Usb or pci wireless adapter

bunkachunk · Jan 3, 2010

Hi, i'm looking to buy a wi-fi adapter for my desktop and would like to know which is better. Pci or usb adapters? I would like to know the pros and cons of each please. Thank you very much, bunkachunk..........

Puppywunder58 · Jan 3, 2010

Hi Bunky,

I used to use PCI adapters but the antennas always kept breaking off, so now I only use USB adapters.

pclover · Jan 3, 2010

they are much the same imo.

USB is easy to install and no need to open up pc case but you have to deal with the USB cord.

most PCI cards have external attentions as were alot of usb ones don't

plodr · Jan 3, 2010

USB has the advantage of being able to be moved from computer to computer and no need to open the computer to install.
My husband has two computers in the basement, at least 75 feet from the router. I installed a USB dongle on both computers. Once I disconnect his 2K one from the internet, probably in Aug. 2010 or Sept. when support is finally dropped, I can remove the dongle and use it on another computer that came with no wireless.

As an aside, you can buy USB dongles with antennas. My model does not have an external antenna but the USB cord is long and I can position the device higher than the computer to get a better signal.

Log in or Sign up

Usb or pci wireless adapter

bunkachunk Private E-2

Puppywunder58 Master Sergeant

pclover MajorGeek

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member