6 Best PCI-E Wireless Card for Desktop Computers

All of us need a Best PCI-E wireless card that sort away all the problems and provide you with the best internet connection. These cards offer the best flexibility and deliver powerful Wi-Fi. Also, there are external antennas that ensure a proper smooth connection. These are easily get inserted into various devices. 

[Cover] Best PCI-E Wireless Card for Desktop Computers

There is also a Bluetooth that makes sure to cover a large area and has a broader range. Also, it ensures more excellent stability and greater connectivity to multiple devices and can also download various files at the same time. It also makes sure that the data is transmitted to multiple devices due to the top speed of the Wi-Fi.

These devices are available to you at a reasonable cost. Some of the best products are mentioned below, having all the unique and advanced features.

Quick Picks

BEST PICK
ASUS PCE-AC68 Dual-Band 3x3 AC1900 WiFi PCIe adapter with Heat Sink and External magnetic antenna base allows flexible antenna placement to...
BEST VALUE
MERCUSYS Range Extender T9E AX1900
BEST BUDGET
TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 PCIe WiFi Card (Archer TX3000E), Up to 2400Mbps, Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11AX Dual Band Wireless Adapter with...
ASUS
TP-Link
TP-Link
AC1900
AC1900
AX3000
$129.00
-
$36.99
BEST PICK
ASUS PCE-AC68 Dual-Band 3x3 AC1900 WiFi PCIe adapter with Heat Sink and External magnetic antenna base allows flexible antenna placement to...
ASUS
AC1900
$129.00
BEST VALUE
MERCUSYS Range Extender T9E AX1900
TP-Link
AC1900
-
BEST BUDGET
TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 PCIe WiFi Card (Archer TX3000E), Up to 2400Mbps, Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11AX Dual Band Wireless Adapter with...
TP-Link
AX3000
$36.99

Top Product Reviews

TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 PCIe WiFi Card (Archer TX3000E), Up to 2400Mbps, Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11AX Dual Band Wireless Adapter with...
  • 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟔 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 Powered by Intel: The latest Wi-Fi 6 standard gives you...
  • 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 up to 2.4Gbps: Reach incredible speeds up to 2.4 Gbps (2402 Mbps...
  • 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐠 for your PC: Revolutionary OFDMA reduces lag so you can enjoy...

This product consists of Wi-Fi 6 technology that gives an amazingly fast speed, and the connection is also smooth with OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology.  It is mainly designed in such a way that it can quickly excel in even the busiest of networks for the best outcome. The next-generation speed is up to 2.4 Gbps that delivers robust, continuous Wi-Fi to allow your PC to run on top speed.

It supports Windows 10, which is 64-bit only. For the installation of a drive, you need to do it through the website or included a CD. The OFDMA technology reduces lag and allows you to experience VR and to enjoy the ultra-responsive real-time gaming. Also, there are two multi-directional and high-performance antennas with the help of which you can extend the Wi-Fi reception capabilities, which will always maintain the connection.

You can place the antenna-based system anywhere, even on the table, to find a secure location to receive a signal.  The Asus PCI-E Wi-Fi Card helps you to get the best and smooth internet connection. It is also a Bluetooth PCI-E card where the Bluetooth is 5 for higher speeds and coverage. It achieves about 2x faster speeds and 4x broader coverage. You can connect as many devices as you want, even the headphones and keyboards for proper setup.

Pros

  • Advanced Encryption
  • Supports Windows 10
  • Delivers powerful Wi-Fi
  • Excel even in busiest of networks
  • Connect to multiple devices

Cons

  • The connect drops constantly
  • The Bluetooth range is minimal
ASUS Dual Band 802.11AC Wireless-AC2100 PCI-e Bluetooth 5 Gigabit WiFi Adapter, 160MHz Support (PCE-AC58BT)
  • Dual band 802.11AC allows control over both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to provide the best flexibility and speeds
  • 160 MHz support offers double the speeds over the legacy 802.11AC and maximum Bandwidth for lower latency and stream...
  • Downlink MU MIMO allows an Access Point to simultaneously transmit data to multiple clients, improving overall downlink...

