I made a bit of a mistake and got a motherboard that doesn't have built-in WiFi, so I'm currently using a cheap PCIe card from a friend as a temporary fix. The performance isn't great, with speeds only reaching about 2 MB/s on a good day. I'm looking to upgrade but don't know much about what to consider before purchasing a new card. What should I look out for to avoid making another wrong choice? Also, I can't run an Ethernet cable since my router is on a different floor from my PC. Thanks for your help!
3 Answers
When shopping for a PCIe WiFi card, it's typically best to look for one that uses an Intel chip, like the Intel AX210, for reliable performance. I found mine on Amazon and it's made a significant difference in my speeds. The brand doesn’t matter much; just ensure it has that Intel chipset for stability and compatibility.
Consider getting a powerline adapter. If your PC and router are on the same electrical circuit, this option might give you better results than any WiFi card. It uses your home's electrical wiring to extend the network. Just keep in mind it works best on the same circuit.
You might want to consider investing in a WiFi router that supports wireless bridge mode. You'll connect it with a cable to your PC, and it will connect wirelessly to your main router. This setup generally provides much better range and quality than a PCIe WiFi card and saves you from potential driver issues. TP-Link calls this feature 'client mode' if you want to look it up!
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