How do i get wifi on my desktop?

[PapiLouis4]

I know, sounds like a simple problem, but i have no clue as im new to building computers.

anyways, how do i get wifi on my new build? Do i have to buy some sort of wifi card? This is the motherboard im using.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007R21JJK/ref=ox_ya_os_product

thx

 

[Supernova1138]

Most motherboards do not have built in WiFi yet, and this one is no exception. Grab either a PCI or PCI-E x1 WiFi card if you absolutely need to have wireless connectivity for this machine.

There are also USB sticks that can provide WiFi connectivity if you don't want to get a card. However, they tend to be flakier than the WiFi cards, so you are probably better off with the internal solution rather than external.

 

[zhihao50]

There are motherboard with wifi like this one thats slightly more expansive. Its a feature thats starting to become common with the z77 chipsets
http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Intel-DDR3-Motherboard-P8Z77-V/dp/B007G51UWY/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1336964545&sr=1-2

There are also add on card thats between $20-30, but they also take up an pci/pci-e slot. Not a big problem with most people.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=wifi+card

 

[PapiLouis4]

ok cool, thx guys. whats the difference between 802.11/n/g/b??

 

[PapiLouis4]

Most motherboards do not have built in WiFi yet, and this one is no exception. Grab either a PCI or PCI-E x1 WiFi card if you absolutely need to have wireless connectivity for this machine.

There are also USB sticks that can provide WiFi connectivity if you don't want to get a card. However, they tend to be flakier than the WiFi cards, so you are probably better off with the internal solution rather than external.

one more question, should i get one with an antenna or without?

 

[Supernova1138]

The difference is how old the standards are and how fast the connections are. 802.11b is the oldest and slowest, I think it's maximum speed was about 25 Mbps, 802.11g is faster, though getting old now, I think it's maximum speed was 54 Mbps. 802.11n is the most recent standard and is the fastest, it's maximum speed is about 100 Mbps. Be advised that your connection speed will be restricted by your wireless access point/router. eg. If your wireless router can only support up to 802.11g, then that is your maximum connection speed, even if you have an 802.11n wireless card.

As for the antenna, that would depend on how far away your wireless access point is from the computer in question, and if there is anything that will interfere with the signal. I'd say it would be a good idea to have an antenna if your computer is not going to be sitting close to the wireless access point.

 

[PapiLouis4]

oh ok cool thx, do u happen to know of any good brands or articles for finding out which is most suitable for me??

 

[PapiLouis4]

Best answer selected by PapiLouis4.

 

[Supernova1138]

I haven't personally been in the market for wifi cards myself so I'm not too familiar with which brands are good. All I can suggest is google around for some product reviews for wireless network cards. Just make sure that the card you buy is compatible with the standards supported by your wireless access point.

 

[Chainzsaw]

I have this Rosewill PCIE WIFI card - supports .11N - it has been an excellent card so far:

It takes up a PCIE X1 slot:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166063