Blocked PCI-e x1

CivilDrone · 26 May 2023 at 08:28

Morning
New GPU blocked the lane where TP-link wifi adaptor sits
Not sure how to go about this but possibly 2 solutions without changing the hardware:
1. PCI-e riser, which i am not entirely sure about, needs to be either ribbon cable or usb connector sideways
2. USB, onboard wifi module
Has anyone faced this nightmare?
Thank you

lsg1r · 26 May 2023 at 10:10

Honestly I don't even use the built in wifi of my board, it's disabled, because I've found that can have interference with some cases.

I have in the past used a usb adapter, external to the case, and in all honesty it seemed to work ok but your mileage may vary based on interference.
Riser option, I've got no experience but I'd assume it would work, but haven't you got another slot you could use that isn't blocked. A pci-e x1 should work in a pci-e x8 slot etc.

What I actually do is run a network bridge/access point (tp link TL-WA801N) which connects into my switch (I've got more than one pc upstairs, but it can work direct too) and connects via a lan port, that then connects to the wifi downstairs. Works fine, can tuck the box in a cupboard out of sight etc.

Armageus · 26 May 2023 at 10:16

The only other option not mentioned is to not use wifi in the first place

Most USB Wifi are only a single antenna, so arguably better to stick with a PCI-E adapter if you can, as they are usually better

What motherboard do you have?

CivilDrone · 26 May 2023 at 12:45

New Virgin router is playing havoc with everything, perhaps because of wifi 6 or bad firmware
Ideally would need dual-band. I have tried Powerline but was not impressed
wifi extender that i am using now drops the connection pretty often and again, i believe its due to the new router
Mobo i am using is Asrock h510m-hdv/m.2, card is right over the pci, reason i was thinking if riser would be the best solution
I can see that mega-rare risers have usb slot on the side and not the top, the only one that might/should work, not entirely sure if ribbon cable would work but cant see why not
Not really considering USB adapters as they are pants

Armageus · 26 May 2023 at 13:07

Unfortunately OcUK don't sell anything suitable (only PCI-E 16x risers), but it does look like there are some available elsewhere that might work

e.g. this design only protrudes from the slot by around 6mm, so hopefully would fit:

CivilDrone · 26 May 2023 at 13:15

That seems like a way out, Thank you very much!

Orcvader · 26 May 2023 at 13:58

CivilDrone said:
New Virgin router is playing havoc with everything, perhaps because of wifi 6 or bad firmware
Ideally would need dual-band. I have tried Powerline but was not impressed
wifi extender that i am using now drops the connection pretty often and again, i believe its due to the new router
Mobo i am using is Asrock h510m-hdv/m.2, card is right over the pci, reason i was thinking if riser would be the best solution
I can see that mega-rare risers have usb slot on the side and not the top, the only one that might/should work, not entirely sure if ribbon cable would work but cant see why not
Not really considering USB adapters as they are pants

If the new VM hub is that bad, either contact Virgin for a replacement, or just turn off the WiFi and use your own access point.
I never found extenders to be reliable either, but mesh kits does a better job, as long as all the nodes are placed in decent places. I usually go for this if running a cable is not an option.