Assuming that you have
A) The necessary mounting spot inside your case to hold the reader, AND
B) The necessary connector on your motherboard to connect it to, AND
C) You don't need to take the reader with you anywhere..
Then, internal cards are ALMOST always perform better, than anything external
The only possible exception to this might be if you could find an external reader that has a USB-C connector, then it would most likely exceed, or at least match, the performance of an internal reader..
However, if you have a desktop pc case with loose/malfunctioning USB ports, they can normally be replaced without too much trouble...most are attached to the front panel via 2 small screws or possibly hot-glued on. If you want/need the cables, I have several extra ones that you can have for the cost of postage only
But FYI, most all internal readers are still connected through USB, it's just a better, more reliable one, which is a 19 pin mobo connector.