Question Do I need a motherboard with wifi if I'm connecting with an ethernet cable?

Franknj229

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May 12, 2020
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I feel like this shouldn't be confusing, but I've been using a wireless laptop for so long and now I'm planning a gaming pc build.

My current laptop connects to other things, like my printer, over my wifi network. If I plan to connect the new pc with an ethernet cable, do I still need a wifi enabled motherboard to connect to other devices? Do I need to turn off wifi on the pc when I connect via ethernet cable? Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of having a wifi enabled MB in the first place?

Currently I have my router connected to an eero mesh network hub in the same room as my computer. There is another, unused ethernet port on both the router and the eero. I assume I would connect the new pc directly to the router. This should have no impact on the wireless network, right?
 
I feel like this shouldn't be confusing, but I've been using a wireless laptop for so long and now I'm planning a gaming pc build.

My current laptop connects to other things, like my printer, over my wifi network. If I plan to connect the new pc with an ethernet cable, do I still need a wifi enabled motherboard to connect to other devices? Do I need to turn off wifi on the pc when I connect via ethernet cable? Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of having a wifi enabled MB in the first place?

Currently I have my router connected to an eero mesh network hub in the same room as my computer. There is another, unused ethernet port on both the router and the eero. I assume I would connect the new pc directly to the router. This should have no impact on the wireless network, right?
No. Your router handles bridging between wired and wireless.
 
You will not need a motherboard with wifi but likely most will have it anyway.

If not going to be used just disable the wireless adapter. Having both wired and wireless enabled at the same time can be problematic for most uses and users.

As I understand your post, I would connect the new PC directly to the router with a Cat 5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable.
 
As has already been stated you'll most likely end up with a motherboard that has WiFi, but you do not have to use it. I've left mine enabled, but never connected it to my network. I think part of the reason WiFi has become so common in motherboards is the minimal cost and Bluetooth is always built into the controllers.
 
Thanks. I'll look into this. My router is a kinetic wifi 6 modem t3280
The most likely reason is cheap/bad/flat ethernet cable. Second most common is problems with in-wall wiring.
Get a new cat5e or cat6a 100% copper, round, factory made cable. Connect directly from your PC to your router.
That should prove you have 1GBit. connectivity. If not, ensure that both ends are set to autonegotiate speed and duplex.
 
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