Reliable Wifi Adapter suggestion..?

[zaoka]

What do you guys use as a reliable WiFi Adapter with PCIe interface under lets say $40-50?

Brand-model

 

[Diggs]

We PCI and why so much money? If distance isn't a problem or they don't need the last little Mb of speed then I just use a USB nano -

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wire...d=1513341112&sr=1-7&keywords=usb+wifi+adapter

I don't like PCI WiFi cards with the antennas as they get broken so often. I only use them for extended range.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

I'd select based on the need. Do you need far away and a good strong signal? Faster connection? Or ....just average distance or up close, and casual use?

Internal wifi cards have the antenna options for higher MIMO and speeds....multiple antennas. And of course..with those larger antennas...much better range. And more hardware controller based, for better performance (say..for gaming).

USB wifi NICs..lower MIMO support, poor range, more CPU intensive..but of course still fine for typical use.

I've never had a problem with the antenna of a wireless card getting damanged..it's on the back of a tower or desktop unit. If something is swinging hammers or boots back in that area you're in trouble with a lot more than just an antenna snapping.

Additionally, for wifi cards...many have a 3 or 4 foot cable that allows you to place the antenna array up on your desk or up on a shelf..for MUCH better distance.

I don't really have a preference for brand..many good ones out there, Asus, Netgear, TPLink, Gigabyte,

 

[ComputerRepairTech]

Well I dont know about pcie cards but I don't think i've ever had a usb wifi adapter that worked flawlessly. I mean they are all fine for a standard users use but not for a gamer.

 

[fencepost]

If you're looking at a PCIe for better reception, remember that you can put a USB adapter on an extension cable and reposition it for better signal.

 

[Porthos]

We PCI and why so much money? If distance isn't a problem or they don't need the last little Mb of speed then I just use a USB nano -

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wire...d=1513341112&sr=1-7&keywords=usb+wifi+adapter

I don't like PCI WiFi cards with the antennas as they get broken so often. I only use them for extended range.

I use the sam adapter.

 

[mikeroq]

We stock these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0079XWMEI/
You can get higher end ones from them as well.

 

[cam w]

I have been using Linksys and Netgear wireless adapters for years with no problems!
As @fencepost mentioned you can use a usb ext. to find the strongest signal.

 

[zaoka]

Distance is the issue and customer wants to watch HD movies on Youtube...

Also I have another customer that has aluminum siding and want reception in the garage that is separate from the house.

 

[GTP]

Also I have another customer that has aluminum siding and want reception in the garage that is separate from the house.

Good luck with that!
I would be interested in any feedback from anyone that has been able to successfully get "WiFi in a tin shed!"

 

[Slaters Kustum Machines]

We've had good luck with ASUS adapters. They were recommended on the Computer Repair Podcast by John Dubinsky.

 

[fencepost]

I have another customer that has aluminum siding and want reception in the garage that is separate from the house

Brand new energy efficient coated windows, or something a little older? Window facing the garage? Garage sided the same way? Fixed PC in the garage or phones and laptops? There should be all sorts of possibilities there, though you're probably going to be stuck with 2.4GHz.

 

[NJW]

Also I have another customer that has aluminum siding and want reception in the garage that is separate from the house.

That's why Powerline adapters were invented.

 

[seedubya]

Good luck with that!
I would be interested in any feedback from anyone that has been able to successfully get "WiFi in a tin shed!"

I have, with an external antenna on the shed and cable to the card!!

 

[Diggs]

Good luck with that!
I would be interested in any feedback from anyone that has been able to successfully get "WiFi in a tin shed!"

If the PC is within USB range (~15 ft) of a window I've found adapters like these to work OK when set in the window. It's a pretty low-tech, low-price option but suits my rural (think metal sided pole barns) market. It's an option when the electrical mains for the building are different than the house so PowerLine modules are useless.

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Arch...&keywords=long+range+usb+wifi+adapter+tp-link