Wifi adapters: USB vs internal card?

[bgc99]

Is there any reason not to use a USB wifi adapter instead of in internal wifi card on a desktop pc? The USB ports are all 2.0 and the broadband connection is somewhere around 20-30Mbps.

Thanks,
BGC

 

[Fardringle]

As long as you use a decent adapter, I prefer USB adapters because they can be moved around to get a better signal while many PCI cards stick the antennas on the back of the PC so they are pressed up against the wall (often) on the floor beneath a desk where the signal is not as strong.

 

[JackMDS]

This type of USB is the preferred Cards.

Dual Band, good Antenna, large enough to dissipate heat and can be placed above the system to avoid Antenna obstruction.

Rosewill USB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833166046

 

[bgc99]

This type of USB is the preferred Cards.

Rosewill is Newegg's house brand right? Is their stuff any good?

 

[david_brent]

I also prefer a USB wifi adapter, simply because it can be moved to get a better connecetion.

 

[JackMDS]

Rosewill is Newegg's house brand right? Is their stuff any good?

Like anything in Computer's hardware, there is No Brand that all its products/Models are Good/Bad.

The specific card that I linked to is Very Good USB Dual Band card.

 

[bgc99]

I also prefer a USB wifi adapter, simply because it can be moved to get a better connecetion.

Those that are similar to the Rosewill that was linked can be moved. Most of the USB adapters that I've seen look like thumb drives and it is not clear with most whether or not they come with a cradle to mount it in.

 

[BrightCandle]

USB 2.0 is a bandwidth constrained for Wireless N at or above 300 mbit/s but otherwise you shouldn't notice much difference (other than antenna placement).

 

[lagokc]

I also prefer a USB wifi adapter, simply because it can be moved to get a better connecetion.

It's too bad most of the 802.11ac adapters are USB2.0. It's funny how many companies advertise USB2.0 devices as "1.2gbps maximum speed".

 

[kevnich2]

I've personally better reliability with PCI wifi cards. One particular system the usb kept messing up on it and not locking onto the wifi signal as well. I replaced it with a pci card with a movable antenna with about 6' of cable that screws onto the back of the pci card that has been working without a fuss for over 2 years now.