Why such limited selection of onboard WIFI? z170 asus

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lieutenantfrost

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Jan 2, 2010
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Seems like the only 2 boards available from asus with onboard wifi are the deluxe and the extreme. Priced at $400 and $500 respectively. Thats pretty pricy for a mobo and I don't really need an E-ATX board. This is my first time building a newer pc but I thought WFI was a standard feature at this point. Do builders generally prefer wired connections? or is it the practice to add wifi with an aftermarket pci card? if so could someone recommend a card?
 
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derek3ton

derek3ton

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I'm guessing those boards are geared for gamers, streamers and video editors who all generally use wired connections as it is much faster than wifi. Besides, it's too easy to get a usb wifi dongle if you really need it. Just a guess though
 
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InvalidError

InvalidError

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May 18, 2007
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Having on-board WiFi adds extra FCC certification and other hurdles on top of the costs of putting a WiFi chip on the motherboard. Since most people prefer wired because it is faster, more reliable and more predictable, I doubt it is a very popular feature with aftermarket buyers.

Also, with new WiFi standards coming out faster than most people change their PCs, it is more convenient and cheaper to just buy a $25-50 USB3 or PCIe adapter than buy an all-dressed motherboard where the manufacturer throws WiFi in as a bonus.
 
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photonboy

photonboy

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1) Wi-fi is not standard for any socket. Laptops yes, motherboards no.

It's just not cost effective for cheaper models especially when people may or may not want wi-fi, or may want a different wi-fi solution.

2) For the newest sockets it's probably just a matter of time before CHEAPER models with wi-fi become available.

3) As said you can BUY your own (not just USB but also PCIe) for pretty cheap. You can find really good quality for about $30USD.

4) This link should show all the Z170 boards that pcpartpicker currently has linked that come with wi-fi. Note that most are mini-ITX because space is an issue so they can't use the normal PCIe slot of a larger board. So a custom option there makes the most sense.

http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/motherboard/#c=110&e=31,15,30,14,6,8&sort=a8&page=1

*The cheapest ATX board (not E-ATX) is $300USD:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z170deluxe
 
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Bob4tuna

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Jan 20, 2016
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Actually that comment isn't completely correct! MSI makes z170 ac wifi model for 150.00 . Granted the overclock ability of the board isnt as robust as the VIII hero , and definatelly not s good as the G1 from gigabyte. But yet it is 50.00 cheaper than those boards. IE ddr4 oc max is only 3400+ . now does the bus frequency give a noticable difference from 3400 to 3800. Probably not. It isn't going to change the fps at all.it is just marketing hype.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130876.

If wireless ac network is required for your next build. And you can deal with MSI.. This is a no brainer for me. This mobo completely changes everything forward in this forum.
I hope you guys found this article usefull. And helps open the knowledge of the new z170 mobo line. It is changing fast, everytime somebody posts a negative feature about a mobo, and lets face it , people are trendy now. they go back and make a revision and release a new version. Kinda like the saying if you don't like the weather hang out for a minute it will change. Me personally I dont like too many features on my motherboards they just have more opportunities for issues.Especially with MSI, But then again you cant buy a mobo and add on cards and fill all those pci slots for this price. Also if you are a gamer and installing a large video card, everytime you fill up a pci slot, you block the airflow. So it is mostly a personal choice.
 
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