PCI Express Wireless

music4mybumhole · 30 Sep 2011 at 21:30

Just about to rebuild the PC and realized that as it's been out of action for so long I had moved my router downstairs to hardwire the PS3.
Problem is, I am looking to move the office room around and the phone line is going to be on the other side of the room compared to the PC. So I'm looking for a cheap fix.
I have seen the PCI-Express wireless cards and they look like just the job.

Can anyone answer a few questions though.

Are they easy to install? I've never had to install a network adapter before.

Good reception? Would I be better with one with a aerial on a cable extension or are they OK with just the built in for the sake of home use?

Do I really need N, or is G just as good if im running 10meg broadband?

Thanks in advance any any other advice or recommendations are greatly received.

Sparx · 30 Sep 2011 at 23:12

Other side of the room? How far is it? Can you not just get a longer ethernet cable?

In regards to wireless, don't even bother with G. N is much superior now, and for the price difference (which there isn't one) you may as well proof yourself.. G is just not even worth considering anymore..

music4mybumhole · 30 Sep 2011 at 23:14

The router is now located downstairs, so I plan to leave it there and run the PC wirelessly.

Surely 10meg broadband would top out a 54mb G network though?

MissChief · 1 Oct 2011 at 00:51

I get 20 meg on Sky BB (yes really) and am running a wireless G PCI-E Card (An Abit one that is no longer produced i think) and get around 2MB/second downloads from Intel, Nvidia etc without any problems. I also play a lot of games on this PC and can honestly say I haven't had a bit of bother. I did a test using a 10m Ethernet cable and I averaged about 3-5ms higher ping wireless, a trade off that was worth it when I usually get 50-70ms on a UK server anyway. Go for it.

music4mybumhole · 1 Oct 2011 at 10:19

Thanks MissChief, that's exactly what I needed to hear.

3dcandy · 1 Oct 2011 at 13:16

wireless is fine as long as there isn't a great amount of other wireless networks about. Had to go wired at new house as a scan picked up over 50 other networks...pings were over 200, couldn't watch any online content and frequently couldn't connect. I guess it's trial and error, try it and see.....if it struggles then you may have to go wired...