Need a strong wireless card

[Krazykid1117]

My router is downstairs and my pc is upstairs and can't get a very strong connection. Is there a wi-fi pci-e card for about $30 that would work well?

 

[gilbadon]

Get DDWRT on your router if you can. You can increase the gain (power) on the signal from the router end. Other than that, for your computer, you want a high gain antenna.

Get the following card: (example)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166082

Then get a high gain antenna: (example)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0EP-002B-00001

you can also make an antenna
http://www.instructables.com/id/10--WIFI-16dBi-Super-Antenna-Pictorial/

 

[bicycle_repair_man]

It may not be a PCI WiFi card that you need, but rather a different router. Which one do you currently have?

The important part of wireless range is dBm, which, if I remember correctly, is the transmit power from the tip of the antennae. Some WiFi devices measure transmit power in dBi, which is measured from the device rather than the antennae. For example, if you had a 20ft CAT5 cable between the router and the antennae, the dBm transmit power will be less due to signal loss from the cable.

In your case, dBi and dBm measurements aren't applicable as you don't have to worry about signal loss, but it's important to understand how they work.

 

[Krazykid1117]

I am planning on building a pc that is why I would like to know a good card. I have a laptop in the room that the pc will be in and it usually the connection is not very strong. It is a centurylink router I do not know which model.