How to determine the quality of a network card?

[GavriloJm]

Hi guys,

I am going to buy a network card for my desktop pc, but I don't have a single clue about which one to choose. When I compare a 20 euro card with a 50 euro card I see some difference in specifications, but nothing that makes me want to buy the expensive one. So my question is, how do I determine which card I should buy?

Thanks in advance!
Gavrilo

 

[USAFRet]

Hi guys,

I am going to buy a network card for my desktop pc, but I don't have a single clue about which one to choose. When I compare a 20 euro card with a 50 euro card I see some difference in specifications, but nothing that makes me want to buy the expensive one. So my question is, how do I determine which card I should buy?

Thanks in advance!
Gavrilo

3 basic things:
1. From a brand you have heard of
2. 10/100/1000
3. No repetition of bad features in whatever reviews you read
For this, I mean...if multiple people all report the same errors, avoid and move to something else.


---------------------------
However....why are you buying a network card for your desktop?
Almost all current motherboards have that built in.

 

[PhysX_HW]

It doesn't really matter which one you buy, unless you are looking for some specific feature, so for everyday use, almost any of them would work. Some of them may have a few quirks, like the Intel 82574l, but I'm using two of those 24/7 in my server, and they work just fine.

One tip though is try to avoid those gaming cards with killer chips. They may look like a good choice, but their software support is awful, and their performance advantage is nothing, really.

 

[GavriloJm]

3 basic things:
1. From a brand you have heard of
2. 10/100/1000
3. No repetition of bad features in whatever reviews you read
For this, I mean...if multiple people all report the same errors, avoid and move to something else.


---------------------------
However....why are you buying a network card for your desktop?
Almost all current motherboards have that built in.

Thanks for your reply. The reason I am looking for a card is because the mobo I am gonna buy (msi b150m bazooka) doesn't have wi-fi and ethernet isn't an option.

 

[USAFRet]

3 basic things:
1. From a brand you have heard of
2. 10/100/1000
3. No repetition of bad features in whatever reviews you read
For this, I mean...if multiple people all report the same errors, avoid and move to something else.


---------------------------
However....why are you buying a network card for your desktop?
Almost all current motherboards have that built in.

Thanks for your reply. The reason I am looking for a card is because the mobo I am gonna buy (msi b150m bazooka) doesn't have wi-fi and ethernet isn't an option.

OK!!!!
That's a whole different question and part you're looking for.

When someone says "network card" that generally signifies LAN...ethernet...RJ-45.
Not WiFi.

So you're looking for a WiFi device, instead of a network card.
I'm glad I asked.

 

[GavriloJm]

3 basic things:
1. From a brand you have heard of
2. 10/100/1000
3. No repetition of bad features in whatever reviews you read
For this, I mean...if multiple people all report the same errors, avoid and move to something else.


---------------------------
However....why are you buying a network card for your desktop?
Almost all current motherboards have that built in.

Thanks for your reply. The reason I am looking for a card is because the mobo I am gonna buy (msi b150m bazooka) doesn't have wi-fi and ethernet isn't an option.

OK!!!!
That's a whole different question and part you're looking for.

When someone says "network card" that generally signifies LAN...ethernet...RJ-45.
Not WiFi.

So you're looking for a WiFi device, instead of a network card.
I'm glad I asked.

Ah, okay. Sorry for my ignorance lol. So am I looking for a WLAN adapter? And how do I determine the quality of this?

For example this card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704059. Where I live this costs 14 bucks, but will it be good enough for gaming? My internet connection has around 7MB/s download speed, if that matters.

And will it be compatible with the mobo http://www.msi.com/Motherboard/B150M-BAZOOKA.html#hero-overview

 

[USAFRet]

Yeah, that should work.
The main issue is the WiFi itself. Distance, what else is in between, etc, etc.

IMHO, no WiFI is suitable for gaming.

 

[GavriloJm]

Yeah, that should work.
The main issue is the WiFi itself. Distance, what else is in between, etc, etc.

IMHO, no WiFI is suitable for gaming.

Cable is not an option unfortunately. A concrete floor is in between and I do not feel like drilling a hole. Besides the floor there are no other wireless devices in its direct surroundings. WiFi is pretty stable though, so I hope it will suffice. Thank you for your help!