Finding a Wireless Adapter for my gaming PC

[Patrick Baron]

As the title states, I am looking for a wireless adapter for my future gaming PC. My router is a floor below me, with about 2-3 walls in between. I don't know much about how routers work, but the info I took from inspecting it is that it is a Rogers 2.4 or 5GHz. I realize the information is vague, but if anyone could suggest anything compatible or that will work well for me, it would be much appreciated. If any more information is needed to give a more accurate solution, I can probably find more. Also, just to be clear, using an ether net cord is not an option for me.

 

[g90814]

Pretty much any 'dual band' or better adapter might work for you. This will allow you to connect to either 2.4 or 5Ghz networks.

Do you want PCIe or USB adapter?

Have you tested the wireless signal with a phone or other device? Just to be sure you have enough signal where you want to place your computer.

What's your budget?

One other option to consider is powerline network adapters. This would basically give you a wired connection, and can even give you a wireless access point as well. They are very easy to set up, which is a bonus.

TP-LINK TL-PA2010KIT AV 200Mbps Nano Powerline Adapter Starter Kit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704164 $30

TP-LINK TL-WPA4220KIT Advanced 300Mbps Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender, Repeater, AV500 Powerline Edition
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704197 $60

 

[Patrick Baron]

Pretty much any 'dual band' or better adapter might work for you. This will allow you to connect to either 2.4 or 5Ghz networks.

Do you want PCIe or USB adapter?

Have you tested the wireless signal with a phone or other device? Just to be sure you have enough signal where you want to place your computer.

What's your budget?

One other option to consider is powerline network adapters. This would basically give you a wired connection, and can even give you a wireless access point as well. They are very easy to set up, which is a bonus.

TP-LINK TL-PA2010KIT AV 200Mbps Nano Powerline Adapter Starter Kit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704164 $30

TP-LINK TL-WPA4220KIT Advanced 300Mbps Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender, Repeater, AV500 Powerline Edition
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704197 $60

Thank you for replying. I've used a wireless connection with my laptop and phone and haven't seemed to have any trouble with either. Is there usually any difference in quality between PCIe or usb adapters? I could go either way with no preference really. The budget i'm aiming for is around $50. I'm aiming for whatever will give me the optimal quality connection when I go to game. And i'll check the out the links, thank you for the suggestions.

 

[g90814]

Wired connections will always beat out wireless, especially for gaming. You eliminate a lot of issues that wireless can have. Better ping time, lower latency, and consistent connection speeds are all benefits of wired connections.

I'd suggest you get at least the basic powerline kit, and then maybe a basic dual-band wireless adapter if you want to have that option for the desktop.

 

[g90814]

Here's a good basic USB dual band adapter with good ratings: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704135 and only $22