PCIe Wi-Fi card could potentially reduce latency by improving network performance.
PCIe Wi-Fi card could potentially reduce latency by improving network performance.
I'm moving to a new location and we've already stopped our home internet. Right now I rely on a mobile hotspot for my desktop connection. I'm curious if using a PCIe Wi-Fi card would improve my ping. My current setup has two antennas on the motherboard and a Wi-Fi card in an M.2 slot. Would adding a PCIe card make a difference compared to what I have now? Or should I keep what I have until I get proper broadband at my new place?
Your current network card supports either PCIe or USB/M.2 connectors, which may include PCIe lanes, SATA, or USB ports. Therefore, a card placed in a PCIe slot doesn’t automatically mean it’s superior to an integrated network card. The PCIe vs USB debate often centers on reduced CPU load, steadier ping times, and possibly lower latency—like 130 ms instead of 140 ms. It really depends on channel congestion, nearby networks, distance from the Wi-Fi router, wall thickness, and whether you’re using 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
The only real upgrade you can achieve is choosing 5GHz instead of 2.4GHz. Replacing your current NIC won't significantly help unless it's worth it. The main delays will likely come from the link between your device and the closest cell tower.