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Top wireless card options for your PC

Top wireless card options for your PC

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PaigeOfTheBook
Senior Member
733
11-21-2016, 04:20 PM
#1
I recently returned to live with my parents after finishing college, and I saw my dad had the Comcast cable/modem setup downstairs. Are there any wireless cards you suggest for now until I have my own space? I’m currently using an extender (Linksys RE3000W) with an Ethernet port plugged in, but the speeds are lower than expected—around 30-40mb/s even though he’s paying for 1gb/s.
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PaigeOfTheBook
11-21-2016, 04:20 PM #1

I recently returned to live with my parents after finishing college, and I saw my dad had the Comcast cable/modem setup downstairs. Are there any wireless cards you suggest for now until I have my own space? I’m currently using an extender (Linksys RE3000W) with an Ethernet port plugged in, but the speeds are lower than expected—around 30-40mb/s even though he’s paying for 1gb/s.

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DarkLotr
Junior Member
4
11-21-2016, 09:37 PM
#2
When speeds are between 30-40 Mb/s, wireless N is the limit. With a better wireless card, you might hit 70-80 Mb/s, though still well below 1 Gb/s. For higher performance, use a wireless AC standard card paired with an AC-enabled router, which can push speeds up to 300 Mb/s. The actual result varies by router and card. AC connections generally offer less range than N. To maximize speed, run about 20 meters of cat6 cable (or at least 5e) directly to your router—this usually delivers near full capacity. If you need quick results in a short time, spending a few months in your parents' home might be acceptable and can be the most cost-effective option.
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DarkLotr
11-21-2016, 09:37 PM #2

When speeds are between 30-40 Mb/s, wireless N is the limit. With a better wireless card, you might hit 70-80 Mb/s, though still well below 1 Gb/s. For higher performance, use a wireless AC standard card paired with an AC-enabled router, which can push speeds up to 300 Mb/s. The actual result varies by router and card. AC connections generally offer less range than N. To maximize speed, run about 20 meters of cat6 cable (or at least 5e) directly to your router—this usually delivers near full capacity. If you need quick results in a short time, spending a few months in your parents' home might be acceptable and can be the most cost-effective option.

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Sentio_Cege
Member
246
11-23-2016, 02:17 AM
#3
It could work, though the upstairs space makes a wired connection less practical. Wireless isn’t reliable over long distances, which is why I’m considering it now.
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Sentio_Cege
11-23-2016, 02:17 AM #3

It could work, though the upstairs space makes a wired connection less practical. Wireless isn’t reliable over long distances, which is why I’m considering it now.

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SkillAura1738
Member
176
11-24-2016, 03:12 AM
#4
Well, whether you prioritize speed or appearance is up to you.
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SkillAura1738
11-24-2016, 03:12 AM #4

Well, whether you prioritize speed or appearance is up to you.

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Kiwibuscus96
Member
59
12-03-2016, 07:57 AM
#5
there is a cheap gigabyte wireless PCIE card that should have better range.
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Kiwibuscus96
12-03-2016, 07:57 AM #5

there is a cheap gigabyte wireless PCIE card that should have better range.

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xXchelliXx
Junior Member
37
12-03-2016, 09:04 AM
#6
Discovered that the modem/router combo offers dual-band AC Wi-Fi, prompting a purchase decision: https://www.asus.com/us/Networking/PCEAC68/ Expect improved performance compared to my previous extender.
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xXchelliXx
12-03-2016, 09:04 AM #6

Discovered that the modem/router combo offers dual-band AC Wi-Fi, prompting a purchase decision: https://www.asus.com/us/Networking/PCEAC68/ Expect improved performance compared to my previous extender.