As we usher in the new year, having a reliable and fast internet connection has never been more important. With the rise of remote work, online learning, and streaming services, a fast and stable Wi-Fi connection is a necessity. And for those looking to upgrade their desktop computers or custom builds to the wireless world, a PCI-e Wi-Fi card is the way to go.
However, not all Wi-Fi cards are created equal, and it’s easy to end up with a card that doesn’t cater to your needs. But fear not, as we’ve got you covered. We’ve scoured the market for the best PCI-e Wi-Fi cards available in 2023 and have narrowed it down to five awesome options that will welcome your build to the wireless world.
Our Best 5 Picks For PCI-e WiFi Card
TP-Link Archer T6E
This card offers speedy connection with 876 and 400 Mbps connection speeds that eliminate lag. Its extended range also gives you greater freedom of movement. And with a bulky heat sink, connection stability is increased. Plus, it comes at a great value for money.
Rosewill N300
It offers reliable Wi-Fi for less than $20. This discrete card doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb and allows you to set up shop far away from your router with its external antennas. However, with a 300 Mbps connection speed and no thermal solution, it may get hot when pushed, which could destabilize the connection.
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ASUS PCE-AC88 AC3100
For those looking for speed and power, the ASUS PCE-AC88 AC3100 Wi-Fi card may be your best bet. It offers a speedy 2100 and 1000 Mbps connection, making it one of the fastest cards on the market. Its quad MU-MIMO also supports four individual Wi-Fi connections, and the low profile bracket makes installation on SFF builds a breeze. However, it doesn’t come cheap and requires a 64-bit operating system.
Ubit AX
The Ubit AX is another great option, with connection speeds of 2402 and 574 Mbps. It also has Bluetooth 5.1, which allows for extremely low latency communication between the computer and wireless peripherals, and OFDMA to speed up network interaction of multiple connections. Plus, its dual external antennas provide decent range. But, like the Rosewill N300, it lacks a thermal solution, so cooling may be a priority.
TP-Link Archer TX3000E
Last but not least is the TP-Link Archer TX3000E. This Wi-Fi 6 card offers the fastest connection speeds yet and has a separate antenna stand to saturate a greater area with Wi-Fi signal. Its Bluetooth 5 also allows for uber-fast data transfer between computer and peripherals, and its MU-MIMO and OFDMA make simultaneous connections fast and stable. It also has a dedicated heat sink that handles heat incredibly well, but it comes with a higher price tag than the Ubit AX.
When choosing a PCI-e Wi-Fi card, it’s important to consider the bandwidth and range you need. More or better quality antennae can help boost coverage, especially if you’re far away from the router. And while USB Wi-Fi adapters are a common alternative, PCI-e Wi-Fi cards tend to be faster and more powerful, thanks to their direct connection to the motherboard.
A quality Wi-Fi card can make a huge difference to your computing experience. Not only does it free you up to set your computer up anywhere in the building without the need for a physical connection to the router, but it also provides stable connections to the network. And remember, a Wi-Fi card doesn’t give you Wi-Fi, but it allows your device to receive the signal emitted by your router and boost its range.
In conclusion, with one of these awesome PCI-e Wi-Fi cards, stable Wi-Fi is just a hook up away. As long as you consider your specific needs and budget, any of the five options we’ve listed will make a great addition to your build. So, say goodbye to unstable connections and hello to fast and reliable Wi-Fi in 2023.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s the top PCIe WiFi card?
Our top pick for the best PCIe Wi-Fi network card for range is the TP-Link Archer TX3000E. With a reliable range, this network card eliminates the worry of losing connection when your router is on the other side of the house.
Is PCIe WiFi faster than USB?
PCI-e WiFi cards are generally faster and more powerful than USB WiFi adapters. USB wireless adapters usually don’t come with external antennas, so they may not receive as strong a signal as PCIe cards. Many people have reported seeing lower speeds with USB adapters as well.
What kind of PCI-e Wifi card should I get?
Choose a PCI-e WiFi card that maximizes your primary network connection. Matching the bandwidth is an important aspect of this process. You should also consider the range you’ll need from the card. Do you need to connect from a room far away from the router or just a few feet away? A WiFi card with better quality antennas can help improve your coverage.
Are PCI-e WiFi cards better than USB?
PCI-e WiFi cards are generally faster and more powerful than USB WiFi adapters. They plug directly into your motherboard, which eliminates the latency of a USB adapter having to transfer data through the I/O to your main board. Even if they both had direct access to the motherboard, the PCI-e card would still be more efficient since PCI-e is faster than USB in the first place.
Do WiFi cards make a difference?
Yes, a quality WiFi card can make a big difference to your computing experience. Firstly, you don’t need a physical cable connecting you to your router, giving you more freedom to set up your computer anywhere in the building. Secondly, they often provide such a stable connection to the network that people use them in place of the integrated WiFi in their motherboards.
Does a WiFi card give you WiFi?
A WiFi card doesn’t give you WiFi. The WiFi signal is drawn from your main router. A WiFi card simply allows your device to receive the WiFi signal that’s already being emitted by your router. WiFi cards can also boost the range of your router’s WiFi signal, allowing you to access it from further away.
