Wireless Internet devises for desktops

Code Error · Feb 10, 2011

I don’t know if I’m posting in the right place but if I am let me know and I’ll move it.

What is the best devise for receiving wireless internet from my home router to my desktop?

I am looking for a good to excellent internet wireless card/devise to place in a desktop computer. I only have a few connections available for use, the PCI-e 1x and USB2 slots (no PCI slots available due to my massive graphics card).

plodr · Feb 10, 2011

I have two desktops and both used a Linksys USB wifi adapter to connect to my router about 75 feet away and on another floor in my home.
This is the newer version of the same model
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...work+-+Wireless+Adapters-_-Linksys-_-33124187

The older one was white and the newer one is black and a bit smaller in size. I have both.

Code Error · Feb 10, 2011

Thx, I will certainly look into Linksys WUSB54GC wifi usb adapter.

Are USB wifi adapter as good or better that pci express card adapters?

The PCI Express card i was looking at was the ASUS PCE-N13 IEEE 802.11b/g/n PCI Express Wireless Adapter at...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320048

What do you think?

Im looking for a wifi connect from bedroom to my router which is about 6-8 meters away and a floor down.

Caliban · Feb 11, 2011

Greetings, Code Error.

There are pros and cons when talking about PCI-E vs. USB wireless adapters.

The PCI-E in your link is, of course, capable of much faster speeds than the USB device: 300mbs compared to 54mbs. That speed difference can be significant only if your method of accessing the internet is capable of providing the increased bandwidth/speed.

The USB adapter, however, has the advantage of easy portability between machines, easy installation, and it doesn't occupy a PCI slot.

Either device should be able to handle the distance you specified.

plodr · Feb 11, 2011

I had to choose a USB adapter because the one computer is an old all-in-one. I was not about to pry the computer off the back of the LCD display and risk breaking something.
The additional advantage for a USB device is that I use a 6' USB extension from the computer USB port. I moved the device around until I got a stronger signal. If the card is in the computer, you can move the antenna but not as much as you can reposition a wifi adapter outside the computer. His 2nd desktop also didn't have wifi so I could test the stick in that before I bought another stick.

thesmokingun · Feb 12, 2011

you might also find an advantage to get the same brand adapter as the router, as some have additional speed advantages. for instance speed boost(i think thats what it's called) for linksys.

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Wireless Internet devises for desktops

Code Error Private E-2

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

Code Error Private E-2

Caliban I don't need no steenkin' title!

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

thesmokingun MajorGeek