Can i use the M.2 Slot for Wifi

Kurgen · 11 Dec 2019 at 16:44

might seem a daft question, but the GPU has covered the 2 4x PCIe slots so I cant add a wifi card. Im not using the M.2 for an SSD so can I install a Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 Desktop Kit . it comes with and M.2 and some wires with the backplate and ariels. I didn't want to use a USB Wifi and risk it being bumped or generally not very good. I could use Powerline adaptors which I have spare. but in the location I can only use extension leads and I believe they don't work to well on extension leads

The Motherboard is MSI B450M PRO-VDH MAX

pastymuncher · 12 Dec 2019 at 10:26

I don't think so as I believe the board uses a Key M connector compared to the wifi cards Key E connector. You can find a explaination of the different types here. Your board only has a pair of pci-e 2.0 1x slots in addition to the 16x slot so even if you were able to use one of those for the card you would potentially be losing performance as the card has a theoretical max throughput of 867mbps while the pci-e 2.0 1x slots only have 500mbps. You can get converter cards from Key M to Key E but a lot of the cheaper ones only use pci-e 1x speeds.

Hades · 12 Dec 2019 at 12:14

I know it's not the solution you want, but you can get USB wifi adapters which don't stick straight out the back. My daughters PC has a completely external unit that has a long cable on it which plugs into a USB port. So there is no danger of knocking it and the twin external antenna's mean she gets great reception.

snips86x · 12 Dec 2019 at 12:19

Something like this? (which I don't think OcUK Stock)

Quartz · 12 Dec 2019 at 12:23

Theoretically that motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation so could get a riser into which you plug both the GPU and wireless NIC.

Kurgen · 12 Dec 2019 at 22:27

£28.99 for a pair of powerline adaptors with mains passthrough, I think is a better option. I had some powerline adaptors spare without passthrough but tried today and one is busted anyway