15 Best PCI (PCI-E) Wireless Cards (2024): Buyer’s Guide and Unbiased Reviews | Costco, Walmart, Amazon

Are you on a quest to find best PCI (PCI-E) wireless cards at costco, target, walmart or amazon?

Then you’re in the right place. Because I have done the hard work for you and have reviewed dozens of models to bring you the best PCI (PCI-E) wireless cards.

In addition, I will introduce the following related topics.

• Product Details (Including advantages and disadvantages) 
• PCI (PCI-E) Wireless Cards Buyer’s Guide
• PCI-E Connection, Size, and Pins
• Acronyms
• …

I will also answer some common questions.

• What Is A PCI Wireless Card?
• Why Should A Wireless Network Card Be Used?
• USB Adapter vs Wireless Card – Which is Better a USB Adapter or PCI WiFi Card?
• PCI-E (PCI Express) vs PCI, Does It Really Matter?
• How Do You Install a Wireless PCI Express Card? (Video)
• …

Without further ado, let’s begin!

Best PCI (PCI-E) Wireless Cards Comparison Table

Top 15 Best PCI (PCI-E) Wireless Cards

1. ASUS(PCE-N15) maximum performance Wireless-N Network Adapter
2. ASUS Wi-Fi PCI Express Adapter (PCE-AC56)
3. ASUS 4×4 802.11AC Wireless-AC3100 PCIe Adapter (PCE-AC88)
4. ASUS Dual-Band Wireless-AC1900 PCI-E Adapter (PCE-AC68)
5. TP-Link TL-WDN4800 N900 Dual Band PCI-E Wireless WiFi network Adapter Card
6. TP-Link Archer T6E AC1300 PCIe Wireless WiFi network Adapter Card
7. TP-Link Archer T9E AC1900 Wireless WiFi PCIe network Adapter Card
8. TP-Link N150 Wireless PCI-Express Adapter (TL-WN781ND)
9. TP-Link TL-WN881ND N300 PCI-E Wireless WiFi network Adapter Card
10. Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I REV Expansion Card
11. Rosewill PCI-E Network Card
12. Rosewill PCI Express Wireless Adapter (RNWD-N9003PCe)
13. Fenvi Desktop PC Dual Band Wireless WIFI PCI Express PCI-E Adapter Card
14. Rosewill RNX-AC1900PCE PCI Express WiFi Adapter
15. D-Link DWA-552 Extreme-N Wireless PCI Adapter

1. ASUS(PCE-N15) maximum performance Wireless-N Network Adapter ( 300Mbps Transmit / 300Mbps Receive) with PCI-E interface, Include Full Height and Low Profile bracket, WPS button Support

This is a basic ASUS wireless adapter; it is a little Wireless N card. Its performance is not at par with other top-of-the-line Asus cards; so don’t expect magic. The PCE-N15 will get its users onto the network but at not considerably lower speeds.

That said, it is important to note that you can adjust the antennas to your liking. Additionally, whenever you want to make a quick wireless pairing, you have the WPS connect option to make use of. 

While it is an old card, it does support even the latest versions of Windows 10.

2. ASUS Wi-Fi PCI Express Adapter (PCE-AC56) – Editor’s Choice & Best Seller

The ASUS PCE-AC56 PCI Express Wi-Fi Adapter is a good solution for people looking to upgrade their PCI adapter for better reliability, without going for the absolute fastest speed available. The ASUS PCE-AC56 is by no means the fastest; however, it is still top-rated for its reliability while still offering relatively high speeds. With the 802.11ac chipset it uses, it can reach connection speeds of up to 867 Mbps.

The PCE-AC56 has dual band capability operating on 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. It is also compatible with existing devices you have in your network. Its Broadcom TurboQAM technology enables it to provide ample range across all directions, thereby enhancing its usability.

For online gamers, this is a good choice as it provides reliability and speed. It delivers appropriate FPS that you’re a computer can cope with easily. It is easy to install this adapter as it has plug and play capabilities. Importantly, it is fully compatible with the latest version of Window as well as previous versions.

A distinguishing feature is its external antenna which you can place where there is a strong signal, say on your window or desk. The external antenna is included for free and it is perfect as it ensures you always have a strong signal regardless of where you are located.

Of worthy note when it comes to ASUS PCE-AC56 is the exceptional build. 95% of it is built with metal. It has a large heat sink that keeps everything cool and in good working conditions.

