Top Wi-Fi choice for desktops, plus laptop and accessory queries.
Top Wi-Fi choice for desktops, plus laptop and accessory queries.
You're experiencing slower download speeds and poor ping while playing online with your friend. Your setup includes a 20ft Ethernet connection and several components like an ASUS H370, Intel core i3, Corsair RAM, and a GTX 1070 GPU. The issue might stem from outdated drivers or compatibility problems. Consider checking for the latest drivers for your motherboard, GPU, and network adapter. If you're using wireless cards, ensure they're properly installed and updated. For gaming, using a wired connection can sometimes stabilize performance more than wireless. You might also want to test with a different USB port or cable to rule out hardware issues. If the problem persists, contacting ASUS support or your internet service provider could help identify further causes.
Your increased pings and reduced downloads stem from issues between your router and the ISP, as well as the server where files are being downloaded or the connection point during gaming. Occasionally, the router itself might be the source of slowdowns due to outdated firmware—such as memory leaks that drain resources and reset the device. If resetting your router or modem (if applicable) doesn’t help, adjusting settings within your home may not yield results. Ethernet connections generally offer the lowest latency and highest speeds, with minimal processing required from the router or modem. Wireless connections introduce extra delays; data must travel through the air, causing packet conversion that can slow things down. Choosing a Wi-Fi card involves understanding wireless technology and how certain cards utilize multiple channels for better performance. For instance, a router capable of 866 Mbps using two antennas may fall short of a single-antenna card offering only 433 Mbps. The limitation lies in the router’s processing capacity rather than the card itself. Wireless options add latency, especially in environments with many obstacles or crowded signals. 5 GHz delivers faster speeds but is more affected by distance and interference, while 2.4 GHz remains steadier but slower. Factors like building materials and nearby devices can significantly impact performance. If your devices are from 2010–2012, they likely rely on 2.4 GHz, which may struggle with interference. Connecting a 5 GHz card at 433 Mbps is possible, but real-world speeds will be lower due to these constraints. For desktops, Ethernet remains the most reliable choice for consistent performance. Using a mouse and keyboard enhances reaction times in fast-paced games, offering better control than controllers, which can limit precision and require additional game features. USB controllers may introduce minor delays, but they generally don’t hinder performance significantly compared to your natural input speed.
I only talked about those other laptops because I was wondering what they’re meant for. I don’t really need them. The Wi-Fi part is just for my desktop; my router only supports 2.4GHz and I usually get around 30MB/s. It’s an AT&T model, and for the controller side, black ops 4 doesn’t have aim assist for controllers. What I mean is, if I linked the controller to the PC exactly like a mouse via USB, latency and reaction time should stay similar because USB handles limited data amounts. Also, sensitivity could match the quick movements you can make with a mouse.