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Need instructions on how to replace Ethernet port

My ethernet port died after a recent power surge. Does anyone know a helpful website that can walk me through replacing it? It's a flat panel 800 MHZ from about 5 years ago.

Posted on Jun 23, 2006 10:06 AM

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19 replies

Jun 23, 2006 12:31 PM in response to Jim Rogalski

Hello,

Just to clarify:

The Ethernet adapter is built-into the logic board (main board) in Macintosh computers.

It's not a separate card that can be replaced like it is on many PC's.

So, you cannot replace a faulty Ethernet port without replacing your computer's main board / logic board. That's going to be more expensive than just buying another computer.

So, your options are new computer or USB Ethernet adapter.

A USB Ethernet adapter is going to plug into one of your USB ports, and act as an Ethernet port.

You need to make sure you get one that is compatible with your version of the Mac OS.

Hope this helps.

Jun 27, 2006 1:36 PM in response to Kyle Omlor

Hello,

USB connection slow down my internet connection?


No, it shouldn't slow it down much if at all.

Most likely (unless you pay for the fastest speed available) your Internet connection to your ISP is still going to be slower than the transfer rate of your USB port.

So, I wouldn't expect to see much performance drop. Most likely, you won't see any change at all.

I set up some other people's network using wireless USB ethernet adapters, and it was about the same speed as their hard-wired network. So, I think you'll be fine.

Jun 28, 2006 8:48 AM in response to mhunter

I just had the same thing happen to me. I was hoping it was my cable modem and replaced it but that wasn't the problem. Went to the local Apple Store and they confirmed it was the logic board. Total cost for parts and labor $430.

They didn't have the part in stock so I brought the computer home, at least I could connect to the web via dial-up but I'm so spoiled with cable modem. So I tried using a USB connection and it worked to my surprise. But I loose the connection sometimes. It's not too bad, just annoying and the speed seems to be just as good.

JK

Jun 30, 2006 5:09 PM in response to Jim Rogalski

Well, it looks like I can join this club too. But in my case it looks like BOTH my ethernet AND my airport got fried. Like you, I first thought maybe the modem/router/switch ... but I plugged the ethernet in to my PowerBook and it works fine. If the ethernet was fried is it likely for the same to happen to airport? Any wireless alternatives ?

Jul 1, 2006 2:47 PM in response to mhunter

I tried a couple of wireless USB pieces and had no luck. I didn't dig into them too deeply as I really prefer to have a faster (ethernet) connection anyway. I wound up purchasing a Linksys Compact USB ethernet adapter (~$30 at Staples), downloaded a Mac driver (from http://sustworks.com/site/newsusbethernet.html) .... and now I'm back in business.

Jul 4, 2006 10:59 AM in response to Geoffrey Parker

Hello Geoffrey,

I probably did not word that right. I was speaking for their speed more than compatibility in my posting.

She was using PC's.

So, I had meant that the Linksys worked fine in that they were fast and had no connection problems.

I guess I had interpreted your statement to mean that you had trouble using them, not that they were incompatible. Perhaps I misinterpreted what you had meant to say.

But, I had not checked their compatibility with a Mac. So, my comments were more related to that they are fast and connect well.

Need instructions on how to replace Ethernet port

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