[SOLVED] Which PCIe WiFi 6 Adapter should I get?

[TheDarkOne198]

I am soon to probably buy an upgrade to my old Netgear router that is pushing 7 years old (an R6200v2) that probably is now lacking in security standards to likely one of these: EDIT:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YMFZ28Q/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I am wondering which adapter would be best suited.
Either this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XLP199J/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Or This: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SHPKKBR/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

The OKN adapter is half the price and it is an "Amazon's Choice" but I am wondering if it not as good of quality? Does anyone have any input on this?

 

[Barty1884]

If you're looking at a router than caps out at 802.11ac ("Wifi 5"), why are you looking at an 802.11ax ("Wifi 6") adapter?

While Wifi speeds are always unattainable, combined theoretical maximums..... using any AX adapter without an AX capable router is just going to lead to disappointment.

Just buy a quality 802.11ac adapter and be done. We're likely still years away from full-scale AX adoption.


IF you really need/want AX, then I'd look to this from TP-Link:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/dB...x1-80211abgnacax-wi-fi-adapter-archer-tx3000e
Or this from ASUS:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/kCzFf7/asus-pce-ax58bt-pcie-x1-wi-fi-adapter-pce-ax58bt

Both in the ~$60 ballpark.


OR, if you just want a solid fit for purpose AC unit, something like either of these for more like $30.
https://pcpartpicker.com/products/compare/6Zs8TW,k9ndnQ,MLJmP6/

 

[TheDarkOne198]

Sorry about that,I provided the wrong amazon link,I was looking at more than one at a time. This is the one I meant: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YMFZ28Q/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I just want to make sure I get an adapter that doesn't gimp performance and is dies easily,while also not spending tons.

 

[Barty1884]

Ah, ok. With that, I see no reason not to opt for the ~$50 TPLink "AX" option over the $70 ASUS offering, but either should serve you well.

 

[TheDarkOne198]

But what do you think of that $33 OKN adapter? I also like the idea of the built-in Trend-Micro security on Asus routers. I just do not see any offhand that are in the same price range. Is that security feature any good and worth the extra money?

 

[Barty1884]

On specs alone, it appears fine - and you should be able so source drivers from a reputable source (Intel) rather than relying on repackaging from 'off' brands. But I'm always a little sceptical how no-name brand X can get something to market quicker and for substantially less money vs the 'big' brands.

Doesn't make them bad by default.... but cheaper etc stands to reason for older tech, as they don't have the R&D to recoup. On a new standard, roughly half the price of an ASUS or TPLink offering gives me reason enough to pause...

As for Trend-Micro, it's antivirus software. Whether it's "worth it" or not, depends on the anitvirus you're looking to deploy. It's at a router level, so that aspect is good and covers your entire network (at least generally speaking), but whether it's a true 'value-add' really depends on your outlook. It isn't to me, but it will be to others.

 

[bill001g]

Most the difference is going to be in the support. Almost every card you see uses intel chipset WCSAX200. This means they more or less will function the same. Small difference can be because of the antenna. The ones with remote antenna many times perform better because they are away from the back of the case.

I have not spent the time to dig though the fcc documents they file to see if there are any part that are different or if they have artificially set the power levels lower than the legal maximums.

You also have to be very careful of "fake" cards when you buy unknown name brands. They may actually have real intel chipset on them but the other parts may not actually follows intels recommendation. Sometimes these do not have valid fcc approval. Even when you get fccid they tie to other companies. This is really common for devices sold in bulk of alibaba. They will put whatever company name on them you want when you buy in quantity.

Best to stay with some of the better known brands. Even though you can likely load the drivers from intel these cards these cards are still pretty new and you see a lot of patches compared to say 802.11ac devices where you see almost no software updates.

 

[TheDarkOne198]

I see,that makes sense. One of the OKN reviews did mention he basically got a Bluetooth adapter only but said it might have just been a mistake in packaging. As for the router,I just figured more AV was always a good thing haha. I think I will get the TP Link adapter then,if it doesn't matter much between them. Might as well save the 20 bucks. Thanks for the advice!

 

[bill001g]

Anti virus on the router is not likely to be able to do very much. It can't actually see the data any more. All the traffic including that from bad guys is encrypted via https. Most the malware type stuff comes in via valid ad sites that are too greedy to verify the people loading content.