I'm in the process of building my gaming PC and I've got most of the parts figured out, but I'm debating whether I really need a motherboard with built-in WiFi. Here's what I have so far: Case: GAMDIAS AURA GC2 ELITE, CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X, Motherboard: MSI B650 B650M GAMING WIFI, GPU: Asus DUAL EVO OC GeForce RTX 4060, RAM: Kingston FURY Beast 32GB, CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212, Storage: Kingston NV3 SSDs, Power Supply: NZXT C750, and Monitor: Samsung Odyssey G30D. My internet speed via Ethernet is pretty good (Approx 386 Mbps download). I'm also thinking about dual-booting with Windows 11 Pro and Cashy OS using Ventoy USB. So, would having built-in WiFi actually make a difference for gaming nowadays? Appreciate any thoughts!
4 Answers
The price difference between WiFi and non-WiFi boards isn't that significant—just about $20, generally. If you're deciding between the two, go for the WiFi version. Just keep in mind that not all WiFi chipsets are created equal; I've had issues with the MSI B650's WiFi performance. For the best performance in gaming, low latency is key, so make sure you're comfortable with the chipset quality.
If you have a solid Ethernet connection, it's probably a good idea to stick to that. But if you ever plan to move or rearrange your space, having WiFi can save you hassle. Just make sure your router is also decent enough to handle gaming without lag.
I typically use Ethernet for my PC, but I always opt for motherboards with WiFi when I can. It's only a slight premium (around $20 more), but it's definitely worth it for the versatility and Bluetooth capabilities.
Honestly, having a motherboard with built-in WiFi can be really handy. A lot of them also come with Bluetooth, which is great for connecting controllers and other peripherals. Even if you primarily use Ethernet, having that WiFi option is convenient for future situations where you might not have a wired connection.
If you already have a reliable Ethernet setup, a WiFi motherboard may feel unnecessary. However, I see the value in keeping that option open. If you ever move into a place without Ethernet, you won't be left without internet. It’s worth the minimal extra cost for long-term flexibility.
That's a good point! Do you think WiFi performance is gonna be consistent enough for gaming, or will it add more lag compared to wired?
Generally, good WiFi can be fine for gaming, but wired is usually more reliable and faster. If you can use Ethernet, that’s the way to go for competitive play.
Got it! So, which non-WiFi boards would you recommend? I’m leaning towards what gives me the best bang for my buck.