Adding Wifi to desktop - USB or internal PCIe card?

gazjam

gazjam

gazjam

Associate
Joined
16 Oct 2007
Posts
595
As above.
I dont want aerials sticking out the back of my box (oo-er) so looking for something than cant really be seen.

Have a spare PCIe slot on my MB, looking to maybe get an internal Wifi card (like the laptop ones?)

So whats my best option, internal PCIe or USB?

Not sure if its relevent but my case is a Streamcom FC10, very thick aluminium. Not sure if this will affect an internal wifi card?

If USB would be looking for one of the tiny thin ones, not the big bulky dongles.
 
Without aerials of some sort you aren't going to get much of a signal.

The back of a PC isn't that great from a signal point-of-view either.

My preference would be a decent USB adapter connected via a decent length USB extension cable. Or use Powerline adapters instead.
 
thanks.
Would you say between the two I mentioned though usb or internal.

I'm asking as its a build for someone else and the "dongle on a lead" approach might not work for them.
Its just something to get them started, will be wired ethernet but want to give the facility should they want it later.

thanks
 
If they are not going to use it much I'd get a cheapo usb adapter and mount it internally. It won't work great but it will give you the sleek appearence you desire, not really sure I see the point in a wireless adapter in a PC though surely it always going to be wired ethernet or powerline adapter?
 
I also agree that wifi shouldn't really be the connection of choice for a static PC. The idea of a USB adaptor, with an antenna, mounted on a USB extension is the best way to go if you simply must go wireless. Don't buy a noname one though.
 
Any recommendations for a usb adapter guys?
Edimax any good?

Dont want a large dongle and they do one that is tiny.


cheers.
 
Take a look at the Edimax EW-7711In, it has an extended small core cable attached to the antenna, so you can hide it somewhere on your desk.


EDIT: You asked for USB, apologies. Look at the DrayTek Vigor N65.
 
thanks for that, is there a USB dongle though that isn't as big and bulky thats good?
I've seen ones similarly sized to the Logitech wireless keyboard fongle which is tiny.

cheers.
 
Yes there are several, just Google "USB Nano wireless" ...nano being the keyword.

Won't have the range of the N65 as obviously...it's smaller, so smaller antenna.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom