Old Wifi Network Card on New Mobo?

[Schweet]

Hello,

I've put together a new system build with a gigabyte gaming 5 z170x mobo, and I don't yet have an Ethernet cord long enough to reach the router. In the meantime, I have a really old D-Link wireless wda 2320 network card that I guess I could throw in to get my windows updates running. Does anyone know if that would work?

Would the old drivers on this page:
http://support.dlink.com/ProductInfo.aspx?m=WDA-2320
function in win10? and with new hardware?

should I use some newer third party site drivers like these:
https://drivers.windows10download.com/win10-d-link-wda-2320-desktop-adapter-driver-drivers/
http://www.driverscape.com/download/d-link-wda-2320-desktop-adapter

Is it potentially harmful to my other hardware to do this?

 

[Dahak]

Most likely if you put it in a windows 10 machine, it may have the drivers automatically.

Putting the hardware in there will not harm anything else.
Installing the older drivers may not work or cause issues with windows

 

[Schweet]

Ok, thanks. It says in the network card manual not to install the hardware until the driver is installed, would that remain true with win10? Or, should I just put the thing in there, start it up and see what happens?

 

[Billb2]

I'd try, in this order:
Installing the old driver
Installing the old driver in Windows Compatibility Mode
Let Win 10 find the driver.
Newer driver using the same scenario.

 

[JackMDS]

In most cases installing Drivers first usually means installing a Package with other Junk like old D-link Wireless Manger and other menaces that used to be put in the old Days, it will not be compatible with Win 10 and would cause problems in the Network functioning.

You can try to put the card in with no pre install and see what happens, it is old b/g card and it might work or would do nothing.

That said, you can get a New USB Dongle for less than $10 and do what you need to do mean time.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008IFXQFU/ref=psdc_13983731_t1_B003MTTJOY

 

[VirtualLarry]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008IFXQFU/ref=psdc_13983731_t1_B003MTTJOY

C'mon, Jack. At least link to a decent dongle. Nano-dongles are almost all universally crap, and that one does not list support for Win10.

This one is supported Win10 OOTB drivers:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...M4592&cm_re=PremierTek-_-33-381-043-_-Product

 

[JackMDS]

Larry you really think that it is a big deal to find Good Wireless for $37.99.(or less).

The thing is that the OP seems to be looking for some sort of temporary Cheapo.

The card that I linked would work and it costs like a Big Mac Combo meal (and has much less calories and Cholesterol).

 

[VirtualLarry]

I guess I could throw in to get my windows updates running.

The thing is that the OP seems to be looking for some sort of temporary Cheapo.

The thing is, those Nano adapters, are ONLY good for web browsing, NOT big downloads, or music streaming, or anything strenuous at all. They just plain BURN OUT... usually because they overheat, due to load.

I've seen them burn out in under 10 minutes. Windows Update generally takes longer than that. Therefore, BAD investment. Might as well spend a little more money, and get one that's supported in Linux and Windows 10, and is usable for continuous usage, without overheating.

I own several of those PremierTek units, I have them on my three desktop rigs, and they function pretty well (in continuous usage). Plus, they're AC1200, and not outdated N150.

Edit: I'm not even touching upon the poor performance of those Nano adapters; you're lucky if you get 1-5Mbit/sec out of those.

I'm just speaking from personal experience, with both types of adapters. I mean, if he wants / needs to "go cheap", then sure, go for it. But don't cry if it burns out during Windows Update, and goes super-slow during the process.

 

[Schweet]

Thanks for the advice everyone! It's looking like I might need this wireless functionality for longer than I thought, and so I'm just going to get a new pci express wifi network card (unless you think usb is better?) to put in there permanently. Cost isn't a huge factor, but I don't want to waste money either.

What do you think about this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016K0896K/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Also, my wireless will be comcast 250mbs, for what that's worth compatibility wise, and as a max dl speed beyond which capacity would be wasted I guess in a network card.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I suppose that TP-Link PCI-E AC1200 adapter would be alright. I don't have any specific experience with them, like I do with the PremierTek USB AC1200 wifi.

Btw, you can get the PT-8812AU on ebay for $20 or less on ebay, from the PremierTek online store. That's where I got mine from.

I should also note, that I have my PT-8812AU USB, either plugged into a "decent" USB3.0 extension cable, or a USB3.0 powered hub. I don't have much experience plugging it directly into the back of the PC. (And it's rather large, so it blocks adjoining USB ports. I *really* recommend using an extension cable.)

 

[Schweet]

I just decided to go with this one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TQEX7AQ/ref=twister_B01I6O53O4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Hopefully it works and the win10 drivers problems are resolved as they claim.

Thanks everyone!

 

[JackMDS]

Depending on the environment with a card like the TP-Link the Antennae get stuck between the case and the wall and thus limits the signal propagation.

This might be a better solution. The Antenna can be placed higher than the system providing better signal.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833106251

 

[Schweet]

it won't get stuck, it's a few feet from the wall even in the back. I'll test it out when it gets here and let you know.

 

[Schweet]

downloaded new drivers, uninstalled old usb network drivers, popped out usb, shutdown, installed archer t9e in the pcie slot, booted, installed new drivers, and everything worked out of the box, no fuss. 175Mbps two rooms away from a 250Mbps 5Ghz outputting wifi router. Yay!

thanks!