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Moved from USB wireless to PCIe and its horrible

AznAnarchy99

AznAnarchy99

Lifer
I needed wireless internet on my desktop so I went to Frys to get a quick fix until I could order one for cheaper online. I got a Dlink DWA-300 and it worked great. Full bars and everything (router is in the next room). However, it cost me $45 bucks. I knew I was gettin ripped but I was going to use it and then return it after I order one online.

So instead of getting a USB one online, I thought it would be better to get a PCIe one, so it would be nice and fit inside my desktop. I got the DWA-556. This shit is horrible on signal. I get 2-3 bars with this compared to the USB. Im wondering if I got an old revision or what the hell the deal is. Im pretty much stuck with this crap since I really dont want to pay the return shipping. Im gonna see at Frys if theres a newer revision or anything.
 
Manufacturers who sell PCI cards with directly attached antennas should be forced to pay consumers to take the garbage from them. The problem with a card like that is that the antenna is tucked away behind the PC case, usually tight against a wall and under a desk, which makes it virtually impossible to get a good signal. If you want to use an internal wireless card, make sure you get one with a separate antenna (like this or this) that can be moved around and placed above the desk and other obstacles that might block the signal.

note: The Edimax is a great card but B/G only if you just "have" to get an N card. I don't know anything about the Rosewill card so please don't take my link as a recommendation - it's just an example of what you want to look for.
 
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It is for that reason that I actually recommend USB wifi over PCI wifi, along with a USB extension cable, so you can aim it directionally. Plus, there's no signal loss like there would be for a PCI card with an external antenna.
 
What would you guys say is one of the best usb adapters. I'm thinking I am just gonna eat the return and get a better one.
 
I had the same problem with my HTPC. I went with a TRENDnet TEW-648UB 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Mini Wireless Adapter. Get 5 bars all the time about 30' from my router. I found that Realtek's current drivers and software work better than TRENDnet's.
If you only need a 802.11g the TRENDnet TEW-424UB 802.11b/g USB 2.0 Wireless Adapter is on-sale at NE for $9.99, free shipping, until 10/14.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833156152

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833156267
 
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