I installed a TP-Link Wi-Fi 6E PCIe card with an Intel AX210 chipset in an older gaming PC that now belongs to my friend. The antennas are attached and I installed the appropriate drivers, including restarting the computer several times. However, the PC either has a very weak connection or cannot connect to the home network at all. The only reliable connection so far is the phone's mobile hotspot. The computer is upstairs and the router is downstairs, although other devices in the house work normally from that area. Could this be a range issue, a setup problem, or possible motherboard compatibility issue?
3 Answers
Since the drivers are already installed, first separate the symptoms: does the computer see the home Wi-Fi but fail to connect, or does it connect with poor internet performance? Check whether it receives an IP address, then try pinging the router’s gateway address. That helps show whether the problem is the wireless link itself or the internet connection beyond the router.
Try moving the antennas into a clear, upright position and make sure they are connected to the card rather than blocked behind the case or furniture. Also test the router’s 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks separately. The 2.4 GHz band usually reaches upstairs better, while 5 GHz can be faster but weaker through floors and walls.
Check the motherboard and card installation as well. The card should be fully seated in the PCIe slot, and its internal USB cable—if the model includes one for Bluetooth—should be connected. If the computer uses an AMD motherboard, update the motherboard chipset and BIOS too; that is not guaranteed to be the cause, but it can help rule out PCIe or compatibility problems.
The card is detected and the drivers installed successfully, so I’ll check the motherboard updates and test the different Wi-Fi bands next.