Wireless card

[pcslookout]

Is there a best wireless card for a pc ? What should I look for when getting one or does it not matter which one?

 

[Insert_Nickname]

"Best" is a relative term when you're talking wireless...

What are your requirements? best range? best throughput? which interface used/ease of installation?

 

[Gunbuster]

Seems like a lot of them we're having driver issues with Windows 8.1 when I was looking at reviews a few weeks ago if that matters to you.

Also do you want a USB or PCIExpress option?

 

[pcslookout]

This is for a desktop pc so PCI interface. Best range and throughput.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

This is for a desktop pc so PCI interface. Best range and throughput.

I assume you by "PCI" you mean PCIexpress (PCIe)?

Asus has a very decent product in the PCI-A68. It is quite expensive though, and also requires an 802.11ac capable router for best throughput:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833320173

If you only need an N capable adaptor, you can use almost anything. There is not that much difference between cards. One thing to consider is getting an external antenna, so you can move it around. Having the antennas behind your desktop case will have way more effect on range/throughput then any card will.

 

[JackMDS]

Currently my choices are.

For USB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166046

For PCIe - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833106135
Both are Dual Band.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

For PCIe - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833106135
Both are Dual Band.

There is actually a newer version of those available. Includes Bluetooth 4.0 as well.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833106192

It is "only" a 2x2:2 design though. But properly the best 2x2:2 card money can buy. Intel's drivers are also superb.

 

[JackMDS]

There is actually a newer version of those available. Includes Bluetooth 4.0 as well.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833106192

It is "only" a 2x2:2 design though. But properly the best 2x2:2 card money can buy. Intel's drivers are also superb.

If One does not have top of the line AC Wireless Router, and need to very fast Internal LAN for large GB file transfer the more expensive card does nothing but wasting money.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

If One does not have top of the line AC Wireless Router, and need to very fast Internal LAN for large GB file transfer the more expensive card does nothing but wasting money.

Of course. Though I find $10 extra reasonable for the added Bluetooth and future proofing. Who knows? The OP might eventually get an ac capable router.

But again, that's just my individual opinion.

 

[Sword-of-Kings]

I've been using this for about 10 months and haven't had any problems with it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...tem=33-704-162

 

[piasabird]

When I purchased my gigabyte MB Z87N-WIFI, Ver 2.0 it had a nice Centrino card that has 802.11ac with blue tooth and it works great. I have a /n router and it has no connection problems at all. I think a lot depends on how many wireless devices like laptops are running off of the same router. I use my PC to watch HULU so I am streaming.