Best PCIe WiFi Card Reviews and Guide
Introduction
Greetings to all the lucky IT sleuths who have found their way to our page. Even today, choosing the finest PCIe WiFi card for your PC might be difficult. Internal network cards provide a constant supply of WiFi signals, eliminating the need for a LAN cable to connect to your PC. You can experience uninterrupted internet without the hassle of cable hookups, and the card can be neatly stored inside your PC case.
PCIe wifi cards are an excellent choice for achieving full wireless connectivity. This PCIe Wifi card connects to your CPU through PCIe and transforms your computer into a wireless receiver.
“Are they, however, genuinely good?” “I spend my days playing multiplayer games.” Do not be concerned; these Wifi cards have the same capabilities as ordinary internet lines. You may expect high-speed internet connectivity ranging from 500MBps to 3GBps (depending on the Wifi Card you use) without breaking the bank. Furthermore, Wifi cards come with a Bluetooth adaptor, which is like a cherry on top.
Before we get into the definitive list of the top PCIe Wifi cards, there’s something you should know. It will be easier to know what to search for in a Wifi card if you contour the essential criteria.
Here’s a quick rundown of some key factors you can’t afford to overlook. Let’s take a look behind the scenes.
Number of Antenna
Different numbers of antennae are available on PCIe wifi cards on the market. Starting with one and progressing to three or four antennas at the most. Consider a two-antenna Wifi card as the sweet spot, where you can meet your requirements without wasting money.
Quality of the Antenna
An antenna of good quality will improve network connectivity. The antennae tube sizes have a direct impact on the quality of the game. Investing in a decent, dependable Wifi card can eliminate any quality concerns.
Compatibility
If your Wifi card isn’t compatible with your PC’s operating system, you won’t be able to utilize it. Before you buy a wifi card, make sure it supports the OS and version you’re using.
Here’s a heads-up: this is a spoiler alert. Users of Windows 10 who have a 64-bit PC can use any Wifi card without fear.
I’m confident you can now identify which one has the upper hand over the others after going through these variables. However, keep in mind that this was only a prelude. At the end of this post, you’ll find a detailed “Buying Guide.” And it would be a mistake to miss out on that.
That being said, it’s time to get down to business. Let’s get started looking for a PCIe Wifi card.
Best PCIe WiFi Cards of 2023
TP-Link AC1300 PCIe Wifi Card
Asus AX3000 PCIe Wifi Card
Rosewill AC 1300
Star Tech AC 1200
Ubit AX1200 PCIe Wifi Card
FebSmart N600 PCIe Wifi Card
Let’s start with TP-Link, one of the most well-known telecom brands. Another excellent product to consider in the list of best Wifi Cards is the TP-Link AC 100 PCIe Card. It gives you the ability to boost your broadband speed up to 1300 Mbps. As a result, you may complete all of your tasks without feeling left out.
There’s some good news for Windows users. The TP-Link AC 1300 is compatible with nearly all versions of Windows (10/8.1/ 8/ 7/ XP). As a result, your old Windows PC will have no problems.
The sophisticated function of heat sink technology is included with this two-antenna wifi card. This feature is quite helpful in maintaining the device’s long-term health. The TP-Link AC1300 will not let you down, no matter how intense your gaming or computer habits are. Furthermore, the device’s antennae are totally detachable, allowing you to customize them for greater performance.
Trust is one of the primary features that set the TP-Link AC1300 apart from its competitors. With it, you will receive a two-year warranty. Keeping this in mind will eliminate any doubts or concerns regarding the product’s quality.
It’s time to show off the Wifi Card from Asus, one of the world’s leading computer manufacturers. We’re all familiar with Asus’s work; they’ve dominated the market for over a decade. It’s no different with the Asus AX3000 (Pce-AX58BT).
Asus was also the first in the market to offer superior Wifi 6 technology in the PCIe Wifi Card area. As a result, Wifi 6 will provide up to 2.7 times the speed of earlier Wifi versions. The fact alone should be enough to sway you towards this Wifi card from the start.
These antennas are equipped with superior MU-MIMO and Ofda technology, allowing several devices to be connected at the same time. With the combined strength of two techs. (MU-MIMO and Of), you’ll never doubt the device’s ability to connect to various networks.
However, according to the manufacturer, the AX3000 is only compatible with Windows 10 64-bit machines. However, many Linux users have tested this card and are enjoying trouble-free Wifi connectivity.
Simultaneously, you’re giving your PC the benefit of Bluetooth (5.0) connectivity. Even in the busiest Bluetooth networks, Bluetooth 5.0 connects to the device rapidly. You also have a four-fold increase in range.
Simply install the drivers, insert the card into the slot, and enjoy flawless connectivity.
