Can Anyone Recommend A Dencent Wireless Network Adapter (PCI)?

[TubeTote]

My business and light gaming rig has an ASUS P5Q-EM LGA 775 Intel G45, which at this point has one PCI slot and one PCI-E x1 slot available. The location of the regular PCI slot is a bit more convenient for putting a low profile card, as the graphics card fan would blow most of the air right over it. The location of the PCI-E x1 slot is behind the graphics card, which is still accessable but there are lots of wires there and I would rather avoid this...unless PCI-E network adapters are much better that ones that go into a regular PCI slot. Obviously, I know very little about this subject. I get confused when I read all the different specs on the networking cards. I just want a reliable card that will work with both Windows 7 and XP, will hopefully be low profile, and fit into a regular PCI slot. I'm not interested in USB network adapters. Anyone have any recommendations? Thank you in advance.

EDIT: just realized that I can't change the typo in the title!

 

[JackMDS]

Edimax - PCI http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833315041

Driver/Utility for Windows 98SE/Me/2K/XP/XP 64/Vista/Vista 64

http://www.edimax.us/html/english/frames/b-download.htm

 

[TubeTote]

Thank you for the recommendation, that looks pretty decent, but another question comes to mind...

What does the b/g/n and all that mean? I was told that the later the letter of the alphabet, the better the card? Can anyone put this into plain english?

 

[her209]

Thank you for the recommendation, that looks pretty decent, but another question comes to mind...

What does the b/g/n and all that mean? I was told that the later the letter of the alphabet, the better the card? Can anyone put this into plain english?

The letter references the RFC number. In other words, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n. Each "version" improves on the previous version and increases the maximum transmission speed.

 

[Googer]

Any CISCO Aironet PCI adapter will work lightyears better than anything in the run of the mill best buy inventory.

http://www.google.com/products?q=cisco+aironet+pci&hl=en&aq=f
http://www.google.com/products?q=cisco+aironet+pci+a/b/g&hl=en&scoring=p
http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGLS_enUS323US323&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=AIR-PI21AG-A-K9

 

[COPOHawk]

I'm not interested in USB network adapters.

Why not? The upside is that USB adaptors are more plentiful and you can typically position them for better signal...unlike the PCI cards.

Plus...you can transfer it to a different computer when you feel like it.

 

[ecom]

I bought one of these for about $13 shipped (including tax) about a month ago.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833166038

Works decent and though it doesn't mention it, it includes a LP bracket. Nice surprise since I wasn't expecting one and and was just going to stick it in the PCI slot. Works with Win7 64 in case you need that.

 

[Googer]

Why not? The upside is that USB adaptors are more plentiful and you can typically position them for better signal...unlike the PCI cards.

Plus...you can transfer it to a different computer when you feel like it.

You have to be kidding.

USB network adapters suffer from latency that is twice as high as a native PCI card. With a PCI card you have the option of using a bigger badder antenna which will allow you to potentially receive signals all the way from New York to the Moon.

 

[JackMDS]

While in General PCI is better than USB there are circumstances that it is better to use USB that can be extended with a USB cable, and placed above the system

When the PCI Antenna id stuck down close to the floor between the Metal Tower and the wall, and the Antenna can not be extended, use USB.

The Big advantage of the PCI card that I link to early in the thread is that it comes with independent extended Antenna.

.

 

[TubeTote]

While in General PCI is better than USB there are circumstances that it is better to use USB that can be extended with a USB cable, and placed above the system

When the PCI Antenna id stuck down close to the floor between the Metal Tower and the wall, and the Antenna can not be extended, use USB.

The Big advantage of the PCI card that I link to early in the thread is that it comes with independent extended Antenna.

.

Yeah...I am wanting some freedom with the antenna, since it will be important to have good signal on this machine. The other reason I am not wanting the USB type is simple space issues...not a lot of room on the back of the machine with what is already there (this is SSF). I could use a front port but it would look hideous and could potentially get knocked around. I do have a USB wireless adapter that is used in the less important bedroom computer (it works OK, but not as good as I would like). For this machine, I definately want PCI, and it will need to work with Windows 7 32.

Thanks for the input...though they are pricey, I'm liking the forementioned Cisco models.

 

[Tsavo]

I have the Eidimax with the external antenna and I can recommend it without reservations.

Excellent product.