This wireless PCI-E Wi-Fi Adapter provides high-speed and also offers the best flexibility. The dual-band has control over both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, bands. It uses full 160MHz channels that drive the Wi-Fi speed up to more than different Wi-Fi devices. The pace is up to 5x faster than Wi-Fi 4 equipment.

The bandwidth is of maximum value that offers lower latency and good stream quality. With the help of MU-MIMO technology, every connected device gets benefits from the top speed of Wi-Fi, even in busy homes and offices. It has a Bluetooth PCI-E card that has Bluetooth up to the range of 5 that enhances the speed of transmission of documents, files, music, and much more.

The Bluetooth provides the 4x range when compared with the previous generations of Bluetooth. It is quite fast, even in a crowded network, when multiple devices are connected to the Wi-Fi. It allows the transfer of data to many devices at the same time. Moreover, there is also an external antenna that provides extensive coverage and range for better connectivity of the device with the Wi-Fi signal.

Pros

  • External antenna
  • High-speed of the Wi-Fi
  • Best Flexibility
  • Multiple devices are connected
  • Easy transfer of data

Cons

  • It stops working and causes the entire PC to crash
  • The manual is not helpful

#3 – ASUS PCE-AC68 AC1900 Dual-Band Wireless PCI-E Adapter- A Great Choice

ASUS PCE-AC68 Dual-Band 3x3 AC1900 WiFi PCIe adapter with Heat Sink and External magnetic antenna base allows flexible antenna placement to...
  • Provides an extensible design that enables service prioritization for data
  • Design that delivers high availability, scalability, and for maximum flexibility and price/performance
  • The country of origin is China; Os support: Windows 8.1 (32bit/64bit), Windows 8 (32bit/64bit), Windows 7 (32bit/64bit),...

This product has an extensible design that helps to prioritize the data. Due to the attractive design, the product exhibits high availability, and also provide maximum flexibility with excellent performance and reasonable price. Due to the top power design, all the dead zones are cleared wit 150% greater coverage of the area.

This product has an intelligent feature that detects the wireless router locations and also helps in transmitting data using the three external antennas and high-power beam packing. Also, it assures that the connection is stable and smooth. The antennas are detachable and can be placed with the help of extension cables.

There is also a magnetized stand that can easily attach to various surfaces. When the antennas are placed at different locations, the design offers greater flexibility in choosing sites to receive better signal and hearing of good quality. There is an added heatsink that removes the heat from the chipset. It ensures that the device is reliable. The lower temperature transmits the device into more excellent stability and maintains greater connectivity and longer product lifespan.

Pros

  • Longer product lifespan
  • Greater connectivity
  • Greater stability
  • Antennas are detachable
  • Maximum flexibility

Cons

  • The connection is not good enough
  • The Wi-Fi card is not working properly
MERCUSYS Range Extender T9E AX1900
  • Ideal for online gaming, HD streaming and large file downloads
  • WPA/WPA2 Encryptions provide your network with active defence against security threats
  • Wireless Configuration Utility provides easy access to control your Wi-Fi network

This product is an ideal PCI –E wireless card that is ideal for a person to do online gaming, HD streaming, and also to download large files. It has a wireless configuration utility that provides secure and possible access to control the Wi-Fi network and ensures that all the signals are receptive and readily available to different locations.

It has three antennas that allow the connection to reach every part or location, even at busy homes and offices. There is also a network interface card for the desktop without which the computer cannot be connected to a network. It is a safety feature that prevents your computer from being used by any other person.

There is also a WPA/WPA2 encryptions that provide the network with a proper active defense against all the security threats. It is an essential feature that is found in this wireless card to prevent it from being hacked. The TP-link PCI-E Wi-Fi card is good enough as all the signals are reached easily without much trouble.

