Which desktop wifi card?

[Bozebo]

I've built a rig for a friend, and he just remembered he is going to need a wifi card.

I don't know a lot about wifi cards, but I suspect that some of them are total trash. Considering the rig is intended for gaming I want to make sure the performance is good; I don't want to just pop in a cheap card.

Should I be looking at what chip the device uses? Are usb wifi cards worth thinking about?

Judging by the ocuk reviews, the Edimax EW-7727In is the weapon of choice. As far as I know the router is "downstairs" in a granite walled house, so would getting a cheap one instead be a bad idea?

Also, it would be beneficial if it worked in Linux (I think the Edimax one does). Will further searching yeild any better options?

 

[Serpantine]

I have the EW-7728In - works a treat and can confirm it works in Ubuntu, can't really say about the range but with Tri antennas and a 300mbps max i would think he'd be good.

Consider a range extender / repeater if the walls are that thick no card will give 100% on its own.