 

[Googer]

While in General PCI is better than USB there are circumstances that it is better to use USB that can be extended with a USB cable, and placed above the system

When the PCI Antenna id stuck down close to the floor between the Metal Tower and the wall, and the Antenna can not be extended, use USB.

The Big advantage of the PCI card that I link to early in the thread is that it comes with independent extended Antenna.

.

So if you are saying that adding a usb exension cable (12ft max) will give you better range? It may give you access to an unobsturcted signal but it wont provide any signal gain from it's tiny integrated antenna. The photo you provided from newegg with the adapter, antenna, and LONG CABLE makes your own argument moot. You can buy or make your own antenna extension cable (>12ft) or buy a larger more powerful aftermarket antenna for your PCI based 802.11x. Buffalo is just one of many that makes such antennas.


http://www.buffalotech.com/products/wireless/wireless-accessories/65-dbi-high-gain-omni-antenna/
http://cantenna.com/
http://www.wirelessgardenstore.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=3&Redirected=Y
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...4&name=Antenna
http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCateg...ss-Accessories

USB provides:
Less Flexibility
Less usable bandwidth
Less Signal
Higher CPU overhead
Higher Latency
And in my experience, problems with holding a good signal.

 

[JackMDS]

Enthusiasts are wonderful. They only have one Ego issue. They tend to be "Self Centered" around what they have and how they like to do their own things.

The existence of other ideas is like attacking what they have/use/plan to buy.

There are people who have only one USB and they can plug into their different computers as needed and can afford more Wireless gizmos.

Others can be stuck with one of the PCIs that does not let itself to change Antenna (and I can think about other scenarios as well).

I am just trying to be flexible in "painting" different solutions. I can not care less about what others at the end up with, it is their choice.

.

 

[Emulex]

i've had horrible experiences with pci wifi - not sure if its bad drivers or bad design - the usb ones were stable - 64 bit (7/2008) - maybe things have changed? anyone care to input?

specifically 64 bit windows 7 or windows 2008/R2..

 

[JackMDS]

I have about s5 PCI wirelesses cards of different manufacturers and 5 USBs, 5 PCMCIA, and few Laptops with integrated Wireless.

Inherit in the way they are constructed and working the I can say that PCI with good Antenna is better than the other types.

However, I have one USB (a simple Netgear) that works better than two of the PCI.

Trying to look for an easy "Holy Grail" along the line of the "Best Brand", or USB is better that PCI (or vice versa) is quit useless.

There variables that are more important (or at least on a same level) in the making of a choice then Brand, or Bus.

I frequently recommend the Edimax PCI, or the Edimax USB with the external Antenna (if USB is a must).

There is a reason for these choices and one of them is the existence of a page like this.

http://www.edimax.us/html/english/frames/b-download.htm

One straight table with x32 and x64 drivers for all active version of Windows


Most of the “Big Brand Names” see their support pages as one more space for Marketing Push rather than just providing decent and easy to find support.

You will not see me recommending anything else Edimax.

I am sure that everyone here is already bored from my Buffalo HP Wireless Router “Song and dance”.


Do you see me recommending anything else Buffalo?

Choices have to be differential if One is looking for Honest answers.


.

 

[Googer]

i've had horrible experiences with pci wifi - not sure if its bad drivers or bad design - the usb ones were stable - 64 bit (7/2008) - maybe things have changed? anyone care to input?

specifically 64 bit windows 7 or windows 2008/R2..

It was probably driver. My experiences have been positive and when it comes to buying any WiFi equipment, brand and model matter. You do get what you pay for.

 

[Googer]

I have about s5 PCI wirelesses cards of different manufacturers and 5 USBs, 5 PCMCIA, and few Laptops with integrated Wireless.

Inherit in the way they are constructed and working the I can say that PCI with good Antenna is better than the other types.

However, I have one USB (a simple Netgear) that works better than two of the PCI.

Trying to look for an easy "Holy Grail" along the line of the "Best Brand", or USB is better that PCI (or vice versa) is quit useless.

There variables that are more important (or at least on a same level) in the making of a choice then Brand, or Bus.

I frequently recommend the Edimax PCI, or the Edimax USB with the external Antenna (if USB is a must).

There is a reason for these choices and one of them is the existence of a page like this.

http://www.edimax.us/html/english/frames/b-download.htm

One straight table with x32 and x64 drivers for all active version of Windows


Most of the “Big Brand Names” see their support pages as one more space for Marketing Push rather than just providing decent and easy to find support.