3. ASUS 4×4 802.11AC Wireless-AC3100 PCIe Adapter (PCE-AC88) – Professional’s Choice: Best PCIE Wireless Network Card for Gaming

If you are looking to give your desktop the best Wi-Fi capability, look no further than the ASUS PCE-AC88. It comes with features that are worth every penny; features you will love. In fact, the ASUS PCE-AC88 has become the ASUS’ flagship desktop Wi-Fi adapter card.

Its NitroQam technology enables you to enjoy exceptionally-fast Wi-Fi speeds. The dual bands configuration of 5 GHz (with speeds of up to 2100 Mbps) and 2.4 GHz (with speeds of up to 100 Mbps) enable gamers to play very high-res games with no latency whatsoever. Furthermore, with four antennas, the Wi-Fi reception it has is much better than what other regular adapters offer.

For easier placement, the antennas come with a magnetic base which allows you to stick them anywhere that has a metal surface such as your CPU. However, if you are looking for a neat setup, you can install the antennas directly to the PCle card, where they stay hidden. The card comes with an R-SMA connector, which makes replacing stock antennas with aftermarket option quite easy and straightforward.

In high-bandwidth usage situations (for instance, in gadget-filled homes operating at the same time), you can expect your adapter to produce a lot of heat. In the hot weather, the situation is exacerbated. However, this is not a problem that the ASUS PCE-AC88 experiences as it has an ample heat sink that disperses heat away from the adapter for the best performance.

With this adapter, you are assured of peace of mind.

4. ASUS Dual-Band Wireless-AC1900 PCI-E Adapter (PCE-AC68)

Make your desktop setup cleaner by getting rid of tangling Ethernet cables with the PCE-AC68. It is feature-filled, making it one of the best PCI adapters on the market.

The ASUS PCE-AC68 has an 802.11 ac chipset, the fastest in Wi-Fi. It enables its users to enjoy exceptional speeds of up to 1.3 Gbps (from its 5 GHz band). Additionally, its Broadcom TurboQam technology maximizes the speed that both the 5 GHz and the 2.4 GHz yield. This adapter also comes with backward compatibility with older Wi-Fi protocols allowing users to enjoy hassle-free experienced even with older devices.

The PCE-AC68’s antennas are arranged in a triangular shape, thereby maximizing coverage (and do away with the dead zones). With the antennas acting as both the receiver and transmitter, this adapter will increase your Wi-Fi signal coverage by as much as 150%. Therefore, when using the PCE-AC68, you have the freedom to locate anywhere in your house without worrying about the strength of Wi-Fi signal.

The antennas also use ASUS’ AirRadar technology. The technology allows the signal being sent to your desktop to be sent as a focused beam. Therefore, not only do the antennas play a role in the reception and transmission of signals, they also ensure you get a reliable connection and enjoy the maximum speed available.

With regards to placement, you can place them in your CPU or any other ferrous surface using the magnetic base or you can use the extension cable to place them remotely on your desired location.

To ensure the adapter works perfectly, it comes with a heat sink that efficiently transfers the heat produce away from the internal components. As such, it can run 24/7 or handle high bandwidth usage with no deterioration in functionality and performance.

5. TP-Link TL-WDN4800 N900 Dual Band PCI-E Wireless WiFi network Adapter Card for PC – Best PCI-E Wireless Card under $50

If you are looking for a pocket-friendly Wi-Fi adapter card, the TL-WDN4800 N900 Dual Band Wireless PCI adapter is a good choice. Its price-point is considerably lower than most other options available on the market. However, it still offers a high-quality connection for your desktop computer characterized by lag-free streaming, browsing, and downloading.

It can reach speeds of up to 450 Mbps on either the 5 GHz bands or the 2.4 GHz bands. While this performance is as fast as the aforementioned options, it suffices for many scenarios.

It is also easy to install. Importantly, it comes with an installation CD which offers utility software you may need. It is fully compatible with Linux and all versions of Windows from Windows XP to the latest version, Windows 10 (for both 32 and 64-bit software versions). It comes with a 2-year warranty and TP-LINK’s unlimited customer support who are available 24/7.

6. TP-Link Archer T6E AC1300 PCIe Wireless WiFi network Adapter Card for PC, with Heatsink Technology

This adaptor is a dual band on which converts a desktop into a WiFi-enabled device. It is powered by the latest wireless standards and offers 3 times the speed of the older versions. The use of the 5GHz channel allows high-speed applications such as online gaming and HD video streaming. The top speed you will be able to reach is 867 Mbps. There is also a 2.5 GHz channel which is the ideal speed for any standard internet tasks such as email, internet browsing and chat. This channel has speeds of up to 400 Mbps.

