Understanding the Best WiFi PCI Card: Why USB Adapters Are Often Preferred

Choosing the right WiFi adapter can significantly impact your network performance and connectivity. This article delves into the differences between WiFi PCI cards and USB adapters, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each. We'll evaluate some of the top WiFi PCI cards and USB adapters in the market to help you make an informed decision.

The TP-Link Wireless PCI Express Adapter

The TP-Link Wireless PCI Express Adapter is a reliable option for desktop users seeking a robust WiFi connection. It allows your desktop computer to connect to a Wi-Fi network, enabling activities such as lag-free video streaming, online gaming, secure internet surfing, and internet calls.

Key Features of the TP-Link Adapter

802.11a/b/g/n compatibility: Supports a wide range of WiFi standards, ensuring compatibility with older devices. Ad-hoc and infrastructure mode support: Offers flexibility in network configurations. Speed: Supports up to 867 Mbps on the 5GHz network and 400 Mbps on the 2.4GHz network. Security: Supports WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, ensuring secure connections.

The Archer T6E: An Advanced WiFi PCI Express Adapter

The Archer T6E AC1300 Wireless Dual Band PCI Express Adapter is designed for users seeking high-speed WiFi and reliable network performance. It offers several advanced features:

Key Features of the Archer T6E

Easy Installation: Simply plug the adapter into an available PCI-E slot to upgrade your desktop. High-Speed Wi-Fi: Provides up to 1300 Mbps Wi-Fi speeds, with 867 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 400 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. 802.11ac Technology: Up to 3 times faster than the 802.11n standard, ideal for busy networks. Beamforming: Receives directional Wi-Fi signals to improve speed and reliability. Broad Wireless Range: Potentially covers larger areas thanks to two external antennas for enhanced stability.

Key Considerations for WiFi Adapters

While WiFi PCI cards and USB adapters serve the same purpose, several factors can dictate which option is better for your needs:

Port Speeds

When considering port speeds, note that:

PCI: Offers a maximum data rate of over a gigabit, but may be a limiting factor compared to newer technologies. PCI Express: Is significantly faster, offering much higher data rates. USB 2: While available on older systems, it has a maximum speed of 480 Mbps, which is significantly slower than newer USB versions. USB 3 and USB C: Offer much faster speeds, making them preferable for modern systems.

Consider that USB 2 was released in 2000, so most computers will have USB 2 or a more advanced version, thereby affecting the overall performance difference between PCI and USB adapters.

WiFi Standards and Speeds

The maximum speed of WiFi 5 (802.11ac) is around 500 Mbps, which is consistent across all WiFi 5 routers, regardless of cost or number of antennas. This speed is limited by the current WiFi standard and not by the adapter type:

PCI Adapter Speed: Supports up to 867 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 400 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. USB Adapter Speed: Typically supports up to 500 Mbps, which is the maximum speed of WiFi 5.

In practical terms, there is very little to gain from a PCI adapter compared to a USB adapter, especially considering the practical usage scenarios.

Conclusion

While WiFi PCI cards like the TP-Link and Archer T6E are powerful and offer high-speed performance, USB adapters are often viewed as more cost-effective and versatile. They can easily be upgraded or replaced, and are compatible with a wide range of modern systems. The choice between a PCI card and a USB adapter ultimately depends on your specific needs and the type of system you have.