Could My Hardware Be Slowing Down My Download Speeds?

Outdated hardware likely plays a big role here. If you're using an older PC, consider upgrading your network card to a newer one that supports Wi-Fi 6 and Ethernet. Make sure you’re plugged directly into the router—if you're using an extender, it could hold back your speeds. Given your setup, an upgrade is probably necessary if you're still seeing low speeds with a gigabit connection.

Try downloading Speccy to check your Ethernet settings. Make sure your router and modem are up to snuff, and ensure your Ethernet cable is at least Cat 5e or higher—lower grades can definitely cause interference. There are lots of factors at play here!

What kind of hardware are you using? Understanding your setup is crucial. Also, how exactly are you testing your download speeds? They can only be as fast as the slowest link in the chain. If the source you're downloading from is limited to 30 Mbps, then that's what you'll get! Make sure your Ethernet cable is connected directly to the router for better performance.

Yes, bad hardware can definitely be a factor. I've noticed that Windows sometimes limits speeds to 100 Mbps, so make sure your settings are optimized for gigabit speeds if your motherboard supports it. Additionally, you need adequate CPU and RAM to handle incoming data. And don't forget about storage—if you're using a mechanical drive, it might not keep up with gigabit speeds either!

Several things can impact your download speeds:
1. The actual speed you're paying for.
2. The speed at which the server you're downloading from is able to provide.
3. Your router and the Ethernet cable connecting it to your computer.
4. Your computer's hardware itself.

Check your router's settings for the reported connection speed; that can give you a good starting point to diagnose the issue.