When you have this adapter, you will not have to worry about your chipset overheating. This is due to the fact that the adaptor comes with an efficient heat sink which is able to dissipate the heat and will keep your card working at optimal levels. A cool card means that you will have it for longer.

In terms of compatibility, this adaptor works with Windows operating systems. The installation is easy as all you need to do is place the card in the available PCIe slot on the computer. Once in the slot, you will be ready to go. The Archer T6E also comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

7. TP-Link Archer T9E AC1900 Wireless WiFi PCIe network Adapter Card for PC, with Beamforming and Heatsink Technology

If you are looking for a quality WiFi PCIe adaptor for your computer which is also half the price of the high-end models, this is the right one for you. It does not matter if you are looking at high-definition gaming or you want to stream 4K videos, this adaptor will be able to offer you what you need as it has top speeds of up to 1900 Mbps. It is important to note that this speed will be split between 2 bands of 5GHz with 1300 Mbps and a 2.4GHz with 600 Mbps.

The WiFi coverage with the adaptor is very good as there are 3 external antennas which means that you do not have to have the router close to your desktop. The adaptor also has Beam-forming technology which ensures the WiFi signal is directed to your desktop instead of spreading around randomly. This results in incredible WiFi speeds and a more reliable signal.

The high bandwidth that is needed for streaming 4K videos, downloading these videos or playing the latest high-definition games will heat up the card. However, you will not have to worry about this too much because of the built-in heat sink technology which takes care of this. The adaptor will be kept cool at all times and this will improve the performance as well as the lifespan of the adaptor.

The installation of this adaptor is also very easy as all you have to do is plug the adaptor into the PCIe slot. This adaptor is also compatible with a range of Windows operating systems including version 10, 8.1, 8 and 7. This means that you never have to worry about the operating system your computer has.

8. TP-Link N150 Wireless PCI-Express Adapter (TL-WN781ND)

This adaptor is not only great for any custom build that you are thinking of, it is also extremely affordable. If this is what you are looking for, the TP-Link N150 is the right option for you. When you use this adaptor, you will be able to experience performance which is interruption-free and offers a fast data transfer speed. You will be able to bring the speed of wireless-N internet connectivity to your desktop using his adaptor and do this easily as you only need to slot it into the standard PCI express slot.

If you are going to be using large bundles of internet and will be downloading large amounts of data, streaming videos or playing online games, this is the best adaptor for you. This is due to the fact that it offers a speed of up to 150Mbps.

9. TP-Link TL-WN881ND N300 PCI-E Wireless WiFi network Adapter Card for PC – Low-budget Choice

If you are looking for the best choice for fast internet speeds, you should look no farther than the N300. This adaptor offers wireless N speeds of up to 300 Mbps which is ideal for playing online games, video streaming and making calls via the internet. The adaptor also offers progressed MIMO innovation which ensures it is dependable and quick. This means that you will never have HD video gushing or slack on your video games.

The adaptor is compatible with older versions of Windows such as Windows Vista, 7, XP and 8. It is also very easy to setup and offers a secured wireless link via WPS.

The adaptor also supports Ad-Hoc mode and infrastructure mode. The bundled utility offers a hassle-free and quick installation. The adaptor is also compatible with 802.11/b/g products and offers a 2-year warranty with unlimited 24/7 technical support. The adaptor will also expand your range and give you a superior flag with Wireless N innovation and it works with existing IEEE networks. The adaptor comes with a CD utility which enables you to set up the adaptor and arrange the wireless system settings through a simple process that will have you up and running in minutes.

10. Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I REV Bluetooth 4.2/Wireless AC/B/G/N Band Dual Frequency 2.4Ghz/5.8Ghz Expansion Card

With this adaptor, you will be able to get speeds of up to 867 Mbps with each of the dual bands handling 433 Mbps. Quick connectivity is offered with the built-in Bluetooth 4.2 which makes it compatible with a number of devices. This feature allows you to transfer huge amounts of data almost 2.5 times faster than the previous versions of the adaptor.

This adaptor also has a powerful external antenna which ensures you have good coverage and signal strength. The convenience of the antenna does not end there as it also has a magnetic base for quick mounting. This antenna will also power the Bluetooth so you do not have to worry about being close enough to pair.

The installation of the adaptor will require you to plug the adaptor card into the PCIe interface of your desktop. It will also need to be connected to the motherboard via a USB connection if you want to use the Bluetooth. This cable is included with the card to allow you to easily install it. There is a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty on the card.

11. Rosewill WiFi Adapter / Wireless Adapter / PCI-E Network Card , 802.11AC Dual Band AC1300 PCI Express Network Adapter

The Rosewill AC1300 is an excellent upgrade for your desktop to connect to the Internet wirelessly and help you experience blazing fast speeds.

