Intel Launches Its First Wi-Fi 6E-Capable Wireless Card

Intel WiFi 6E AX210
(Image credit: Newegg.com)

Intel has launched its first WiFi 6E-capable M.2 wireless card, the Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210.  As of writing, we're only seeing it shipping from China.  It comes in a M.2 2230 form factor and supports both the 802.11ac and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6 & Wi-Fi 6E) protocols. If you have a laptop or desktop motherboard with an M.2 WiFi module, this M.2 card will fit right in.

Of course, the real beauty of this card is its ability to run the new WiFi 6E standard. The Federal Communications Commission passed this upgrade to WiFi 6 just this year. WiFi 6E devices to operate on the 6 GHz band, rather than just the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This will provide users a massive boost in bandwidth and speed. 

Beware though, you need to have a WiFi 6E-capable router, such as the new Asus ROG Rapture, said to be the world's first Wi-Fi 6E-capable router.

Still, Wi-Fi 6E is a very new standard, and devices supporting it, like the Intel AX210, are only just starting to come out. Expect plenty of routers to support this device, and all more Wi-Fi 6E devices to come out by next year when the standard goes fully mainstream. 

You can grab the Intel AX210 right now at Newegg.

Aaron Klotz
Contributing Writer

Aaron Klotz is a contributing writer for Tom’s Hardware, covering news related to computer hardware such as CPUs, and graphics cards.

  • RealBeast
    This is a plus, since the AX201 required CNVio2.
    Reply
  • ProfQuatermass
    Just don't expect to get the same or better range?
    Reply
  • spongiemaster
    Is this the version of Wifi6 that doesn't like walls?
    Reply
  • Starry Dynamo
    I see no mention of this supporting 6gHz band, which is kinda the big point of wifi 6E.
    Reply
  • ThisIsMe
    Starry Dynamo said:
    I see no mention of this supporting 6gHz band, which is kinda the big point of wifi 6E.

    “WiFi 6E devices to operate on the 6 GHz band, rather than just the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.”

    It’s there, just poorly worded.
    Reply
  • Starry Dynamo
    ThisIsMe said:
    “WiFi 6E devices to operate on the 6 GHz band, rather than just the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.”

    It’s there, just poorly worded.

    I'm taking about the product page for the adapter, not the article. It only mentions 2.4 and 5.
    Reply
  • ThisIsMe
    Starry Dynamo said:
    I'm taking about the product page for the adapter, not the article. It only mentions 2.4 and 5.

    On Intel’s ark product page under Ordering and Spec Information it’s listed as:

    Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX210 (Gig+), 2230, 2x2 AX R2 (6GHz)+BT 5.2, vPro®
    Reply
  • Starry Dynamo
    ThisIsMe said:
    On Intel’s ark product page under Ordering and Spec Information it’s listed as:

    Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX210 (Gig+), 2230, 2x2 AX R2 (6GHz)+BT, vPro®

    Awesome, thanks! Time to snag 2 of them for my machines.
    Reply
  • anonymuos
    The product page also says it supports Bluetooth 5.2! Does this mean it has BLE Audio? That would be great! 😲
    Reply
  • Firf
    Just about to receive my new desktop PC which comes with built a built in Killer AX1650 wireless 2x2. I'm using a ROG AC5300GT router and my current PC uses a PCI 88 4 antenna setup with an -40 (often below) signal from a second floor. Should I expect similar or better performance from a built in unit with no antenna due simply to being an AX (even though my router is not)? Trying to determine if should retire my PCI 88 or move it over to the new machine even though the new machine has AX built in. Also, not sure if I'll be giving up ASUS particular acceleration for capabilities such as beam forming, which improve signal and latency but can often be manufacturer specific.

    Any thoughts?

    Any input is appreciated!
    Reply