If you are going to build a new PC and want to add wireless networking capability to it, then you have two options available. The one is the PCI Express Wifi Adapter which I going to cover in this article and another one is the USB wireless adapters which we have covered earlier.
Basically, a PCI Express Wifi Adapter will plugs into the PCI-e (PCI express) point in your computer through a 32-bit PCI slot to provide a low profile PCIe x1 slot in its place. PCI-e wireless adapters are more powerful and give you better network coverage. With these adapters, you will get at least two antennas and in some models three also.
Before going to the ultimate list, first I would like to provide you some parameters on the basis of which you can select the best PCI Express Wifi Adapter for your home and office computer.
How to Choose the Best PCI Express Wifi Adapter
There are various factors you should always keep in mind while choosing the best PCI Express Wifi Adapter.
1. Choosing The Wireless Standards:
The router manufacturer is coming with new and powerful wireless standards with the latest technology. The Wi-Fi standard is referred to 802.11 followed by a,b,g,n,ac versions. These are the wireless protocols standard which is set by IEEE(Institute of Electricals and Electronics Engineers).
So if you are looking to buy a new router then you should always look for the “AC” standard first. But one thing you should always keep in mind that if you are choosing AC wireless standard then your device should also support this standard otherwise it will not be able to boost your speed. The 802.11 AC wireless standard is commonly seen with Tri-Band routers.
2. Single Band, Dual Band or Tri-Band
The wireless router works on two different frequency band- 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency. The devices which work on single 2.4 GHz frequency band are referred as Single Band. The dual-band devices use both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency band while the devices which use one 2.4 GHz and two 5 GHz frequency band are reffed as Tri-Band.
The Single band is commonly used where fewer devices are connected to the router as it offers less speed and coverage area. The Dual-Band is used in the router to deliver faster Wi-Fi speed and coverage area in the crowded place where more than two devices are connected to the router.
If you are living in a crowded area with multiple devices then the Tri-band routers work well for you as it allows you to connect multiple devices to the same network with excellent Wi-Fi speed and coverage area. In conclusion, the Dual-Band routers could be the best choice for you if you are looking to use in-house or offices.
3. Wireless Security Features
With the advancement in technology, the wireless security plays a very important role. Any router you are looking to buy must come with at least WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access Protocol) and SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) firewall security which helps the end users connected to the router from potential online attacks. The router should also come with WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button for one-touch wireless security encryption which will block the access of the unauthorized users.
4. Technology
While choosing the best PCI Express Wifi Adapter, you should always look for the latest technologies it is coming with as these technologies will improve the performance and deliver maximum throughput. There is various technology comes with the router such as MU-MIMO Technology, AC Smart beam Technology, QoS Technology, and Stream Boost Technology. So, you have to choose accordingly before buying a new PCI Express Wifi Adapter.
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List of Best PCI Express Wifi Adapters
Name | Wireless Type | Item Weight | Item Dimensions | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
TP-Link N900 | 802.11B, 802.11G, 802.11n | 0.16 ounces | 2.6 x 2.6 x 0.1 inches | Check Price |
Rosewill 802.11N | 802.11n, 802.11G, 802.11B | 5.6 ounces | 8.1 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches | Check Price |
TP-Link N300 | 802.11B, 802.11G, 802.11n | 4.8 ounces | 5.2 x 0.9 x 4.8 inches | Check Price |
ASUS PCE-AC56 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 3.68 ounces | 4.8 x 0.8 x 3.9 inches | Check Price |
TP-Link Archer AC1900 | 802.11 A/C, 5.8 GHz Radio Frequency | 10.2 ounces | 4.5 x 4.8 x 0.8 inches | Check Price |
ASUS - PCE-N13 | 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11n | 5.6 ounces | 2.8 x 4.8 x 0.2 inches | Check Price |
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 | 5.8 GHz Radio Frequency | 7.2 ounces | 6.1 x 5.7 x 2 inches | Check Price |
Amped Wireless PCI20E | 802.11A/B/g/n | 7.4 ounces | 0.7 x 3.8 x 4.8 inches | Check Price |
After this quick table view, now its time to check out the products with all the specifications.
1. TP-Link N900
The TP-Link N900 is the Wireless Dual Band PCI-Express Adapter which allows desktop computers to connect to high-speed wireless networks. While using this wifi adapter for PC, you will get amazing speeds of up to 450Mbps at 2.4GHz or 5.0GHz. It is very easy to install it on your PC with the help of bundled CD utility.
Integrated with the three antennas for increased wireless performance and stability. Also, it supports dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels for smoother HD video streaming, online gaming, and file sharing. This Wifi Adapter is compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n products and supports Windows XP 32/64bit, Vista 32/64bit, Windows 7 32/64bit, Windows 8 32/64bit.
Also, the company provides 2-years warranty and unlimited 24/7 technical support. If you have any query or facing any issue while installing it, then you can call the technical department and get the solution as soon as possible.
2. Rosewill 802.11N
The Rosewill 802.11N is a PCI Express Wireless Adapter/Wi-Fi Adapter/Network Card which supports up to 300Mbps wireless data speed over the 2.4Ghz band on 11N wireless network and external antennas for wider Wi-Fi coverage. It is also compatible with 802.11n/b/g products.
Integrated with two 5dBi Antennas which provide wilder coverage for Wi-Fi network and allows you to enjoy internet at any corner of your home. The 2T2R MIMO technology delivers greater throughput at range versus conventional 1T1R. The Rosewill RNX-N250PCe provides you with a fast, reliable wireless connection for lag-free online gaming and video streaming.
The advanced WPA/WPA2 encryptions, created by the Wi-Fi Alliance, provide interoperability and security for WLAN, which effectively and efficiently protect users’ wireless environment. Also, the company provides limited time manufacturer warranty and free technical support with this Wifi Adapter.
