Compare onboard WiFi antennas and USB dongles for Wi-Fi connectivity.
Compare onboard WiFi antennas and USB dongles for Wi-Fi connectivity.
I encountered some networking challenges with my setup. Over the past three months, I've been using a cheap Chinese Wi-Fi USB adapter for my new PC, which advertises speeds up to 1Gbps per second. The latency and speed haven't met the highest standards, especially since my room is far from the living area. I believe a wired connection would be more reliable than trying to run a 2-meter cable everywhere. After researching, I think an ASUS USB-AC68 Wireless AC1900 adapter would be a good replacement for my old one, as my router also supports that model. For the motherboard upgrade, I'm considering either the Asus ROG series for the Am4 socket or the X470 version. Should I install both separately, or is there a better option? My main concern is whether Wi-Fi performance improves significantly on the internal board compared to the USB adapters, and if so, should I get them together? Also, with three walls blocking the signal, would an extender or repeater be helpful?
The built-in Wi-Fi on the motherboard is sufficient. I've used Gigabyte and Asus boards, and latency hasn't been an issue. Wi-Fi functions properly.
USB WiFi isn't great. Better options with onboard or PCIe tech would work. Remember latency will always be higher. Speed promises from WiFi are often misleading—just because you have 1 Gbps online doesn’t mean it’ll match over WiFi. 5GHz offers the fastest speeds, but range and penetration are limited compared to 2.4GHz. Distance and obstacles like walls will weaken the connection. Extenders or repeaters usually worsen performance and increase lag. For a reliable connection, Ethernet is the top choice.
Thank you for the feedback. For PCIE WiFi models, I suggest checking compatible brands and models. When routing 2m of internet cable, flat cables can work well if you need straight paths, but corners may require careful planning. Look for cables with good shielding and low signal loss to ensure quality performance.
For WiFi cards I’ve experienced success with TPLink devices. My latest adapter is a dual-band N900 model, but I haven’t upgraded yet. I’ve also learned that ASUS offers quality options. When it comes to cables, I prioritize reasonable prices and positive reviews. You should opt for Cat5e or Cat6 cables, which support up to 1Gbps over distances of about 100 meters.