You will not see me recommending anything else Edimax.

I am sure that everyone here is already bored from my Buffalo HP Wireless Router “Song and dance”.


Do you see me recommending anything else Buffalo?

Choices have to be differential if One is looking for Honest answers.


.

Cut the BS, buy only cisco brand host adapters. They'll work under some of the harshest conditions and hold on to their connections.

 

[Tsavo]

Cut the BS, buy only cisco brand host adapters. They'll work under some of the harshest conditions and hold on to their connections.

You forgot to add that the Linksys...er CISCO card has a highly aerodynamic antenna!

 

[Tsavo]

i've had horrible experiences with pci wifi - not sure if its bad drivers or bad design - the usb ones were stable - 64 bit (7/2008) - maybe things have changed? anyone care to input?

specifically 64 bit windows 7 or windows 2008/R2..

I use the Edimax 7128G (PCI card) with W7 64 bit, zero issues.

 

[TubeTote]

OK, a few more questions / concerns...

I looked a bit closer at the Cisco adapters. There seems to be little out there in regards to customer experience with these. The one review on amazon gives it one out of five stars The cards themselves look pretty beefy, maybe not so ideal for my tiny case...but I can't help but think that these would be as good as you could get for the price they are charging. It's confusing to me.

On the other hand, the Edimax (which is a brand I am not familiar with) has many many reviews and overall very positive user feedback. The price makes it seem too good to be true (under $20). I have always believed that you usually get what you pay for, but Hmmmm.

I also noticed that neither card supports the 'n' network, just a, b and g....but as earlier stated, I'm pretty uneducated when it comes to this. While I understand that 'n' is the newest and supposedly fastest of these...does it really matter with the current internet speeds? I only have 3Mbs DSL right now (I know, pathetic) but it's the fastest I can get...apparantly 10 or maybe even 20 is on the way, perhaps later this year. Will I regret not having the 'n' network capability, or do I have a complete misunderstanding about how this works? Does some of the other hardware on the computer play a role?

Thank you to all those contributing here.

 

[Tsavo]

OK, a few more questions / concerns...

I looked a bit closer at the Cisco adapters. There seems to be little out there in regards to customer experience with these. The one review on amazon gives it one out of five stars The cards themselves look pretty beefy, maybe not so ideal for my tiny case...but I can't help but think that these would be as good as you could get for the price they are charging. It's confusing to me.

On the other hand, the Edimax (which is a brand I am not familiar with) has many many reviews and overall very positive user feedback. The price makes it seem too good to be true (under $20). I have always believed that you usually get what you pay for, but Hmmmm.

I also noticed that neither card supports the 'n' network, just a, b and g....but as earlier stated, I'm pretty uneducated when it comes to this. While I understand that 'n' is the newest and supposedly fastest of these...does it really matter with the current internet speeds? I only have 3Mbs DSL right now (I know, pathetic) but it's the fastest I can get...apparantly 10 or maybe even 20 is on the way, perhaps later this year. Will I regret not having the 'n' network capability, or do I have a complete misunderstanding about how this works? Does some of the other hardware on the computer play a role?

Thank you to all those contributing here.

You'll be fine with the 802.11G card since it's good for 54Mbits...probably about half that in reality, either way you'll be set because it's faster than what your ISP is giving you.

I wouldn't want to use G to xfer large files to other PC's though...too slow.

I wasn't at all familiar with Eidmax, but bought due to the good reviews.

Good card...buy it!

 

[Googer]

You forgot to add that the Linksys...er CISCO card has a highly aerodynamic antenna!

Linksys may be owned by Cisco, but they are not the same.

 

[Emulex]

edimax is just imported china stuff - shenzen style. you can find the same product from a dozen other folks that look nearly identical alibaba.com

 

[Tsavo]

edimax is just imported china stuff - shenzen style. you can find the same product from a dozen other folks that look nearly identical alibaba.com

Yeh. Newegg had/s their own version of the same card.

Doesn't matter if a rebrand or not...it works well and it's cheap.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Any CISCO Aironet PCI adapter will work lightyears better than anything in the run of the mill best buy inventory.

http://www.google.com/products?q=cisco+aironet+pci&hl=en&aq=f
http://www.google.com/products?q=cisco+aironet+pci+a/b/g&hl=en&scoring=p
http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGLS_enUS323US323&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=AIR-PI21AG-A-K9

This++