The Wi-Fi adapter uses 802.11ac, which is the latest Internet protocol that provides the fastest Wi-Fi experience. The adapter is also backward compatible with the 802.11/b/g/n version, which means that it is compatible with older models.

The adapter has 2 network channels for managing all your devices and giving the maximum bandwidth for all your requirements. The 5GHz provides impressive speeds of up to 867 Mbps while you can expect speeds of up to 400 Mbps with the 2.4 GHz. It means, therefore, that you can use the 5GHz band for playing games and steaming HD videos online and use the 2.4 GHz band for simpler tasks such as online chatting, web browsing, and e-mail.

You never have to worry about overheating due to bandwidth usage because the adapter has an aluminum sink for dissipating heat away from the chipset. You can be sure that your adapter will always be at peak performance and last for a long time too.

The adapter uses beam forming technology you will find on some of the best PCI wireless adapters currently in the market. It simply detects the location of the router automatically and forms the strongest signals for enhanced performance.

You can install the adapter in 3 easy steps. First, insert the adapter into your desktop’s PCIe slot. Next, install the software using the CD provided. Finally, the set-up will let you scan and connect to your network automatically. It is compatible with Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.

12. Rosewill 802.11N, N900 PCI Express Wireless Adapter/Wi-Fi Adapter/Network Card (RNWD-N9003PCe)

The Rosewill N900 Wi-fi adapter is one capable of topping even the best adapters. It might not seem like much at first since it requires some adjustments before it starts working. From changing computer settings to moving the antenna, it requires some work before getting it to work properly.

However, once you get it working, you will more than satisfied with its capabilities, which includes 2.4GHz and 5GHz Internet speeds thanks to its dual-band capabilities. It has 3 external antennas, which provide an incredible range allowing you to use the Internet even if the computer is a distance away from the router.

If Internet security is something you are concerned about, the Rosewill N900 has you covered. It can support even the most advanced Internet security settings, which means that you can rest easy with the knowledge that your Internet connection is safe from cyber criminals. Thanks to its impressive security and speed, the Rosewill N900 is guaranteed to give those building custom computers what they need.

13. Fenvi Desktop PC Dual Band Wireless WIFI PCI Express PCI-E Adapter Card 2.4Ghz-150Mbps/5Ghz-300Mbps

The Fenvi PCI Express Wi-Fi card supports “Dual-Band”, which uses multiple Wi-Fi frequencies to boost Internet speeds. This feature, complemented by the 2 detachable external antennas allows for blazing fast Internet speeds of up to 150Mbps when either gaming online or simply browsing the Internet.

While the impressive speeds are often maintained at least for the most part while in use, they might take a dramatic dip when you are downloading large files from the Internet. This can make it hard for gamers that prefer downloading all their games in GOG or Steam since it increases download times considerably.

However, it is possible to overlook this considering that the Fenvi is likely to be compatible with your operating system, no matter which one you have installed in your computer. While setting up the adapter and using it is actually slightly harder than it needs to be, once you have it properly set up, it is guaranteed to work perfectly regardless of whether you are using Windows 10 or Windows XP.

Setting up the device is incredibly easy. All you have to do is plug it into your desktop computer’s PCIe slot, download its drivers, and it is ready to use. While the simple installation procedure is definitely a great selling point, the even greater positive is the fact that its compatible with operating systems from both Linux and Windows. This makes it an excellent option when doing custom computer builds no matter which operating system you prefer using.

Once you have it properly set up, you can enjoy wireless speeds that reach as high as 300Mbps, but this will depend on your Internet service. To simplify things a bit for users with multiple devices, you can use the adapter as a “Virtual” access point, which allows gaming and other types of mobile devices to connect to your Internet easily.

14. Rosewill RNX-AC1900PCE, 802.11AC Dual Band AC1900 PCI Express WiFi Adapter / Wireless Adapter / Network Card

The RNX-AC1900PCE is yet another impressive PCI Express wireless adapter from Rosewill. It is the adapter for you if you don’t wish to settle for something less when you can easily get more performance and speed by spending a few dollars more.

With dual-band support, you can achieve top speeds of 1300 Mbps from the 5GHz band and 600 Mbps for the 2.4Ghz band. So, whether it is HD video streaming, online gaming, or high-speed data transfer you want, you are guaranteed to experience nothing short of a blazingly fast wireless connection.

The high-speed Wi-Fi performance is possible since the devices uses the latest IEEE 802.11AC wireless protocol. You are thus sure of enjoying top speeds on the latest devices but the adapter is also compatible with the older 802.11b/g/n protocols.

