Should I upgrade my motherboard for better WiFi or just get a PCI-E WiFi card?

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Asked By WizardOf4nums On

I've moved to a new house where I can only connect via WiFi, and my current setup isn't cutting it. I've tried WiFi boosters and an Ethernet connection but they performed worse than using WiFi alone. Right now, I'm using a USB WiFi dongle, but I'm experiencing occasional disconnects and ping spikes that I'd like to reduce. Here are my specs: MSI B450 Tomahawk Max motherboard, Ryzen 5 3600 CPU with stock cooler, 16GB DDR4 RAM at 3600MHz, Gigabyte Radeon RX 5700 XT GPU, and a 750W Seasonic Focus GX PSU. I'm not into graphics-heavy gaming, so my GPU is fine. Would it be better to go for a PCI-E WiFi card or upgrade to a B550 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard? Thanks!

3 Answers

Answered By TechSavvyJoe On

It doesn't really make sense to buy a new motherboard just for WiFi. If you're having connection issues, consider getting a PCI-E WiFi card; it's often a quick fix. But if the real problem is a poor router, distance from it, or interference from other networks, a new card won’t necessarily help. Strange that Ethernet would be worse for you, since the only downside is running the cable.

Answered By GamerGuru92 On

I actually use the B550 Tomahawk Max WiFi and it's fantastic! My home internet from Verizon runs smoothly on it, even better than Ethernet to the router in my case. It's a good upgrade considering a decent WiFi card can end up costing nearly the same as the motherboard. Just make sure to get a quality chip; something like an Intel AX210 is well worth it.

CardinalConnection -

True! The PCIe cards and motherboards with WiFi both use an M.2 adapter, but the chip quality can differ. The Intel AX210 is a solid choice for under $30, and it's definitely better than the MediaTek chip that might come with some boards.

Answered By HelpfulHandyman On

I think trying a WiFi card makes more sense, they're usually plug-and-play! Before that, maybe give your router and modem a firmware update. Also, check that your USB dongle is plugged into the fastest USB port. Just keep in mind that if the issue is with your ISP, you might not be able to fix it on your end.

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