transplanting wireless adapter from laptop to desktop

[brant999]

Hi I recently built my desktop and it doesnt have a wireless network adapter on it so I had to put an ethernet cable from the desktop to laptop and use the laptops wireless to reach the router. Is it possible to take the network adapter out of the laptop and put it in the desktop?
My laptop is a compaq Presario cq56 and this is my desktop http://pcpartpicker.com/p/nmtpD3
I do know the laptops wireless network adapter is an ralink rt5390

 

[boosted1g]

The laptop uses special slot and antennas that are not inside your desktop.
To make it compatible will be more expensive then the cost of a new wifi card.

Options from best to worst:
1) Use ethernet from router to desktop
2) Powerline adapter (500-600mbps one) from router to desktop
3) PCI-E wifi adapter
4) USB wifi adapter

 

[USAFRet]

No. The wireless system (primarily the antenna) is built into the case of the laptop.

 

[brant999]

I cant do a direct ethernet due to the desktop being too far away on a different floor and the house is 14 yrs old will powerline be sufficient for gaming or should I just stick with what im doing?

 

[USAFRet]

I cant do a direct ethernet due to the desktop being too far away on a different floor and the house is 14 yrs old will powerline be sufficient for gaming or should I just stick with what im doing?

Completely unknown until you try it. Every house is different. But 14 yrs old is not old for house wiring.

 

[brant999]

Is powerline avaiable at places like walmart or target or more along the stores like staples and radioshack and what should/shouldnt I look out for when looking at the different powerline brands?

 

[USAFRet]

Available in store? Unknown.
But widely available from any online retailer. Amazon, Newegg, tigerdirect. Next day delivery if you want it.

 

[bill001g]

Yes you CAN do it with a card like this.
http://www.amazon.com/Mini-PCIe-Express-Adapter-Antenna/dp/B0057UPNBE

That does not mean SHOULD do this. The card in the laptop is using first generation 802.11n. The newer device have many more features and since you can get a complete 802.11n card for about the same price as a adapter you might as well just buy set to go.

It also saves the hassle of taking a laptop apart. Many you have to completely disassemble to get to the wireless card.

If it is on a different floor I would agree a powerline device will likely work better than wireless. Wireless likes to travel horizontally.