I need a wireless N adapter recommendation

[taltamir]

What is a good wireless N adapter to get for a desktop?
Are there any problems with USB adapters compared to PCI ones?

I personally would never be caught dead using wireless on a desktop (gigE all the way), but my brother insists he wants wireless for his PC (not willing to run cables).

 

[MadScientist]

I agree with you that wired LAN is the way to go.
The problem with PCI wireless adapters is the placement of the 2dBi antenna on the back of the computer. The case and the enclosure it's in blocks the signal. A PCI adapter with a detachable cable antenna that can be placed for max signal strength works better, i.e., http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833315041 This is a g adapter. Not sure if you can get an n PCI adapter with a detachable cable antenna. You may have to purchase this separately.

I'm currently using a TRENDnet TEW-648UB IEEE 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 mini wireless adapter with my HTPC in one of the case's front USB ports. I'm getting 100% signal and link strength at ~30' from my wireless g router. I can't comment on how it would work with a wireless n router. It's $16.99 AR shipped from NE. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833156267

 

[PClark99]

I use these in all of my machines and they work great, even with the small antennae on the rear.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833156243

 

[JackMDS]

I use these in all of my machines and they work great, even with the small antennae on the rear.

The only thing that that means that in a Environment like your it works well.

Any other environment YMMV. 😱

If "Dud" N can not be avoided then.

A PCI card that can take something like this might be the solution.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...essories+-+Wireless-_-Netgear+Inc.-_-33989002

That adds $54 to the price of the Dud. That why it is called a Dud. 🙄


😎

 

[taltamir]

since the only reliable wireless cards are the intel ones, and intel ones are not available for desktops (laptops only)... i just went and told my brother to get a cheap but well rated on newegg 15$ USB based one... with the knowledge that if it sucks, well, its only 15$. so far it works.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833130066

 

[MJinZ]

I use a USB one on my PC and it's fine.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

I avoid USB adapters like the plague, they typically have VERY poor reception

 

[taltamir]

I avoid USB adapters like the plague, they typically have VERY poor reception

I avoid WIRELESS like the plague...
And as bad as USB adapters are, the PCI adapters also have their issues. Wireless on a desktop is a lose-lose situation... but some people (my brother) refuse to run cables.

Do you have a recommendation for a PCI card that provides superior quality, reliability, reception to a USB one, and at a reasonable price? can you name it and link it?

 

[JackMDS]

Superior is a "Harsh" word. :hmm:

But this one is a good card.

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


😎

 

[taltamir]

Superior is a "Harsh" word. :hmm:

But this one is a good card.

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

😎

I, and my brothers, all use windows 7 64bit; unfortunately it is not listed amongst the supported OS (which are Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP/Vista and Linux). thanks for the suggestion though.
oh, also this is only G, and they would like N

 

[JackMDS]

I know that I do not see so well.

But the Edimax page says.
2
EW-7128g 802.11g PCI and Cardbus Driver/Utility for Windows 7 32/64, Vista 32/64, XP 32/64, Win 2000 Win v11-23-2009


😎

 

[taltamir]

I didn't check their website, only the item description in the newegg link you posted. its good that they added in win 7 support.

Sti, I am looking for a card that can do N.

 

[tcsenter]

I just buy a cheap generic USB2.0 wireless N or G adapter that uses a Realtek or Ralink WLAN chip, so that I can grab the latest reference drivers from Realtek or Ralink. e.g. the Airlink101 "Golden 300N" = super cheap, does the job

 

[Texun]

I don't like wireless either but FWIW I've used this one for stationary WiFi use and it's the best I've seen. I set one up for my sister over a year ago and she's never had a problem with it. NE has a promo code now on their e-blast ad page. I think it's around $8.