Tom's Hardware > Forum > CPU & Components > Network Interface Cards > PCI vs USB Wifi?
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dizman   02-09-2006 at 05:48:32 AM

Hi, I currently using a Netgear WPN311 Wireless network card as my apartment is setup with a wireless network.

Basically it's taking up space that I could use to put in a better cooler my 2nd videocard. (it's not that close to it but the aftermarket hsf I'm looking at would need that space).

So I was wonder how a USB Wireless adaptor would work for a desktop system? Would it be less reliable, worse signal? What are the draw backs or how big are they?

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Drkboarder   02-09-2006 at 08:23:10 AM
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I had the exact same question as you, but I found a thread that's basically convinced me to go with PCI

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/har [...] 17577.html

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dizman   02-09-2006 at 11:27:35 PM
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Quote :

I had the exact same question as you, but I found a thread that's basically convinced me to go with PCI

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/har [...] 17577.html



Well it's sort of helpful but I notice the post is 3yrs old! I'm sure a lot has changed since then, since we are talking about technology here I'm sure that is likely

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nobly   02-09-2006 at 11:37:12 PM
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My friends have had major issues w/ USB 802.11g options. I think most of them use Linksys. But yeah, network connections cutting out, losing packets all over the place, etc. Finally they went PCI and it was ok. I have a PCI card and its pretty good. Once I'm connected, I stay connected. (I have a Linksys 802.11b/g router and a Linksys 802.11b/g PCI card).

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FlyGuy   02-10-2006 at 12:04:10 AM
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For $12 after rebate I say give this sucker a go:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6833156152

I use it with my laptop and have no issues.

Reply to FlyGuy
dizman   02-11-2006 at 05:34:05 AM
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Quote :

My friends have had major issues w/ USB 802.11g options. I think most of them use Linksys. But yeah, network connections cutting out, losing packets all over the place, etc. Finally they went PCI and it was ok. I have a PCI card and its pretty good. Once I'm connected, I stay connected. (I have a Linksys 802.11b/g router and a Linksys 802.11b/g PCI card).



Yea I kind of had a feeling they weren't going to be that great. Sigh, guess I'll have to find a slimmer aftermarket cooler for my vid card or just give up the idea of overclocking it.

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FlyGuy   02-11-2006 at 05:37:53 AM
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Come on dude, you can afford $20 with what you spent on your rig. :roll:

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mallard   02-12-2006 at 06:53:08 PM
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my ubs adapter sucks its pretty much worthless id stick with the pci card my 2 cents

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hergieburbur   02-12-2006 at 07:43:25 PM
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I have used a couple USB Linksys 802.11g adapters, and while not quite as good as the PCI cards, they certainly get the job done adequetely.

Reply to hergieburbur
iMatt711   02-20-2006 at 02:31:34 AM
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I've had bad experiences with usb adapters. If I were you I'd stick to PCI, theres gotta be at least 2 PCI slots. Whats taking up the other one?

Also, although its more expensive, ive heard good things about those gaming adapters that have an ethernet jack built in

Reply to iMatt711
scarslilpyro   09-01-2006 at 04:07:05 AM
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PCI is the way to go, as it's a hardware connect.

The USB adapters aren't "connected" so to speak, to the computer like the PCI ones are.

Consider it the difference between bolting in an exaust for a car, compared to just plugging it in, or duct-taping it there.

Reply to scarslilpyro
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