot be removed and upgraded.

The product specs for your PC indicate that the internal PCI slot is occupied, so upgrading to an internal gigabit ethernet adapter is not possible unless you remove whatever is in the slot now...most lilkely is the modem.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01154945

So, if you don't need the modem, you can uninstall it in the device manager, then remove the hardware and install something like this...

https://www.amazon.com/D-Link-DGE-530T-Gigabit-Desktop-Adapter/dp/B0000XKBQU/ref=sr_1_7?hvadid=78408...

[Basman99]

Thanks Paul!

I can confirm that I do not need the modem and it is plugged into the PCI  1 slot.  It looks like there is also a PCI E X16 slot open.

Thank you again.!!

Bas

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You're very welcome, Bas.

I didn't see the PCIe x1 slot listed, so it would be better if you got a gigabit PCIe x1 ethernet adapter.

Of course if you don't need the modem, you can keep the PCIex1 slot free for something else.

[Basman99]

Sorry, I've got another question. I have removed the modem from the PCI slot. My questions are in regards to the PCI E x16 slot. This is listed on the motherboard specs in the link you provided. (The picture below is before I removed the modem)

Expansion slots:

1 PCI (white)

1 PCI E x16 slot for graphics card (black)

If I could install a PCI Express card, would there be any speed or other improvement by installing a PCI Express card versus a PCI card? 

My current internet plan is up to 300Mbps down/20 Mbps up. Windows 8.1, 4GB RAM. Not sure if other factors are involved.

The PCI interface version is 2.2.

Thanks in advance,

Bas

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Bas:

Since you can get a gigabit PCI ethernet adapter, it is kind of a waste using the PCIe x16 slot which is really for a graphics card to use for a PCIe x1 gigabit ethernet adapter.

PCI express is faster than PCI, but a gigabit card is a gigabit card regardless of what slot it goes into.

I was just thinking the modem is wasting resources since you don't use it.

[Basman99]

Thanks again Paul for your recommendation!

Bas

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime, Bas.

Glad to have been of assistance.

Paul