I just made the switch from Windows to Linux on my new PC, but I've noticed that my WiFi signal and speed are much worse than on my old laptop, even though I'm in the same spot. After doing some research, I ended up confused about wireless extensions and whether my MSi B850 Gaming Plus WiFi 7 motherboard is part of the issue. I've read that many firmware issues were resolved after May 2025, but I'm still seeking some guidance on what to do next. Can someone help me figure this out?
4 Answers
A lot of newer B850 and X870 boards have WiFi controllers that are still getting support in Linux. If you're lucky, you can access the mini-PCIe card and swap it out for something like an Intel AX210, which works well with Linux. But if it's hard to reach, you might have to wait since support will improve over time. Alternatively, consider getting a PCIe or USB WiFi adapter with a more Linux-friendly chipset. I recently switched my laptop's MTK WiFi7 adapter for a Qualcomm one, and it made a huge difference! Just remember, newer hardware often has the poorest support initially, but it gets better as time goes on.
I feel you on that! I wouldn't trust myself with the internal components either. As for support updates, they can vary quite a bit, but often you'll see improvements within a few months, especially for popular chipsets. Check the Arch Wiki; they have a great list on hardware support!
WiFi issues on Linux are often linked to the chipset used. Brands like Mediatek and Broadcom can have tricky support. The best bet is usually to replace the WiFi module with one that's known to work well with Linux. What WiFi chip are you using? Sometimes these chips are hidden beneath the heatsinks on motherboards, which can make replacements a hassle.
It's a Qualcomm model, but I can't recall the exact name right now—it was late last night when I was doing all this digging. I think a USB WiFi adapter will be my go-to until better support for my motherboard comes out.
I’ve had good results with BigLinux, which comes with proprietary drivers that seem to boost speed on my devices. But your mileage may vary based on the hardware you're using.
Just so you know, your motherboard supports 5G full duplex ethernet, which is a big deal. WiFi, including WiFi 7, operates on half duplex, meaning it's never as fast as wired connections. 5G can provide guaranteed 10G throughput, while WiFi's theoretical maximum is impressive but often unattainable in real-world use. If possible, look into getting an ethernet router; it’ll dramatically improve your connection.
I see your point, but I live in an apartment and I think I'd need to connect it to the mainline? My room is far from where the router is, and I can't really drill any holes right now to run a cable without making a mess.
Thanks a lot! I was starting to think I was losing my mind trying to find solutions. I'm not very handy with hardware, so I'll stick to finding a USB WiFi adapter for now. Do you know how long it usually takes for support updates to roll out? I still have my old laptop for now since downloading games at 3 kbps is just painful. Also, is there a good site where I can check for support updates related to my motherboard? I'm using Garuda, which is based on Arch.