Non-PCI Wifi Cards?

[original_account_name]

I posted this on reddit:
http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/397iye/best_nonpcie_wifi_card/

Maybe you guys can answer it here? Recently I've been upgrading while downsizing, and need some help. My G1 970's in Dual SLI cover up all the 1x PCIe, and my motherboard (MSI Micro Z97) doesn't come with wireless adapters. So I was wondering what the best alternative to my Rosewill N900 would be that doesn't involve any PCI work. Any ideas?

 

[madmatt30]

What case are you using??

 

[original_account_name]

What case are you using??

Bitfenix Phenom

 

[madmatt30]

Your case has 5 expansion slots??
The bottom one should be just below the lower edge of the motherboard ???

If this is the case a riser cable should allow you to use that rosewill card in the bottom expansion slot - you will need 10mm clearance between your boards bottom 1x slot & the GPU cooler to allow the cable to slot in & bend downwards.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0057M0ABA/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1433884231&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_FMwebp_QL70&keywords=pci-e+riser+cable&dpPl=1&dpID=41VMmxg2OtL&ref=plSrch#

 

[anonymousdude]

Maybe a USB wifi card would be best for you. Some are pretty small, but will still protrude out from the case more than a PCIe card.

 

[original_account_name]

Maybe a USB wifi card would be best for you. Some are pretty small, but will still protrude out from the case more than a PCIe card.

Size really isn't an issue, I'm just looking for something fast and durable.

 

[original_account_name]

Your case has 5 expansion slots??
The bottom one should be just below the lower edge of the motherboard ???

If this is the case a riser cable should allow you to use that rosewill card in the bottom expansion slot - you will need 10mm clearance between your boards bottom 1x slot & the GPU cooler to allow the cable to slot in & bend downwards.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0057M0ABA/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1433884231&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_FMwebp_QL70&keywords=pci-e+riser+cable&dpPl=1&dpID=41VMmxg2OtL&ref=plSrch#

You're completely correct. 5 expansion slots are lovely. The problem is with the size of the cards, and the PCI placement. The mobo has two PCIe 16xs and two PCIe 1xs, only the SLI 970's hang over both 1xs. Thats my main problem. I physically don't have access to the slots. I was thinking a good USB, but I've never looked into them, and don't know their performance as compared to a PCI wifi card.

 

[madmatt30]

^ you normally get a decent 20mm clearance between the slot itself & the overhanging GPU shroud ?? At least you do on any card ive ever used.

 

[original_account_name]

^ you normally get a decent 20mm clearance between the slot itself & the overhanging GPU shroud ?? At least you do on any card ive ever used.

Alright, lets say I did have enough room to fit a riser. Where would I relocate the card to? The 5th slot is covered.

 

[madmatt30]

I dont understand how the 5th slot is covered when the board only has 4 slots ??
Although I'm not familiar with the case .

It would seem a USB adapter would be unequivocally the better solution.

 

[original_account_name]

I dont understand how the 5th slot is covered when the board only has 4 slots ??
Although I'm not familiar with the case .

It would seem a USB adapter would be unequivocally the better solution.

The case has 5 slots, where the mobo has 4 PCI lanes. I agree that USB is a better option. I was just wondering what the best option was. It seems that Asus and Linksys make the best, but I'm not quite sure.