Netgear switch speed question - losing 30mb

[PubZombie]

Hi All,
please forgive me if this qualifies as a total newb question - which it most likely does.
I ordered a NETGEAR GS105UK GIGABIT 5Port Switch [LN22356] from scan to replace my aging 3com that was starting to fall over after 13 years of use!!!
I use this to connect my PC and Xbox plus laptop to the network socket in my office wall that is in-turn connected to Virgins super hub2 - on 120mb fibre optic cable connection.
However - if i connect my PC direct to the wall and super hub i get a full 120mb on speedtests; but when using the switch [no other devices connected to the switch or superhub2] I only get 88mb connection.
Is this normal?
Is there anyway to get full speed back and use the switch.
Thanks for your time.
PZ

[herulach]

Which ports are you using, and which lights are lit on each port?

[PubZombie]

hi herulach,
thank you for replying.
the router is plugged into port 1, my pc port 2.
port 1 has the lefthand light on - port 2 has both the left and right which according to the box equals 1000? not sure why the router port on 1 has only the left hand light so i tried port 5 for the router and port 1 for pc - speed test dropped to 66mb.
so went back to the original port 1 and 2.
im runninng an i7920 on a gigabyte GA-X58A-UD5 mobo so i updated the realtek ethernet drivers.
still just getting 88mb.
i only use the single port on the mobo - this port has the option to use dual, but if im getting 120mb when direct to the router im stumped at what it can be.
thanks again for your time.
PZ

[herulach]

are you using the same cables? Thats indicating that you're only connected at 100mb on one of the ports. My money would be on either a dodgy or old cable (cat5 can't do gigabit).

[PubZombie]

jeez that may be the issue -
would explain why the pc cable gets 120 and the old cable i use for the wall to switch doesn't.
will order new cables
cheers
EDIT - just purloined a cable from the wifes laptop bag to test - yes it was cable!!!! Got 120mgb
thank you.
top dude!
Steve