Red heatsinks and two detachable wide-range antennae distinguish Rosewill network cards, which support the AC 802.11 standard with backward compatibility. These dual-band cards provide a 5GHz speed of 867Mbps and a 2,4GHz speed of up to 400Mbps. We were able to get 290Mbps download speeds and 186Mbps upload speeds. This makes lag-free online gaming, 4k Ultra HD movie streaming, and web browsing a breeze.
The two omnidirectional strong antennas, which benefit from Beamforming technology and the 33% dual-band modulation to ensure a signal range of 30 feet, add to its speed. Using Beamforming technology, these antennas cleverly locate the positions of nearby wireless routers and connect to them immediately.
Its sleek aluminum heatsinks are made of a high-density alloy that effectively distributes heat, ensuring the card’s long-term reliability and stable performance. It has extensive security features such as 64/128 WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK(TKIP/AES), and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK(TKIP/AES). If space is an issue, the Rosewill AC 1300 Mini PCIe Wifi Card is our top recommendation.
Installing it is simple and straightforward; simply insert it into an empty PCIe x1 slot and Windows will detect it. It is compatible with Windows 10/8.1/ 8/ 7/XP in terms of system compatibility. The “ath9k” driver is available in the newest Ubuntu LTS kernel 16.04, therefore this should work with Linux. However, because the possibilities are still slim, you’re better off avoiding Linux on this GPU.
This is the tiniest and smallest AC standard card on the list, yet all roads lead to Rome, and it contains everything you need to serve you zealously. It has several WLAN channels, supports the 802.11a standard, and is backward compatible with the b/g/n standards. This dual-band WiFi offers 5GHz transfer speeds of up to 867Mbps and 2.4GHz transfer speeds of up to 300Mbps.
As a result, it can smoothly play HD videos, play online games, and transfer files. We were able to achieve consistent download and upload speeds that were much above the promised statistics.
The device’s versatile antennae are one of its standout characteristics. They have a detachable antenna design with two transmitters and two receivers, as well as a magnetic antenna stand that can be installed on the top or side of your case. Furthermore, the controller card comes with both a regular and a low-profile bracket for use in compact form factor systems.
Its elegantly designed heatsinks complement the PCB’s tiny form factor and provide the card with faultless heat dissipation. It works immediately out of the box on Windows 10/8/7 using the driver on the mini-CD that comes with it. However, the Startech website’s Linux drivers are out of current; you’ll have to look for them elsewhere.
Intel’s undisputed performance is included in the Unit Wifi Card. The new Intel AX 1200 Wifi chip exemplifies why Intel’s innovation is highly admired.
When using the 5.0GHz band, this Wifi card comes with the most advanced Wifi version (Wifi 6) that can give up to 2.4Gbps of data transmission. It could be the ideal soldier for jobs that require more network use.
With the help of its two MU-MIMO antennas, it can support up to 802.11ax. With the help of these antennas, you can connect up to 6 devices, all with WPA3 security. The idea is to provide consistent data transfer rather than a high-speed connection. Furthermore, the AX 1200 is compatible with Bluetooth 5.0.
In the 5 GHz frequency, you may expect data speeds of up to 2402 Mbps and up to 574 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band. The AX 1200 is unconcerned with how noisy the Wifi network is in your vicinity.
Intel will always be renowned for its versatile interoperability. Its AX1200 wifi card is compatible with all Windows and Linux operating systems. It’s possible that you can’t afford to ignore it, especially if you use Linux.
You will, however, be unable to use the gadget immediately after plugging it in. Separately, the Wifi and Bluetooth drivers must be installed. But don’t worry, they’re not difficult to set up.
The FebSmart N600, which operates on the 2.4 GHz to 5.0 GHz network spectrum, is another worthy opponent on the list. The nice aspect is that you won’t have to spend as much as you would with other possibilities. With only a $20 investment, you can meet all of your modest to medium-sized internet requirements (including gaming.)
When you consider the pricing, the 300Mbps throughput for both bands (2.4GHz and 5.0GHz) is extremely impressive. Furthermore, with 2.4GHz capability, you won’t have to worry about your Wifi router’s age.
Multiple devices can be connected at the same time. The 6dbi removable antennas on the board support MIMO technology.
Coming to the best part of that, the card becomes a more appealing option. The FebSmart N600 is also compatible with older Windows versions. Regardless of whether you have Windows 10 or 7, a 64-bit or 32-bit PC, the card will operate.
Because of the low cost of this Wifi card, you may be concerned about the device’s quality. Allow me to reassure you. The N600 Wifi card comes with a one-year replacement guarantee from Feb Smart. As a result, one year is more than enough time to put everything to the test.
A little investment, on the other hand, always limits you in some respects, and the story repeats itself here. WPA2 (in all of its versions) is the highest encryption Wifi security you’ll find here, not WPA3. However, if your primary reason for utilizing the internet is to play games, this isn’t a big deal.
Buying Guide for Best PCIe Wifi Card
The PCIe wifi cards aren’t exactly cutting-edge technology. As a result, deciding on the perfect one for you may take some time. This is why we’ve put together a comprehensive buying guide for you.
