Since my computer is not where I want it (has to be around an Ethernet cable since it's a desktop) I have been looking up cards. The last time I had to buy a desktop PCI adapter, G was still a new thing.
Any recommended cards for W7 x64 on a wireless N network, preferably under $40?
Hi LS.
Newegg.com - D-Link DWA-525 IEEE 802.11g/n PCI Wireless Adapter Up to 150Mbps Wireless Data Rates
$40
I like D-Link and Asus.
My advice is to match branded equipment what every your flavor is, it will be less of a hardware compatibility headache issue for you....I prefer Linksys. What ever your router is match the card with that. What is your LAN port speed, 10/100 mbps or gigabit 10/100/1000mbps? If your LAN is gigabit, I would suggest running a longer cable. You can run a cable up to 300'. If your LAN is 10/100mbps then go with the wireless N PCI card adapter. With N wireless you get 300mbps. It really depends on what your after, performance or convenience. Both come at a price for performance it's cost and the hassle of routing/hiding the cable for convenience it's loss of speed but not much for out of pocket expense.
Normally I would hide the wires, but moving from a 1 level house to a 3 level house is a big jump, especially with no carpet to hide the wires between molding and floor :)
Try this one on for size.
Newegg.com - ASUS PCE-N13 IEEE 802.11b/g/n PCI Express Wireless Adapter Up to 300Mbps Wireless Data Rates 64-bit/128-bit WEP, TKIP, and AES WI-Fi alliance WPA, WPA2
Works like a charm. No problems since day one.
Found on my Netgear 3500L instantly.
Win7 drivers out of the box more than adequate.
Literally plug, and play.
Last edited by michaelst; 10 Nov 2010 at 09:26.
Excellent. I was just looking at that one, since I have an ASUS mainboard. I also like matching equipment when possible. It just seems to make things go smoother.
hi well my opinion on a good wireless adapter is if you can use a pci adapter instead of the usb ones you will receive better reception if your router is wireless n go for a 300Mbs the best brand i use is T-PLINKWireless LAN
also don't worry about windows 7 compatibility if you choose TP-LINK
good luck!!
Well, as an update (took me long enough to buy something, right?) I purchased the ASUS PCe-N13 from newegg, since I run an ASUS board, and linksys was out of my current budget. I was sorely disappointed at first, as I installed the card, turned the machine on, installed the drivers, as per ASUS instructions, and it lagged my computer out completely. I was very ready to RMA the card, but put it off until after christmas, which, yesterday I woke my computer up to play a game, and everything was working perfectly.
I think the card had to defrost from shipping lol.
I went from intermittent connection with my D-link airplus extremeG to solid good connection strength, and 9 Mbps d/l and 8 Mbps u/l. ^_^
well done electronic boards etc when you get them home or when they get delivered its always best to open up the packaging and leave so it warms to room temp before fitting :)
I should know to do that too, since I worked at UPS for a while. I know how cold the facility is lol.
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