I just built my first PC with an ASRock B650M HDV/M.2 motherboard, but I have no idea how to connect it to WiFi. I can connect using Ethernet just fine, but do I really need to buy a WiFi card? I noticed that many of them have antennas, which I don't remember my old PC having. My laptop and phone don't have visible antennas either. What should I be looking to purchase to get WiFi working?
4 Answers
You can get a USB WiFi adapter for around 10 bucks. If you’re already using Ethernet, you might not need WiFi anyway, but it’s an easy option to get you online without hassle.
Just a heads up, your phone definitely has an antenna, usually hidden around the edges. Your laptop has one too! Many prebuilt PCs include antennas inside the case, but if you want a reliable signal, getting an external one can help.
You’ll want something like an M.2 WiFi card, but make sure it comes with longer antenna cables if you’re installing it in your PC. Check out the link to the product I found for a good option.
You have a few choices. You could return your motherboard and get one with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, or you could go for a dedicated WiFi card that fits in a PCIe slot. A USB WiFi adapter is another choice, but it might lead to issues like signal loss if you're into gaming. If it were me, I’d suggest the WiFi card for a solid connection.
Are antennas a must-have? I’m just confused since my old PC didn’t have them.