Best Way to Install a PCIe WLAN Adapter When Slots Are Blocked?
Asked by
TechieTurtle123
Hi everyone! I'm trying to install a PCIe WLAN adapter on my B550M DS3H motherboard because I don't have a LAN connection available. The issue is that the appropriate PCIe slot for the adapter is currently blocked by my graphics card, which is a Sapphire PULSE Radeon RX 5600 XT, and an SSD installed in the M.2 slot. Is there any workaround to install the Wi-Fi adapter without using a USB dongle? Appreciate any help!
Answers
Have you checked if the bottom PCIe x16 slot is free? You might be able to fit the WLAN adapter there if your GPU isn't covering it completely.
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For your motherboard, you can definitely use a PCIe x1 card in an x16 slot. If that's blocked too, you're kind of limited. I’d recommend checking if you can get a small PCIe card or adapting an M.2 to PCIe. Just remember, most M.2 slots on your board are not designed for Wi-Fi.
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If your GPU is blocking both available slots, you're probably going to need to either move the GPU or consider a USB Wi-Fi adapter as a last resort. But if you really want to use a PCIe card, a riser cable could help, although it might complicate things under the GPU.
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You nailed it about your motherboard. You'll want to use a PCIe x1 slot for your Wi-Fi adapter if it's available. If not, and the GPU is in the way, sticking with a USB adapter might honestly be your easiest bet.
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