The guide outlines all of the crucial elements to consider when resolving your connectivity problems (i.e buying PCIe wifi cards).
Let’s get started on the first step of your PCIe wifi card search.
Number of Antennas
Starting with antennas, which are the simplest to comprehend and see. Antennas, independent of their physical position, have the primary purpose of receiving and transmitting data. That’s all there is to it.
As a result, antennas are likely to be found on any equipment that deals with data transmission. Going into further detail, the amount of data received/transmitted is mostly determined by two factors: the antenna’s quality and the antenna’s height.
Let’s start with the height factor. A lengthy antenna (even one meter long) is nearly impossible to fit on these compact PCIe wifi cards. So, how can we extend the receiving range?
By increasing the number of antennae and allowing them to share a single wifi card.
Usually, a single antenna is included with the PCIe wifi card for data transmission. Which may be suitable for modest to moderate internet requirements. However, wifi cards with two and, in certain circumstances, three antennas should be used to enable uninterrupted data connectivity (even for numerous devices).
Antenna Quality
Antennas are an excellent example of where quantity and quality are valued equally. In other words, a PCIe wifi card’s dignity and capabilities are directly proportional to the quality of its antenna.
The antenna’s tube size impacts how much data it can receive in a given amount of time. And now for the truth. Different Wifi cards have different antennas and tube sizes. This is why you should choose a well-known and dependable brand (the list mentioned above includes only handpicked trusted products).
There is, however, another option you could consider. If you’re concerned about the antenna’s quality, look for cards that allow you to detach the antennas. You’ll be able to swap them out later for more powerful connectivity.
Connection Speeds
Isn’t the main reason you’re contemplating these Wifi cards to improve your connection speed? Different wifi cards will supply you with various connection speeds. The most modern cards (those with Wifi 6) claim speeds of over 3GBps.
But you’ve picked up on the theme, haven’t you? Even for the most advanced players, speed ranges of 3GBps and above can be ineffective. Don’t choose them unless you’re running an IT office where having a steady high-speed internet connection is a must.
The majority of PCIe wifi cards will give you a connection speed of 300MBps to 2GBps. This range is frequently regarded as the sweet spot for an uninterrupted internet experience.
Operating System
This is where the concept of ‘compatibility’ comes into play. PCIe Wifi Cards are frequently only compatible with specific versions of an operating system.
It’s a little difficult to swallow, but you’ll need to take care of it if you want to enjoy seamless connectivity. Otherwise, you risk losing faith in such exciting products, as well as your money.
It’s time to unveil yet another painful reality. When it comes to OS compatibility, Windows users generally have the upper hand, especially with the current Windows version (Windows 10). However, as a Linux user, you still have a few options to choose from. Just remember to check the Wifi card’s supported OS list before pressing the BUY button.
Heat Sink Capability
Every high-performance piece of equipment produces heat as a byproduct. The same is true for PCIe wifi cards. Even after a day of high-performance work, the wifi cards do not wear out. However, adding an extra layer of security to your card will benefit it in the long run.
When compared to wifi cards that do not have a heatsink, those with this feature have a longer lifespan. This is why, while purchasing a long-term product, you should pay special attention to this characteristic.
All of the PCIe Wifi cards mentioned above include a heatsink. As a result, you don’t have to be concerned about your intense gaming habit.
Size of the Card
The size of the Wifi card isn’t a significant consideration. However, installing it can be a little more difficult for you.
The wifi card should be able to fit into the CPU case with ease. There’s no need to be concerned if your CPU is exceptionally powerful. However, with your compact CPU cases, being concerned about the size might be prudent.
If you’re short on space, go for a wifi card with a small design. If you require additional assistance, you can contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer.
Additional Feature
When it comes to this element, I always say the same thing. Additional features, in addition to powerful necessities, are a manifestation of the brand’s devotion to its clients. Expecting further features in the wifi card sector is also a stretch.
Some of these characteristics are discussed here. For enhanced signal transmission, several PCIe Wifi cards include technologies like Turbo QAM and MU-MIMO. Some come with an extra antenna base, allowing you to place antennae wherever you like.
Keep in mind that these characteristics do not directly contribute to the card’s supremacy. But who doesn’t want additional perks?
Conclusion:
This was the final straw. I hope the preceding information will assist you in making the best decision possible. Wifi PCIe cards aren’t a must-have item. However, your gaming and browsing experience will undoubtedly be elevated to new heights.
The only thing you have to do now is choose the best wifi card for your needs. Don’t be daunted by the abundance of excellent choices. Use the purchase recommendations as a guide and trust your instincts.
If you’re still undecided, I recommend that you go with my favorite Wifi card. Everyone’s needs are met by the TP-Link A+C1300 PCIe Wifi card. It’s inexpensive, has advanced features (such as Wifi 6, MU-MIMO), and is backward compatible with older versions of Windows.
