Realtek’s new RTL8126-CG network card chip is delayed
As the adoption of 5GbE wired networks flourishes, Realtek has readied a new network interface card chip, designated “RTL8126-CG,” intended for integration into motherboards slated for an autumn release, including those from major manufacturers tailored for Intel’s 14th generation Core series on the forthcoming Z790 boards.
According to a report by Tweakers, motherboard manufacturers attending the 2023 Cologne International Gaming Expo highlighted stability concerns regarding the RTL8126-CG. Despite its more attractive pricing, it won’t be featured in the impending new board releases. Notably, at Computex 2023 in June, some vendors showcased products equipped with the RTL8126-CG chip. It seems modifications were made in the interim, reverting to the more familiar RTL8125-BG chip.
Image: Techpowerup
Realtek is currently delving into potential solutions. Nevertheless, it seems improbable that any remedy will be timely for this year’s autumn product launches. Perhaps the wait might extend until next year’s debut of AMD’s Zen 5 architecture or Intel’s Arrow Lake processors. The RTL8126-CG chip employs a PCIe 3.0 x1 interface, boasting a smaller footprint and more competitive pricing than Marvell’s 5GbE or 10GbE chips. It’s understood that the RTL8126-CG was envisioned as a replacement for the RTL8125-BG, rumored to be priced around $5. In contrast, Marvell’s solutions cost approximately four to six times as much, limiting them to higher-end motherboard models.
Historically, Intel’s 2.5GbE network chips, including the i225-V and i226-V, encountered issues like unstable connections, sporadic disconnections, data losses, and performance degradation. This turbulence offered Realtek a golden opportunity, allowing them a significant market share. With the revelation of stability issues surrounding Realtek’s new chip, if left unresolved, it might precipitate the loss of certain orders.
