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Wi-Fi Adapter for New Build

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I'm looking to get a wi-fi adapter for my new Ryzen build. For my current rig, I'm using a USB adapter that has been nothing but trouble since I got it, so for this new build I'm doing away with usb wi-fi adapters and instead I'm wanting to go with PCIe or something similar. Are PCIe and similar adapters more stable/dependable than USB adapters? How's the range on these things? My router is in the kitchen and my computer is in my room. If I had to guess the distance between the two, I'd say maybe 30 to 50 ft. away, roughly. So far, I'm looking at these three; two are ASUS, one is TP Link:

https://www.asus.com/us/Networking/PCEAC56/

https://www.asus.com/us/Networking/PCEAC68/

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704241&ignorebbr=1

I don't know much about networking so the only difference I can see between them is the top one has two antennas while the bottom two have three. Any help/advice would be appreciated. :toast:
 

sneekypeet

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why not just buy a motherboard with a Wi-Fi option built in?
 
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I've been using WiFi USB adapter dongle for 2 years, distance from ONT to my PC is around 10-15 meters
still playing online games with smooth latency <17ms with no problem at all.
 
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Hey, UsB can be hit and miss, Make sure you use it in a UsB3 port and get the latest drivers from the chipset manufacturer..ie: broadcom, realtek ect..
Before spending huge on a pci-e solution check your router/access point supports the speed your paying for AC1900 means nothing if the router behind it wont support.
I would recommend an intel based solution for driver and compatibility reasons...$80 is to much buy it off ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/D-Link-DWA...563145?hash=item51f51b60c9:g:cfoAAOSwax5YwEdq

Does not state the chipset but $17! dual band.
 
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My recommendation: ASUS PCE-AC55BT B1 AC1200 Dual-Band PCIe Wi-Fi Adapter Featuring Bluetooth 4.2 IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n PCI Express Up to 1.2Gbps Wireless Data Rates

Intel has just released their next generation of wireless cards, the AC 9xxx series, which comes with Bluetooth version 5. I don't know how long it will take for these to make it to market. I believe that the one I recommended above has an Intel AC 82xx.

But, what @craigo recommended is very interesting, for the price.
 
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why not just buy a motherboard with a Wi-Fi option built in?

Long story short, the board I purchased for my build (Crosshair VI Hero) technically has an M.2 wi-fi port, but in order to actually use it, you need to buy a bunch of parts and do some modding of the I/O plate...and when I got the board, I didn't know they made another version of the board that comes with the wi-fi accessory. And since I bought the board way back in September, it's too late to return it and the coaster it came with is already well used lol
 
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The ASUS PCE-AC56 is the type I typically recommend for your stated distances. That "type" would include the one craigo recommended. I just would not recommend that specific D-Link being sold on ebay. That is, I like PCIe card adapters (instead of USB dongles) with adjustable external antennas. And I like that D-Link too. The external antennas of either model move the antennas out and away from the sheet metal of the case, which might act as shielding or even reflect the radio signal causing interference. These allow you to change their orientation into many different directions for optimal signal reception.

I just would avoid that specific D-Link offered on ebay because the ebay page says it was "Seller refurbished". IMO, only the manufacturer can certified a product has been properly refurbished. If you look at ebay's definition, it says the seller's techs have looked at the item and it "appears" to be in excellent condition. Maybe it was simply a return because it was the wrong color or something. Or maybe it was damaged. You don't know.

On a new build, I say, go all new for peace of mind - even if it costs a bit more.

If you want that D-Link model, I recommend you get it directly from D-Link. Surprisingly, it is $10 cheaper from D-Link than it is from Amazon or Newegg and includes free shipping. :)

On the other hand, the other ASUS model or the one thebluebumblebee suggested is nice because you can position the antenna up high - potentially for better reception at greater distances should move your computer to a more distant point some time in the future. I personally don't see the need for the Bluetooth feature, however as Bluetooth has a very limited range by design.
 
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The ASUS PCE-AC56 is the type I typically recommend for your stated distances. That "type" would include the one craigo recommended. I just would not recommend that specific D-Link being sold on ebay. That is, I like PCIe card adapters (instead of USB dongles) with adjustable external antennas. And I like that D-Link too. The external antennas of either model move the antennas out and away from the sheet metal of the case, which might act as shielding or even reflect the radio signal causing interference. These allow you to change their orientation into many different directions for optimal signal reception.

I just would avoid that specific D-Link offered on ebay because the ebay page says it was "Seller refurbished". IMO, only the manufacturer can certified a product has been properly refurbished. If you look at ebay's definition, it says the seller's techs have looked at the item and it "appears" to be in excellent condition. Maybe it was simply a return because it was the wrong color or something. Or maybe it was damaged. You don't know.

On a new build, I say, go all new for peace of mind - even if it costs a bit more.

If you want that D-Link model, I recommend you get it directly from D-Link. Surprisingly, it is $10 cheaper from D-Link than it is from Amazon or Newegg and includes free shipping. :)

On the other hand, the other ASUS model or the one thebluebumblebee suggested is nice because you can position the antenna up high - potentially for better reception at greater distances should move your computer to a more distant point some time in the future. I personally don't see the need for the Bluetooth feature, however as Bluetooth has a very limited range by design.

Thank you, sir, for your very detailed response. Yes, as a general rule, I tend to stay away from things marked as "seller refurbished" on ebay, or "refurbished" on Amazon or Newegg. Because, it's as you said, you simply don't know. It's for this very same reason that I tend to avoid buying used parts. You just don't know. Some people have no problem buying used, and that's fine, but it's not something I'd personally do.

That being said, I think I will be purchasing the ASUS PCE-AC56 as per your recommendation. I would, however, like to express my thanks for everyone's help and suggestions. :lovetpu:
 
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At least with big retail outlets like Amazon and Newegg, they tend to be authorized distributors of those part. You still don't really know what "refurbished" means, but the risk of getting ripped off is much less. Of course, most sellers on ebay are honest too but returning something to Amazon or Newegg is much easier.
 
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I have using the Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I for some time now. It has the small advantage that it has a USB port on the back. You can plug-in a micro flash drive in here & use it as a back-up.

It also has bluetooth 4.2
 
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