Can I get better performance with a PCIe WiFi card?

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V

Videographer

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Sep 9, 2014
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Hi,

I am dual booting osx and win7 and currently using wired Ethernet. I need to move to wireless and I need help with my connection speeds.

I got a cheap mini USB with no antenna which uses the ralink 5370 chipset (so I believe, these drivers work, I have no idea how to check, the product is unmarked and I lost the install disc)

I am getting speeds of only 5mb/s while my thinkpad is getting 54mb to the same router from the same room. Should I upgrade to a tp link wdn 4800 or am I using a bad chip or driver? I like the convineinece of USB and I only have one spare pcie socket (and 2 PCI if they are worth using)

I was considering getting wireless ac but it is too expensive. My current router is a BT Homehub 4 and supports dual band n 2.4 and 5ghz
 
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bill001g

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Aug 9, 2012
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First cheap thing to try is a USB extension cable. This will allow you to place the device away from the case hopefully in a better signal strength area. That chip is suppose to be able to connect to 802.11n at up to 150m.....which of course nobody gets.

The main benefit to PCI is that they have larger antenna. Although they are not as common you can get USB devices with external antenna. You can also use the USB extension cable trick with these devices. PCI if you were to put the computer under a table against a wall you would block the antenna form many sides so they are not always the best option.
 
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V

Videographer

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Sep 9, 2014
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Thanks I didn't really consider that.I don't know why the current USB is so terrible, it could be the wrong driver but I have no way to check.

Any upgrade I have would need to work on both Mac and PC, I've seen the USB ones you mention but don't know of a Mac compatible at all let alone of for the same as a wdn4800

You make a good point about the wall behind the machine, however its only a stud wall and I'm going through two brick walls and various other things to the router, not ideal but as I said the thinkpad gets a fine connection, so I'm hoping this doesn't impact on me too much
 
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