Install a laptop WiFi card into the desktop M.2 slot.
Install a laptop WiFi card into the desktop M.2 slot.
Hello, I'm starting my first gaming setup. Since I don't have access to the router beyond Wi-Fi, can I connect my old laptop's WiFi card and desktop antennas directly without an adapter? My target motherboard is the Asrock B450 Pro4 in MATX, which has two M.2 slots—only one for NVMe. Should I purchase a proper WiFi card or consider a powerline adapter instead?
I highly suggest this choice because onboard laptops with NICS aren't great, particularly without the necessary drivers.
I believe M.2 WiFi adapters are designed differently from regular storage drives. Therefore, a typical M.2 port wouldn't fit a WiFi card. Also remember there are no antenna cables on the back of your case, so even if it functions, performance would be poor.
It doesn't need to be perfect, just sufficient until I secured a reasonable price. A decent card or powerline module seems like the most viable option. I was wondering if someone else had already tried this and it turned out fine. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Thanks for your help!