WiFi problems with B450F Mobo: TP Link card works, Bluetooth functions, but connection fails.
WiFi problems with B450F Mobo: TP Link card works, Bluetooth functions, but connection fails.
Hello, I'm facing problems with multiple Wi-Fi cards connected to my B450F. I've been using a TP Link Archer USB Adapter for a year because the Asus B450F Strix lacks built-in WiFi. Before switching to new cards, I removed the existing Bluetooth and WiFi drivers, powered off the device, and then installed fresh ones. I'm attempting an upgrade to a Wi-Fi card and have successfully tested two brand-new ones, but neither connects. The Bluetooth on the TP Link Archer works after installing the driver, yet the WiFi remains unresponsive with no available options.
Details: My system runs ROG Strix B450F with AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, 3060 Ti, Windows 10 64. Recent upgrades include the TP-Link AX3000 (Archer TX55E) and the ASUS PCE-AX1800. I've followed multiple troubleshooting steps: updated drivers, checked device manager settings, verified PCI lanes, ensured proper installation, and confirmed antenna placement. I ran Windows Troubleshooter several times without results.
I built my PC in early 2020, am not a novice, and have swapped components before resolving issues. I've never needed to seek forum help before; I'm exhausted from trying different solutions for over eight hours. I ordered the ASUS card first, then the TP Link when it wasn't working. My USB header on the motherboard is functional and tested with other devices.
Check if the Wi-Fi cards appear in Device Manager with the right names. Verify Bluetooth is connected from the added Wi-Fi devices. Look for a disconnected internet icon near the clock. Right-click it and open Network & Internet settings to confirm the card appears.
Device manager lists a WiFi card with issues, reporting failure to operate and code 10. Bluetooth is detected from the TP Link card. The internet disconnect icon appears near the clock, but no WiFi options are visible in the Network Connections area of the Control Panel. The router is functioning correctly on 6E.
Have to tried using just the basic windows drivers instead of the specific ones for the card? That sounds rather odd for it to half work. what other PCI-e Devices do you have plugged in? Looking at some specs for the board you may be running out of PCIE lanes. You could try dropping the graphics card to X8 mode instead of X16 to see if that works. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X has 24 PCIe lanes, 16 to GPU, if u have 2 m.2s they run at x4, which would be all of ur PCIE lanes. you could drop the GPU to X8 lanes and realistically not see a performance hit with it being a lower tier card (would just have to test and see). If that is the case you may want to look at a USB connected wifi adapter instead. They are not quite as good but should do the trick. TP-Link WiFi 6 USB Adapter for Desktop PC https://www.amazon.com/USB-WiFi-6-Adapte...r=1-3&th=1 ASUS WiFi 6 AX1800 USB WiFi Adapter https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-AX1800-Adapt...99&sr=1-27 Both seem like solid options. I will admit I'm rusty on networking items where most of my support years have been to desktop/hardware. - Update Looking into it further, the MOBO says if you have an m.2 in the bottom slot it makes the top PCIE slot run at x8. PCIEx16 slots 2 and 3 share with the PCIE x1 slots. Knowing what other devices are attached should help (Each sats connected device takes x1 PCIE lane as well) Also, what slot is ur GPU in? - This is from the Asus website for your mobo. Note *1 PCIe x16_3 slot shares bandwidth with PCIe x1_2 and PCIe x1_3. *2 Support StoreMI and NVMe RAID *3 When the M.2_1 Socket 3 is operating in SATA or PCIE mode, SATA6G_5/6 ports will be disabled. *4 When the M.2_2 is occupied by M.2 device, PCIe x16_1 will run at x8 mode. *5 *Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for 8-Channel audio. *6 *Windows 7 64-bit is only supported when using AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Generation/ Ryzen™ 1st Generation Processors
I haven't experimented with Windows drivers; I'm unsure where to locate them. I've installed the newest ones and checked the manufacturers' sites for additional support. For TP Link, older versions aren't available for download. I don’t have any other PCIe lanes being used. Here’s a link to my build: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/GRpRFZ if you need more info. (I've updated my BIOS to 4007). What distinguishes x8 from x16 modes? Also, I've been using a USB adapter for a few years but haven't found it very reliable, and it's been quite inconsistent. I'm not using any M.2 slots. My GPU is in the first slot.
Here’s a direct link to the official Windows drivers: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download...x?id=36568
The Windows drivers are available through Windows Update. You may need to connect the device via Ethernet to check if it can install the drivers. The repeated failure of multiple drivers and WiFi cards suggests a possible corruption issue. You can run the System File Checker by opening the command prompt and typing SFC /Scannow to identify any problems.
Consensus on potential PCI-E slot issues. Possible causes include driver problems, Windows corruption, or an outdated driver. When testing with older systems like Windows 7, the options narrow to three main factors: MOBO-related issues, Windows corruption, and driver compatibility. For X16 or X8 configurations, the available PCI-E lanes are limited, which can reduce transfer speeds.
The issue seems linked to corrupt files needing a new installation, but the system keeps showing Code: 10. It might be related to how Windows or BIOS handles the WiFi card, possibly due to settings or driver conflicts—especially with Network drivers instead of Bluetooth. The Intel driver you mentioned is listed in your Network Adapters, though its purpose isn’t clear.