3Com 3C905CX-TXM network card gets HOT when off!

[Bobot]

What the heck is wrong with these cards?

I am returning them ASAP! I got 15 for a customer to upgrade their network, and I've had a nightmare with them.

First, installing the drivers is a disaster in Win 98. Even after a good install on some computers, another boot caused them to be re-recignized or conflict with other cards.

So then I install one and let it run for a while and feel it while it's running, and the main chip is warm but not too bad. I shut down the computer, but since it is an ATX computer the power supply still is connected to the motherboard. And wow! The chip on the 3Com card immediately heats up like an Intel CPU without a heat sink or cooling fan! I've had 2 get so hot the chip turned brown on top and when you tried to boot the computer just beeps.

I am returning these cards which were "Made in Mexico", but I just can't believe this is normal? The average guy would throw the card in and figure it's OK, till it burns down his damn company!

I was thinking Intel cards? Anybody have any recommendations on good, 100 MBps 10BaseT PCI network cards with good drivers that work in Windows 98?

Thanks for any comments!

- Bob

 

[ANFPS26]

I use NetGear. No problems.... Jim

Please come back and let us know if your
problem is fixed and what fixed it!!

 

[Bobot]

I just wanted to follow up on this problem in case there are others out there going through the same hell as I went through.

Although the problems were caused by defective hardware, I am fairly certain this is NOT a quality assurance problem with 3Com manufacturing and I will continue to buy and use 3Com products. This is a known issue and anyone with any 3Com hardware exhibiting strangeness of any sort should contact 3Com tech support.

On a strangely related note, last month while in New York City I bought what I thought was a genuine gold Rolex watch from a shop for $20. Unfortunately, It stopped working on the trip home. When I called Rolex about warranty and repair information, they asked me some specifics about my problem and the markings and numbers on my watch, and then discreetly informed me that unfortunately my $20 purchase was not an authentic Rolex.

 

[rockerfellerz]

I use d-link 538-tx cards with about 30 comps running win98, 25 bucks each (Canadian) They work great and have never had a problem. If you're going through Hell...keep going... (Winston Churchill)
RocKeRFelLerZ

 

[Grenage]

I'd blame the motherboard rather than the cards to be honest