Why does my Wireless NIC have a USB header?

[SniperHF]

PCE-AC55BT B1 | Networking | ASUS USA

Bring powerful AC1200 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity to your desktop PC with the PCE-AC55BT PCIe adapter, which includes a coverage-enhancing external antenna base. For added flexibility, the mPCIe card can be removed from the PCIe adapter, enabling it to be installed in a variety of...

www.asus.com

I bought that^

Didn't notice it before I bought it, but it connects internally to a motherboard USB header for some reason....

Anyone know why?
It has no manual just a guide that says plug all the things in.

 

[sam_86314]

It's for the Bluetooth functionality. My wireless NIC also has that header.

 

[SniperHF]

It's for the Bluetooth functionality. My wireless NIC also has that header.

Ah, since I won't be using that I can leave it unplugged I suppose.

 

[clarc]

So, little more digging and discovered that 8 pin ext header is for, basically non existent products. So, that's out of the question, but it does bring rise to another question...

 

[bonehead123]

"Scotty, we need moar POWAH"....

In order to provide both wireless & bluetooth functions, the card needs some extra juice, thats all...

But as you said, if not using the BT, you should be able to leave it disconnected///

 

[Deleted member 185158]

subbed.

Can you let me know how it works and the distance + obstacles please? I'm also on the market for some wireless. Interested how well this one works. Thanks!

 

[SniperHF]

Can you let me know how it works and the distance + obstacles please? I'm also on the market for some wireless. Interested how well this one works. Thanks!

Sure, it's a gift though so it might not go in for a while.

 

[Deleted member 185158]

Sure, it's a gift though so it might not go in for a while.

No hurries. Im still looking around.

 

[sam_86314]

subbed.

Can you let me know how it works and the distance + obstacles please? I'm also on the market for some wireless. Interested how well this one works. Thanks!

I'll just throw my experience in here.

I have an Intel Wireless-AC 7265 NIC installed in this E-key M.2 to PCIe 1x adapter.

Amazon.com: fenvi Desktop Wireless Network M.2(NGFF) WiFi Card to PCIe 1X Adapter Converter(Converter only!!Not Including WiFi Card) for NGFF Intel 7260 8260 3160 9260 AX200 AX210 Killer WiFi 6 AX1650 Card : Electronics

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www.amazon.com

They're great little adapter cards (I've bought two so far and haven't had any issues with either of them). They're good for repurposing wireless NICs from old laptops.

The AP in my house is about 30 feet away from my computer, with three walls between them. Reception bounces between two and three bars in Windows.

 

[blobster21]

"Scotty, we need moar POWAH"....

In order to provide both wireless & bluetooth functions, the card needs some extra juice, thats all...

But as you said, if not using the BT, you should be able to leave it disconnected///

I don't think the USB header is there to provide extra power, as the PCI-E 1x bus is already capable of powering up to 75W devices, which is well within the requirement of a wireless combo card.

I'm more inclined to this :

https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/post/8420970

 

[Flaky]

Exactly. "juice" comes from the PCIe slot directly, and provides it more than enough. As mPCIe/M.2 cards use 3.3V, it's better to use this exact voltage from slot, instead of adapting 5V from USB.
It's the USB connection that is needed in order to communicate with the BT portion of card.