3. TP-Link N300
One the most popular Wireless PCI-Express Adapter, the TP-Link N300 is capable of providing speed up to 300Mbps which makes it ideal for video streaming, online gaming, and Internet calls. Integrated with 2T2R MIMO technology which delivers greater throughput at the range as compared to older 1T1R.
The MIMO technology used in this Wireless Adapter is more efficient and has an ability to reduce data loss over long distance and through obstacles. This results in larger coverage and faster speed than 150 Mbps wireless N or previous generations.
This TP-Link N300 Wifi Adapter has increased stability with CCA technology which automatically avoids channel conflicts by using its clear channel selection feature and binds the clear channels to keep a stable wireless connection. Also, the company provides 2-year warranty and unlimited 24/7 technical support with this wifi card.
4. ASUS PCE-AC56
ASUS PCE-AC56 Dual-band Wireless-AC1300 PCI-E adapter is an 802.11ac wifi card that upgrades your desktop PC to leading 802.11ac wireless and delivers speeds up to 867 Mbps. Integrated with the Broadcom TurboQAM technology which super-charges 2.4 GHz 802.11n performance from 300 Mbps to 400 Mbps with compatible devices.
With its PCI Express interface, you can easily plug it into any motherboard to give your desktop an instant 802.11ac Wi-Fi upgrade with access to speeds of up to 1.3 Gbps. With its external, magnetic antenna, you can easily attach it where you please and enjoy the strongest wireless performance.
The added heatsink uses highly conductive aluminum to remove heat from the chipset for greater reliability for a reliable, stable connection. Also, the company provides limited time warranty and free technical support with this ASUS PCE-AC56.
5. TP-Link Archer AC1900
The TP-Link Archer AC1900 supports the next generation WiFi standard – IEEE 802.11ac, offering transfer rates that are 3 times faster than wireless N speeds. After installing it on your desktop PC, you will be able to stream lag-free HD videos and online gaming at speed of 5GHz 1300Mbps. Integrated with Beamforming Technology to receive more directional WiFi signals, improved signals, and reliability.
The heat sink technology improves the adapter’s performance over long streaming and gaming sessions by keeping its core components cooler, and three external antennas maximize its connection range and stability. This Wifi Adapter is compatible with Windows 10/ 8.1 / 8 / 7 / XP.
Also, the company provides industry leading 2-year warranty and free 24/7 technical support. For any technical issue or installation problem, you can contact the technical department and get the solution instantly.
6. ASUS(PCE-N13) Wireless-N Network Adapter
The ASUS(PCE-N13) Wireless-N Network Adapter is a high-performance Wifi Adapter which delivers exceptional speed for streaming lag-free HD videos and playing online games.
Data Rate: 802.11g: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54Mbps; 802.11b: 1, 2, 5.5, 11Mbps; 802.11n: downlink up to 300Mbps, uplink up to 150Mbps(20/40MHz).
Modulation: 64QAM, 16QAM, QPSK, BPSK, CCK, DQPSK, DBPSK, OFDM, DSSS.
Output Power: 11b: 18 dBm,11g: 15 ~18 dBm, 11n: 13~16 dBm.
Integrated with two 2 RP SMA JACK RF connectors which provide you high wifi range and stable network every time. Also, the company provides limited time manufacturer warranty and free technical support with this Wifi Adapter. For any query, you can contact them and get the solution asap.
7. Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 is an ultimate Wifi Adapter for PC. It is the Bluetooth desktop adapter that lets you connect at the speed, higher capacity, and broader coverage. While using it, you can easily stream HD videos without any lag and also play online games at high-speed.
Combined with Intel Core processor and exceptional Intel wireless innovations, the Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 dramatically reshapes your connected experience at home or the workplace. This Wireless Adapter is compatible with Windows 10.
Also, the company provides limited time manufacturer warranty and free technical support with this Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 Wifi Adapter. If you have any issue while installing it or need some help, you can contact the technical department anytime and get the solution as soon as possible.
8. Amped Wireless PCI20E
The Amped Wireless High Power AC1200 Wi-Fi PCI-E Adapter is also good option to go with. It allows your desktop computer to connect to Wi-Fi networks from extreme distances and with high speed. Integrated with 802.11ac Technology and two high gain dual band antennas for providing maximum range.
It connects to your desktop PC with PCI-E and features AC1200 Wi-Fi technology to provide unprecedented Wi-Fi connection speeds: Up to 300Mbps for 2.4GHz networks and up to 867Mbps for 5.0GHz connections. Also, integrated with high dissipation heat sink to avoid overheating and to keep performance at its highest level.
Package Contents: 1 x High Power AC1200 Wi-Fi PCI-E Adapter, 2 x Detachable High Gain Dual Band Antennas, 1 x Magnetic Antenna Stand, 1 x Low Profile Mounting Bracket, 1 x Standard Profile Mounting Brackets, 1 x Setup Guide, 1 x CD: User’s Guide and Software.
Editor’s Recommendation
If you are still not able to pick the best product for you, then I will suggest you the best PCI Express Wifi Adapter for you. From my recommendation, the best PCI-e Wifi Adapter is the ASUS PCE-AC56. This is the best selling on Amazon and also the price of this device is very less as compared to other devices in the list.
Also, PCE-AC56 uses Broadcom’s 5th generation Wi-Fi 802.11ac chipset to give you speeds of up to 867 Mbps through the 5 GHz band—3 times faster than 802.11n Wi-Fi.
So, this is all for this article. Hope you have selected the best PCI-e Wifi Adapter for your Laptop and PC. If you find this article helpful, then please share it on social media and also with your friends. If you have any query, comment below.
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