I'm looking for recommendations on the best Wi-Fi card that will work seamlessly with Linux without running into issues. My current card is a Realtek Wi-Fi 6, but I've noticed it doesn't have proper support for any Linux distributions based on my research. Any advice?
3 Answers
Keep in mind that using slightly older hardware (at least 3 years old) usually gives you the best chance of having solid support without hassle. Newer network cards are often hit or miss when it comes to Linux compatibility.
If you’re open to exploring options, check out this GitHub list of Wi-Fi adapters with in-kernel drivers. It’s super comprehensive and often updated. While it's mainly for USB adapters, there are also some good PCIe options listed, so you might find what you need there.
Honestly, I’d recommend going with Intel Wi-Fi cards. They're usually more stable and have better driver support than Realtek. Most Realtek chipsets have drivers in the kernel, but Intel tends to outperform them in Linux environments. Plus, you should avoid the very latest models; sometimes older hardware has better support right out of the box.
Thanks for the tip on Intel cards!