Pros

  • Dual-band
  • WPA/WPA2 encryptions
  • Download large files
  • Signals are receptive
  • Three antennas

Cons

  • It doesn’t reach out for signals
  • The product is EU version

#5 – ASUS PCE-AC88 AC3100 4×4 802.11AC PCI-E Adapter- Best Available Product

ASUS PCE-AC88 Dual-Band 4x4 AC3100 WiFi PCIe adapter with Heat Sink and External magnetic antenna base allows flexible antenna placement to...
  • Dual-band 4x4 AC3100 Wi-Fi with speeds up to 2100Mbps (5GHz band) and 1000Mbps 2. 4GHz band.
  • External magnetic antenna base allows flexible antenna placement to maximize coverage. Note- support MU-MIMO technology
  • Individual antennas can also attach directly to PCIe Card for compact installation. Modulation-1024qam.

This PCI-E adaptor is the best available product that has a dual speed up to 2100 Mbps at 5 GHz band and 1000 Mbps at 2.4 GHz. There is also an external magnetic antenna base that allows you to place the antenna wherever you want to maximize the range and coverage. Also, it supports MU-MIMO technology.

You can also attach the individual antennas directly to the PCI-E card to allow compact installation. There is also a heatsink that releases out heat and improves the stability and reliability of the product. The Wi-Fi is 60% faster through which you can enjoy smooth streaming and gaming on your desktop or PC. There is a magnetized antenna base that can be attached to any surface, whether horizontal or vertical.

You can easily find the best antenna location for more excellent signal quality. The four transmit, and four receive antenna design, Wi-Fi range, and signal stability improve with time to help to attain brighter and more reliable Wi-Fi. Moreover, you can push the desktop’s Wi-Fi reception to a higher level.

Pros

  • Maximize the range and coverage
  • Supports MU-MIMO technology
  • Clearer and stronger Wi-Fi
  • Best antenna location
  • Smooth streaming and gaming

Cons

  • There is a bug within the drivers that will cause the card to disconnect constantly
  • Driver logging is not available for this adapter

#6 – Rose will Wireless N300 PCI-E Wi-Fi Adapter- Great for Price

Rosewill Wireless N300 PCI-E WiFi Adapter, 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz) PCI Express Network Card for PC
  • Complies with IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n Wi-Fi protocol standards for 2.4GHz wireless LAN
  • Wireless adapter speeds up to 300Mbps high-speed internet; ideal for lag-free online gaming, smooth HD video streaming...
  • Two high gain 5 dBi detachable antennas for optimally tuned and wide range wireless coverage; compact size and reliable...

This Rose will wireless PCI-E Wi-Fi adapter has a lag-free connection with the help of which you can experience smooth HD-video streaming and online gaming. There is a clearer 5.0 GHz band wireless connections or 2.4 GHz required to compete with basic internet needs, including online chat and emails. There is a wide range of detachable antennas.

You can quickly obtain the broader coverage of the area from the two external antennas present inside the PCI-E card. It also consists of a beamforming technology for your desktop, computer, laptop, tablet, and more. They also provide advanced wireless security that offers full protection for WLAN to protect the user’s broadcast environment.

Due to the high-speed Wi-Fi adapter, the product supports windows XP and also work with 7,8 or 10 operating systems. You can enjoy the quick installation process with all the necessary components included in it.  Moreover, it can easily be set up. It connects with reliable, stronger wireless network connections on your computers, desktops, tablets, and other gadgets.

Pros

  • Lag-free connection
  • Wide range antennas
  • Advanced wireless security
  • Easy setup
  • High-speed Wi-Fi adapter
  • Two external antennas

Cons

  • The drivers do not work, and the connection is not maintained with the drivers
  • The system is slow, and the cooling fan starts running without any reason

Buying Guide

We have mentioned all the best products above, along with their pros and cons. There are some specific factors that you must consider and note down before you survey the market. If you get confused, then look for our article, where you will find the essential features and specifications to make the right decision. The buying guide is detailed and quite helpful to you.

