Multiple NICs failing

[HIESLanMan]

I'm having a problem with NICs failing on my network. Out of about 150 PCs, I usually have to replace about one a week. I'm using mostly SMC cards, but I've also had others fail (3com, compaq, and others). We've had electrical problems in the past, since the campus is the highest point in the near vicintiy and tends to attract lightning. However, the NIC failure doesn't seem to be related to stormy weather. Also, we have a number of buildings, and the problem seems to be spread evenly among them. The cards are definately nonfunctional after I replace them. Anyone have any ideas what could be causing this? I don't know what the normal life of a NIC is, but this is rediculous! I've gone through about thirty cards since April!

[AtomicPCs]

Welcome to a network. Hehe. I would suggest a surge protection on every PC. Nics are very picky about sugres.

[Cable Modem Tech]

I agree with the last post, we have has several instances where a surge will pass through the cable modem leaving it unharmes and fry the NIC to bits.... Are you able to see any discoloration on the bad NICS indicating a strike or surge....

[Joker1]

Some times you may just get a bad 'batch' of nics. This might be the case. Nics are definitely the one peice of hardware thats produced in greatest quantity over other expansion cards.

I recommend RMAing them back to where ever you got them and waiting to see if it passes.
(Only the bad ones ofcourse)

[HIESLanMan]

These are all good ideas. I can't find any indication of physical damage to the NICs. There are no 'burn marks' or anything like that. Also, these NICs have all worked for a reasonable period of time prior to failing and were ordered and installed over a long period, so I would think it unlikely that I had a bad batch. If it is a surge problem, then it is only striking 1-2 NICs out of many each time. I haven't had any problem with switches or hubs so far. I don't have any real surge protection on my switches, though, so it is possible a surge could get through.

[msn_tech]

I've had nics last years and some only minutes. I'd suggest having your power checked and putting a surge arrestor on each pc. The nic replacement stopped where I work when I did a little power management. My work is in an industrial park, so powere surges are an everyday event. A $6 surge strip per pc is usually cheaper than replacing nic's.

[HIESLanMan]

Thanks msntech. At $6 a pop, I MIGHT be able to convince my boss to cough up the dough That would be a good idea, even if it doesn't help the NICs.