Is motherboard Wi-Fi stable enough for gaming?

Yes, it can be perfectly usable for gaming and downloads. A motherboard's built-in Wi-Fi isn't inherently worse than a laptop's, though neither guarantees a steady connection. Router quality, distance, obstacles and antenna placement all matter.

Attach the antennas that come with the board and install or update the Wi-Fi drivers if needed. If your laptop already gets a good connection in the same spot, that's an encouraging sign, but the desktop may still perform differently.

Pay attention to the antenna setup. A board with a movable external antenna gives you more options than one stuck directly behind a desktop case. Check reviews for reception rather than assuming a bigger antenna or a higher gain number means better coverage.

You don't have to make this a permanent choice. Try the onboard Wi-Fi first, and if reception or stability isn't good enough, a PCIe Wi-Fi adapter is another option. You could also buy a board without Wi-Fi and add an adapter from the start, depending on the prices and features you want.

Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support is worth considering when comparing boards, but the label alone won't guarantee smooth gaming. A good connection to your router matters more than simply buying the newest standard.