Installation

At first, you have to make sure that you install a USB adapter, and then wait for the windows to connect the compatible devices. When the installation is completed, a Wi-Fi signal will pop up. The PCI card needs an internal connection which can only be obtained through a motherboard. The installation is necessary as installing various devices and drives will help to build up the Wi-Fi connection easily and without fail.

Signal Strength

The PCI-E wireless cards are sturdy and come with unique multiplexing technology. Also, it features large antennas that are quite easy to be placed anywhere you want. The large antennas maintain maximum performance and provide high-speed connections. Moreover, if the computer is set far away from the router, it will be quite difficult to catch up with a stable signal. The best and the essential thing in these products are that they are equipped with extra antennae that boost up the signal connectivity and strength.

Portability

A USB adapter does not affect the laptop’s weight, but a PCI-E Wi-Fi card can do the job much efficiently as it makes the device less portable, and the size of the card is not small. Due to the size of the card and ample features present in it like antennas makes it heavy. When they are inserted inside the computer or a laptop, they enhance the weight of the gadget, by making it less transportable to different places.

Device Compatibility

The PCI-E wireless cards are not compatible with all devices like PCs and laptops. The small PCs have less space and features to adjust these cards in the minimum area. However, some laptops have this unique feature to upgrade the internal cards and connect with the cards easily. In most of the PCI cards, the antennas are incorporated into their adaptors to achieve high and reasonable speed as required by the device.

In some USB adaptors, even a single antenna can raise the price high of it than that of the PCI card. You must own a laptop that has enhanced portability for a PCI wireless card. Otherwise, it will stick to the same position all the time, even when you want to engage all the USB slots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Wi-Fi Card Do I Have?

Most people are not aware of their motherboards have Wi-Fi cards or not. The process of finding out the Wi-Fi card in your motherboard is way too simple. You just have to click on the search box on the taskbar. The second step is that you have to type the device manager and wait for the results to arrive. The next important thing is that you have to scroll down to see the Wi-Fi details on the network adapter.

How to Update Wi-Fi Card?

Many latest Wi-Fi cards come with the option of the upgrade, and the process is not at all time-consuming. You just have to use the windows keys and x keys to open the power user menu. Then, you have to select the drive manager. Next, the most important thing you must do is to click on expand network adapters and choose your adapter to update.

Do I need a PCI Wireless Card?

Yes, you will always need a PCI Wireless card because many of us are online gamers and heavy video streamers. The PCI wireless card completes the system’s specifications for the fastest internet and provides you with the top speed. If the Wi-Fi connection is not good enough, then you will need a PCI wireless card. It starts from 50 Mbps to the fast 600 Mbps and higher. It depends on what you want to buy and which is the best product according to you.

How to Install a Wi-Fi Card on a Desktop Computer?

The installation of the Wi-Fi card on a desktop computer is very simple. They do not require any complicated steps.  You just have to shut down the computer and then unplug it entirely from any kind of connection. Then you have to open the upper cover of the desktop and try to locate the same slot of the wireless card. The most important and final step is to place the card in the right area and close it.

What is Dongle?

Wireless dongle or dongle works when you connect it to the USB port of your computer, PC, or laptop. It is an easy way to maintain a connection to your home and offices wirelessly. The dongle can be used for multiple purposes; that is, it can access different files and other devices by having a Wi-Fi connection. It works as a Wi-Fi adapter if you want to attain faster and reliable connectivity with your computer. It serves as a way to establish connections.

Final Thoughts

All the information mentioned above will help you build up an idea of what you want to buy and which is the right product that meets your demands. The frequently asked questions and the buying guide will put up a sense of considering the features before visiting the market and get hold of the best product. It is better if you look over essential features that are the Wi-Fi speed and the best and the most reliable PCI-E wireless card for your desktop and computers. I hope that this article will help you with all the details mentioned above so that it wipes out all the confusion from your mind and help you choose the right product.

Sources:

Ted Webster

Ted is an expert in the field of computers, electronics, and the latest technology.Have a question, need some help, or want to give your opinion? Drop us a comment below!

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