What wireless network card do you recommend with Windows 7?

[3dfiends]

I had a problem in this thread with BSOD which seems to be the result of an old wireless card and old drivers pre-dating Windows 7.

What wireless cards do you recommend that are compatible with windows 7 Ultimate 67bit system? Since I will have to get a new card, I'd rather ask and get one that I won't have the same issue with it.

I realized after reading a post on NewEgg, that I have a feeling the wireless cards in my other computers are having issues with Windows7, no BSOD, but I get dropped off the "internet" for 30 seconds or so then back on on and off all day, but the router looks connected, so I have a feeling they are not 100% compatible with Windows 7 either (since I'm running it on all my machines). I never would have connected that to old cards, all my cards are at least 2 years old, possibly more.

My current card was an internal one using a PCI slot. I have one of those open, or PCI express slots open. Since I need as much speed as possible since I work online, I'd rather go with an internal as opposed to a USB card. Thanks so much.

 

[Britton30]

Any new one available should work for you, but check reviews. I prefer Linksys or Cisco products, others like D-Link too.

 

[3dfiends]

How can you tell if it is "new"? I was looking at cards on new egg, and one looked good, then reading the reviews saw people reporting BSOD with windows 7 with it. Figured why I'd ask.

 

[Britton30]

I suppose some cards' drivers don't work well with 7 or the users don't. By new I meant something made in the last 18 months or so and labeled Compatible with Windows 7.

 

[0pTicaL]

I had a problem in this thread with BSOD which seems to be the result of an old wireless card and old drivers pre-dating Windows 7.

What wireless cards do you recommend that are compatible with windows 7 Ultimate 67bit system? Since I will have to get a new card, I'd rather ask and get one that I won't have the same issue with it.

I realized after reading a post on NewEgg, that I have a feeling the wireless cards in my other computers are having issues with Windows7, no BSOD, but I get dropped off the "internet" for 30 seconds or so then back on on and off all day, but the router looks connected, so I have a feeling they are not 100% compatible with Windows 7 either (since I'm running it on all my machines). I never would have connected that to old cards, all my cards are at least 2 years old, possibly more.

My current card was an internal one using a PCI slot. I have one of those open, or PCI express slots open. Since I need as much speed as possible since I work online, I'd rather go with an internal as opposed to a USB card. Thanks so much.

Internal is going out of style quick, but if you must use internal I'd recommend this:

Rosewill RNX-N300X IEEE 802.11b/g, IEEE 802.11n Draft 2.0 PCI Wireless Adapter

For USB I'd go with this.

Brand doesn't matter too much these days as it did a decade ago. These devices are as common as a extension cord. The only thing that's left to compare is features and reliability.

 

[Britton30]

Really, people are preferring a "thing" separate from their PC for wireless?

 

[DeaconFrost]

I'm not a big fan of wireless for anything other than a laptop, so I would always prefer to run cables. The problem is, if you use a simple internal card, your antenna is likely going to be subjected to a lot of disturbance from your computer. The external models often off an extension USB cable to move the reciever away from the computer. Another benefit is that it is easier to install.

As for which one, just stick to a somewhat recent one from a well-known brand. Compatibility isn't going to be much of an issue, unless you are looking at older adapters...ones several years old.

Before you go buy something...what card do you have now?

 

[Britton30]

Makes sense Scott, I hadn't considered RF interference.

 

[DeaconFrost]

I battled that when my little sister moved home from college back to my parents house. She didn't have wired internet in her room, and had a tower. I had an old PCI wireless card to give her, and we couldn't get a quality signal...even though the router was one room away. I figured I'd try a USB adapter, just so I didn't have two cards installed...and it worked much better...once I used the 6-foot included USB cable to run the wireless adapter up from behind the desk and the tower.

 

[0pTicaL]

Really, people are preferring a "thing" separate from their PC for wireless?

Portability, flexibility, convenience for older laptops that do not have Wireless N. The ability to move between any desktop and laptop.

I've always been reluctant to use lesser known brands but when I found out the internal chipset used are the same as the better known brands I go for the cheaper alternative. I used my clients as guinea pigs to confirm this (not purposefully, but some of them are real cheapskates).

These type of devices are the same as laptops, just a branded shell, what's important is what's inside.