HP Omen 15 (2017 and 2018 Models): 100mbps throttling for RealTek Gigabit LAN Cards [sometimes]

[AffordableMousi]

Realtek Gigabit Ethernet Card Running Stuck at 100Mbps When There are Pending Windows Updates (sometimes), and Problem Resolves Automatically When Windows Updates are Later Applied (at that time, or sometimes at a point in the future).

Notes: This issue affects Most Windows 10 versions (until patched).  Current LAN driver version is 10.27.511.2018 from 5/11/2018 (WHQL version).  System was running smoothly until Windows Updates hit today [showed pending in Windows Update Settings UI when problem started]; I applied all updates and rebooted, but problem is now set (likely until next patch cycle).  Toggling VT and HT cpu features, and TPM, do not affect this issue.  BIOS versions F.04 and F.08 for this model exhibit the exact same behavior.

So, how do I know it is Patch Tuesday?  Easy, when I have Windows Updates pending download or install, sometimes my RealTek Gigabit Ethernet card drops to 100mbps transfer rate (10.5 - 11.4 MB/s) - this may or may not persist after the pending updates are installed and the system is reboot. 

So, how do I know it is Fixed? Either the Windows Updates will apply, I reboot and I am then running at 1Gbps transfer rate (110 - 112 MB/s) again -- or, I have to wait a 1-4+ weeks for HP/Realtek to release their fixed drivers (via Windows Update).

Background

This problem has persisted across the 2017 and 2018 editions of the HP Omen 15 gaming laptops.  I had contacted support a few times, however they wanted me to send the unit in for repair to the depot.  It doesn't make sense to do this though, considering I've identified the problem across multiple models / hardware units with the same model of Realtek Card.

I'm running a Cisco 10GBe LAN Switch and I have the same issue when I've plugged into other gigabit switches (NetGear, Linksys, Motorola, etc).  I have used a variety of certified GBe cables (UTP, STP, Flat).  Long story short -- it's not the cables or the switches or the LAN card itself... it's the drivers.  Also, since no loaner laptop is available there's no way I can send my laptop into the depot for tinkering for this kind of problem -- I use it daily.

There are periods where I have run months without issues, then again -- Windows Update / patch tuesday and this problem springs up.  This problem is more pronounced surrounding major feature / version upgrades.  For example when Windows 10 Pro build 1809 came out, I was stuck with this for 2 weeks before the patched drivers were WHQL certified / released.

"Halp!"

HP and Realtek, please resolve this (drive/release timing) -- your current support KB process is not accurate.  Most hardware manufacturers work with Microsoft to WHQL certify their drivers BEFORE the updates hit, I would like to see you guys do the same for this line of cards.

System Information

CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-8750H CPU @ 2.20GHz

RAM: 16.0 GB

HD1: 256GB SSD V-NAND

HD2: Samsug EVO 1TB SSD

GPU: GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB)

OS: Current Version: Windows 10 Pro (1809) v17763.437

LAN: Realtek Gaming GbE Family Controller

BIOS:  F.08 (VT and HT is enabled on the CPU; TPM is disabled)

Model: 3VT96UA#ABA

System Board: 8467 68.21