Regarding wireless connection on mITX or mATX

jonnyyyl

Honorable
Nov 16, 2013
37
0
10,530
I'm currently planning a Z87/Z77 high performance small build, the priority/issue is wireless connectivity.

I came across the "Five Z87 Motherboards For Your Mini-ITX Build, Reviewed" article, (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/z87-motherboard-roundup,3656.html).

Several questions:
1. Most MBs are installed with 802.11ac wifi standard. In terms of hardware durability, do they differ from MB to MB?

2. If hardware durability is short, or unexpectedly falters, that means that the whole MB needs to be replaced? That is, unless I: 1) get myself a USB adapter, OR 2) fit a wireless PCIe card?

3. If an external adapter is required, due to space constraints, I may be much more inclined to use the PCIe card. What's out there that can fit a mITX? Or is it just better to get a mATX MB?

Thanks.
 

Nuclear101

Honorable
1. They do not differ much in terms of durability. They are all the same hardware size/material, but they might be different types eg. Intel, Bigfoot, etc.

2. The cards are the same as laptops, they can be replaced by taking them out of the MPCIe slot and getting a new card (usually 20-30 USD). They last for quite a while though, none of my wireless cards have failed for 2-4+ years.

3. An external adapter is not required, as they usually include wires that lead to an antenna.