USB Network Adapter or Built in Network Adapter for Desktop, which is better?

[Olly B]

I've recently brought a gaming desktop, however, it doesn't come with a wireless network adapter, and I was wondering whether it was better to get a USB one or a built in one?

Here are the links to both:

USB Wireless Network Adapter: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TP-Link-TL-WN821N-Wireless-N-USB-Adapter-300Mbps-NEW-/251023153897?pt=UK_Computing_USB_Wi_Fi_Adapters_Dongles&hash=item3a72255ae9

Built in Wireless Network Adapter: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TP-LINK-300Mbps-Wireless-N-PCI-Adapter-Network-Card-TL-WN951N-/151225371812?pt=UK_Computing_Other_Computing_Networking&hash=item2335bc0ca4

Thanks for your time.

 

[kanewolf]

Wired will ALWAYS be better for gaming. Lower latency and more consistency. If you can't or won't run an ethernet cable then look at powerline networking first. After that is is strictly a matter of flexibility in antenna placement. Get a PCI card that has coax connecting the antenna(s). You will have flexibility to move them for optimum reception.

 

[Olly B]

How can I do that mate? That sounds confusing! I won't be able to run an ethernet cable so that is not an option, what is powerline networking?

 

[kanewolf]

How can I do that mate? That sounds confusing! I won't be able to run an ethernet cable so that is not an option, what is powerline networking?

Wikipedia has a definition. Basically you use a pair of adapters that change ethernet cabling, connected to your router and host, to signals that travel through the electrical wiring in your house. Your computer and router don't know the difference -- they can't "tell" there is only electrical wiring connecting them because you plugged normal ethernet cables into both of them.

 

[Paul NZ]

Nothing wrong with USB adapters. I'm using 3 TP-link WDN3200's here with a TP-link W8980. All dual band.

Theyre fine. Altho I dont play games on these. But the Xbox works fine with the dual band adapter, I've connected to it

Whats your modem/router?? Is that Wiress N 300 too? Because if it it isnt the adapters wont run at the same speed.

If the modem is lower, the adapter wont go any higher than what the modem supports

 

[Olly B]

So, out of a USB or a built in wireless adapter, which one would be better?

 

[Paul NZ]

Like I said USB is good enough for me

 

[Pooneil]

So, out of a USB or a built in wireless adapter, which one would be better?

No one can really answer this question because there are too many things dependent on the individual situation. The problem with most pcie cards is the antennas are behind a nicely RF shielded metal box, limiting the range of reception. Most of the problems with USB cards is the small antennas and general need to meet a low price point with cheap radios, once again limiting recpetion.

These may not be a problem if the wifi signal is strong, but if the signal is marginal, it will elevate latency and reduce throughput.

You might get around the limitations by getting a pcie card with a wired antenna or a wifi dongle with a better antenna and put it where it get the best wifi signal. You can also get a bridge, that is a stand alone device that connects to the WiFi and has a Ethernet jack to connect to the computer. A bridge can placed almost anywhere, for the best wifi reception and will likely give the best performance in marginal situations.


The best advice I can give is to try several options at the same time. Keep whatever works and return the others to the store.


Hope this helps