Do the systems usually come with wireless cards?

[garnerish]

So I'm looking into getting a computer, but I was just wondering if the systems (Looking mainly in the Gaming Systems bit at the moment) usually come with wireless cards installed?

My mate bought a computer from overclockers before, and whilst it's amazing and he loves it, he couldn't come online for about 1 week while he secured a dongle.

 

[Speed]

Unless they state that they do, it would be wise to assume that they don't come with wireless cards unless the motherboard has that built in functionality, which is easy enough to check with a quick google.

Why not just order a wireless dongle with the system?

 

[garnerish]

Unless they state that they do, it would be wise to assume that they don't come with wireless cards unless the motherboard has that built in functionality, which is easy enough to check with a quick google.

Cheers for the info, will grab a dongle when I make the order.

 

[swiftmetal]

I you are using the system for gaming wireless is no the best option. Try looking at something like this as it is better and you will also get a better and faster connection.

YOUR BASKET
1 x TP-Link 200Mbps AV200 Mini Powerline Adapter (TL-PA211) £19.99
Total : £25.97 (includes shipping : £4.98).

 

[Hoodleader]

I have recently seen some motherboards having the added adapter with them. A dongle would be the way to go. Though i am curious of what swiftmetal posted, How does it work exactly?

 

[Speed]

It uses your mains wiring to carry the signal. The speed you get often depends on the quality of the wiring however, so really it is somewhere between wireless and true Cat5/6 wired networking in performance.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomePlug

 

[Hoodleader]

It uses your mains wiring to carry the signal. The speed you get often depends on the quality of the wiring however, so really it is somewhere between wireless and true Cat5/6 wired networking in performance.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomePlug

Ahhh Really clever stuff. Saves smashing the holes in the wall for routing those cat5 cables.

 

[Mirmo]

You'll need two though

 

[ScottiB]

Some systems come with WIFI and others don't. It tends to say so in the specification section of the description if it does.

Most gaming systems don't because WIFI is far from ideal for online gaming and those who do want to game via WIFI tend to invest in the higher end of the tech range.

I'll vouch for powerline as an excellent alternative. I've tried it in three homes (including a flat with some seriously dodgy wiring) and never had more than a couple of percent loss in bandwidth. Much, much better than WIFI.

 

[Rooster212]

+1 for HomePlugs, they are awesome. Wifi barely reaches my computer in the room, bought some homeplugs and bam, pretty much full speed.

 

[Glanza]

I'd recommend powerline adapters over wireless but have found if you have any type of fiber connection they can cap your speeds.

 

[JasonM]

On the subject of power-line adapters, can these be mixed together say 4 in the house? Do you get much slow down due to collection detection when multiple power-line adapters are in use?