M.2 slot
M.2 slot
Hey everyone. I'm using an ASUS ProArt B550-Creator motherboard and I'm currently using the first M.2 slot for my boot drive. My second M.2 slot is empty, and I'd love to add a WiFi card similar to those in laptops. Since speed isn't the main concern, I'm curious if it's feasible to install a WiFi card in this second slot. I know some laptops can make M.2 slots work in certain Wi-Fi ports, but I'm wondering if the same applies here.
Wifi M.2 cards are designed differently for NVMe SSDs and won’t fit standard M.2 slots on your motherboard. An M key to E key adaptor might work, but it could be more costly and less reliable. It’s usually safer to use a PCIe WiFi adapter. Which PCIe slots are occupied right now? What processor do you have?
I understand your perspective, but replacing an M.2 slot for a Wi-Fi card feels like a loss. However, checking the specifications on your board’s page suggests the second slot will change from 4 lanes to 2 lanes. Using one of the smaller 1-lane slots for Wi-Fi still keeps you ahead compared to having no slot at all.
I have a Ryzen 9 5950X connected with an RTX4070, and my PCIe slots are already occupied by my GPU, 10G Ethernet, and a RME HDSP audio interface. That leaves me with no free PCIe slots, so I might need to use the second M.2 port. Probably just relying on USB would work, though I favor internal connections since I use most of my USB ports and dislike hubs.
The motherboard features 10 USB ports, likely with two additional ones on the case. Your board includes 5 PCIe slots—depending on the slot count, you’d have access to 5 or 4 depending on whether it’s a 2 or 3 slot configuration. All the listed ports are single, so there should be room for a WiFi card. Could you share a photo of the inside of your PC?