Built in WiFi on motherboards

[jdoggg12]

How good are these integrated WiFi components on the mid-range mobos these days? Is it worth putting it on the criteria of my search for my next upgrade or are discreet cards superior in terms of speed/connectivity?

 

[monkeydelmagico]

They make sense for small form factor builds. For anything larger there is usually plenty of space and slots to populate with a much cheaper adapter.

 

[nerp]

They have gotten pretty good. Expect similar performance from that of a laptop or other integrated solution. An add-on card might be preferable if you want to hook up a big antennae and the motherboard does not have the capability to connecting to an external antennae.

 

[piasabird]

I have a Gigabyte MITX motherboard with a "ac"/blu double channel wireless card and it works great. I use it to watch TV and do some browsing and occasional YouTube KPOP Music videos, and checking E-Mail and doing Taxes. It has been working great for over 2 years.

 

[Killer_Croc]

How good are these integrated WiFi components on the mid-range mobos these days? Is it worth putting it on the criteria of my search for my next upgrade or are discreet cards superior in terms of speed/connectivity?

From my experience I have found it's still better to go with a dedicated or discrete wireless solution. I wouldn't depend on motherboard wireless connectors and I have heard of stories whereby the connectors are fragile during insertion/removal even on flagship motherboards that have this feature.

 

[JackMDS]

The issue is the Antennae.

In most cases it ends up with two simple pieces stuck low between the case and the wall providing poor signal propagation.

If equipped with good High gain Antenna sitting above and not obstructed, it will work well.

Example - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA3M32N64026

There is a big selection of them make sure to get the one that fits the output plugs of your Wireless.

http://www.newegg.com/Network-Antennas/SubCategory/ID-3373/Page-5?Tid=158100&Order=PRICE

Otherwise this is a very good solution.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833106251

 

[jdoggg12]

Thanks for the replies, everyone! I'm considering a skylake build for my living room productivity/gaming pc and I'll stick with accessory wifi instead of integrated.

 

[Yuriman]

Integrated WiFi isn't truly integrated, they're generally mini-PCIe cards, which can be replaced/upgraded. I dropped a pair of Intel 7260 eBay specials into mine and my wife's PCs, to replace the cheap nonsense they shipped with, and I couldn't be happier.

Regarding the extension cables, don't you lose quite a bit of signal strength when you use those?

 

[JackMDS]

Regarding the extension cables, don't you lose quite a bit of signal strength when you use those?

Yeah you do, but 1-2 feet to take it above obstructions is negotiable.

If One needs more distance it is better to use USB with long USB cable from the Module to the USB port.

This is a decent USB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166104