USB wifi adapter vs PCI card

brandnewpc · Sep 18, 2013

Hi,
I am building my first game/work rig and I am deciding what type of wireless network I want to buy.
Correct me if I am wrong, the usb adapter has limited range since it neither has antenna nor the signal strength is powerful enough whereas the PCI has better range and more powerful signal.
I mainly use the internet for gaming such as bf4, world of tank, etc, downloading movies, and just browsing, so my question is which type of adapter should I get?
Cheers

Jacob McIntosh · Sep 18, 2013

PCIe card.

tonyzet · Sep 18, 2013

If there are few/none walls between your pc and your rooter, you choose whetever you found cheaper. You could also try a long ethernet cable, if that is possible like this : (i found it in 3 seconds. You can find something better than it.

)
http://www.amazon.com/Ethernet-Cable-Internet-Routers-Xbox/dp/B0016897GS

USAFRet · Sep 18, 2013

The USB adapter does have an antenna, just that some are smaller than others.

brandnewpc · Sep 18, 2013

Let me explain my situation. I live in a two stories house and I use my pc on the upper floor in my room where there is only a wooden door blocking the signal if it is blocking at all. I am actually leaning toward the usb adapter. What do you guys think of this usb TL-WN821N wifi? If you ever own one, could you give me reviews?
Cheers

tonyzet · Sep 18, 2013

I am using an similar product from tplink for my 13(!) years old pc (which doesn't have ethernet port!) , and it works just fine...

USAFRet · Sep 18, 2013

brandnewpc :

I see no obvious reason why it shouldn't work. You only really know when you try it.

Don't be shocked though, when you only get 150Mbps when talking to the router. Yes, it says 300Mbps. But for a single antenna device, that is 150 out+150 in, not 300 in both directions.

yhikum · Sep 18, 2013

I would vote USB device.

As to why, there are multiple scenarios to consider. First one is portability when you would need to move system you do not mess up your antennas on the back of case. Secondly, USB device is easier to replace or move to another system. Third one is size, since USB device is usually shorter than average antenna from PCI card. Fourth, PCI card itself might be a problem if you use other cards, such as running two video cards in shared mode(crossfire or SLI) due to space concerns. Fifth, it is easier to find drivers for USB than your particular PCI card for any system (Linux or Windows).

brandnewpc · Sep 18, 2013

So 300 mbps is actually 150 uplink and 150 downlink? If i wanna get 300 up and down link I have to buy 600 mbps one?

Dark Lord of Tech · Sep 18, 2013

It's HUGE , but it's the best long range USB adapter on the market.I own 2 of them.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833381014&Tpk=gamebase

Premiertek PL-18N USB 2.0 GAMEBASE Adapter 2X9DBI ANTENNA

USAFRet · Sep 18, 2013

brandnewpc :

If you have a dual antenna model, it will do the theoretical 300Mbps.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833114086

brandnewpc · Sep 18, 2013

Will it be suffice to play online games such as bf4 with the 150 up and downlink or it also depends on the broadband connection?

USAFRet · Sep 18, 2013

brandnewpc :

The 150 (or 300 or 450), is only talking between you and the router. Your overall ISP broadband connection counts as well.
But also....the theoretical 150 Mbps is under ideal conditions, with both ends right next to each other. What you get in your house will be different.

brandnewpc · Sep 18, 2013

so it is enough. That is all I need to know.
Cheers

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