Need Help Obtaining Wireless

[Franklin_4]

Hi guys,

a few years ago i bought a PC from bestbuy. I upgraded its CPU, GPU, PSU, Ram, and cooling system to make it an entry level gaming rig.

However, it has no WiFi connectivty. I just got internet in my new house and it is set up next to the router in my living room via ethernet. i would like to move it to my room without drilling holes in walls.

can anyone help me figure out what hardware i need exactly to make this possible? id like to keep it under 40$. my house is only 1000 sq ft so having a hercules strength adapter isnt necessary.

let me know what specs you need to know before properly advising me please.

 

[TMTOWTSAC]

Your computer will need a wireless adapter. These are fairly cheap, as low as ~$8. You can get them as internal cards PCI cards or as external USB adapters:

http://www.newegg.com/Wireless-Adapters/SubCategory/ID-31?Tpk=wireless%20adapter

Most contain a bevy of features you'll never care about. The most important are if it supports the standard you intend to use, and whether or not it has some sort of antenna, as that has the biggest impact on range.

If your router already has wireless, make sure the adapter you pick supports the same standard. If your router does not, you would also need a wireless router:

http://www.newegg.com/Wireless-Routers/SubCategory/ID-145?Tpk=wireless%20router

Prices here will vary dramatically, but there are inexpensive options available.

 

[Franklin_4]

Thanks, TMTOWTSAC.

I do have a wireless router that everything else in my house runs with.
http://www.linksys.com/us/p/P-E1200/
this is my wireless router

What do you mean "run off the same standard" ?

Can anybody expand on the pros and cons of an internal card vs PCI card?

im guessing the biggest benefit of USB adapter is simply the ease of use for people who are nervous to take their cases apart, but i also bet you sacrifice some serious quality/strength/speed of signal in these USB types, so unless someone tells me otherwise im ruling these out.


thanks folks.

 

[TMTOWTSAC]

The networking standards, type, frequency, etc.

Model Name:
Linksys E1200
Network Standards:

IEEE 802.3
IEEE 802.3u
IEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11a
IEEE 802.11g
IEEE 802.11n

Radio Frequency Bands:
2.4GHz

Most adapters will be backwards compatible with older standards of course. But the standards determine the type of connection and speed. For example, the fastest adapter might quote up to 1300 Mbps, but it would require both 802.11ac + 802.11N + 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz support from the router. According to that link, your router supports a maximum connection speed of 300 Mpbs, over 802.11N. No need to get a more expensive dual band adapter unless you intend to replace your router.

There isn't much difference between card and USB adapters, it's often the same chips in both. The main reason to choose one over the other is which slots and ports you have free. People with multiple video cards and M.2 drives may not want to sacrifice a slot for basic networking. People lots of peripherals may need all their USB bandwidth for external storage devices, or only have USB 2.0 which maxes out at 400 Mbps.

As far as the signal strength, it basically doesn't matter. The power they draw is easily provided by PCI or USB. Signal quality can sometimes be affected by internal components, like proximity to a high TDP GPU, or a large pump motor for a water cooler. Excessive heat can also cause problems. Beyond that, the most important factor is the design of the antenna. Some adapters use just an internal antenna and have less range than models with an external. Some have the antenna sticking straight out, and others have it attached to a cord so you have some leeway to position it for the best signal.

If your computer is reasonably close to the router it may be more convenient to have an internal card with no external antenna sticking out. Nothing to fuss with when you move your rig. If it's further away, or lots of obstructions, you might want one with the longest cord + antenna you can find.