The adapter has 3 powerful dual-band detachable antennas that use beam-forming technology to form beams in the direction of the router to maximize the strength of the signal. The antennas also help widen the Wi-Fi coverage of the router since they act as both receivers and transmitters.

Even if you plan to be using the adapter for extended periods or perform many high-bandwidth task, you never have to worry about overheating. The reason is that the adapter comes with a heat sink made of aluminum for the effective transfer of heat away from its internal components.

Setting up the adapter is quite easy since it comes with a user-friendly installation CD. You don’t require any special software installation skills to get it up and running. Be ready to enjoy blazingly fast speeds.

15. D-Link DWA-552 Extreme-N Wireless PCI Adapter – Best PCI (Not PCI-E) Wireless Card for Desktop under $40

The D-Link DWA-552 is exactly what’s needed to experience a highly secure Internet connection and blazingly fast speeds. It allows you to connect all your devices with ease and ensures fast wireless transmission speeds. It is a portable network card, which makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go and you will love its sleek construction and high-performance design.

Users love this network card since it allows them to enjoy the speeds they desire. Nothing is as bad as having a slow Internet connection, whether in the office or at home, which is why this network card is designed to help you enjoy the smooth streaming and speeds you need. It is great for people that love streaming content online and gamers too.

The network card brings the best the Internet has to offer straight to your fingertips thus helping you enjoy all the games, websites, shows, and all other kinds of content that you love. If you are ready to take your Internet connection a notch higher, you need to invest in a network card of this caliber to help make this all possible.

What Is A PCI Wireless Card?

A PCI Wireless card is a device that is installed on the case of your computer and that uses one of the PCI expansion slots, which enable you to connect to a wireless network that is nearby. These days, WiFi is a method that is widely used for connecting to the internet, and that is why it is critical to make sure your computer is WiFi-enabled. If there are no wireless capabilities on your computer than one option you have for connecting to the internet through WiFi is using a PCI wireless card.

Why Should A Wireless Network Card Be Used?

The main reason for using a wireless network card is that it enables a PC without wireless connectivity already to connect with wireless networks.

Although an Ethernet cable is a great way of connecting with a local network and for some high intensity gaming in some cases, the best isn’t always practical for wires to be running throughout your home.

However, a network card will enable you to wirelessly connect to your network from anyplace within your wireless router’s range.

However, there are times when it isn’t the best option to use a wireless card. For example, if you have a laptop computer. That is because either a laptop won’t let you connect with a wireless card (at least not a PCI-E card) or when they do, the antennas and size found on a wireless card would ruin the portability of your laptop.

Your desktop PC, of course, might have WiFi capabilities already. However if the radio isn’t especially powerful, and it has a bit older wireless standard, or the antennas are buried inside of the case, then you might not having the best WiFi experience that you could have.

One option is using a spare PCI slot that is on your computer’s motherboard for a WiFi card that has fully-adjustable antennas and is a Wireless AC and has an extension cable to provide you with additional position options.

USB Adapter vs Wireless Card – Which is Better a USB Adapter or PCI WiFi Card?

There is a good argument for using both a PCI wireless card and USB WiFi. They both have merits of their own. The preference of hard-core gamers is for the PCI since better speeds and more stability are provided. However, USB offers portability and there are decent speeds that you can get from newer 3.0 USB products. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make and will depend on what your individual requirements are.

PCI Wireless Adapter

This is a network card that enables your router to better communicate with the motherboard on your computer. The quality of this communication between those two components is what will determine how stable the network is along with its reliability and speed. The Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI) is directly installed on your motherboard through use of an expansion port. A PCI WiFi Card, unlike a USB adapter, doesn’t need to have a USB port; therefore the port can be used for other things. A PCI wireless adapter will provide you with more networking power. Typically they pack two antennas at least, with going to boost the reception of your WiFi signal.

USB Wireless Adapters

This is a very simple device: it is plugged into a USB port located on your computer and then your device it connected to a WiFi network. When it comes to using a USB wireless adapter that is its one big advantage. It is very easy to use, and it takes just a few seconds for it transfer to a new computer. There is really any way for you to screw up your installation process. Unfortunately there are drawbacks that come with convenience of its small size. Since there are no external antennae on most USB wireless adapters, they are not as powerful. Most likely they won’t get as strong of a reception as a PCI-e card does, and it is reported that many people see lower speeds also on a USB adapter.

PCI-E (PCI Express) vs PCI, Does It Really Matter?

After you have decided to use a wireless card for connecting to a wireless network, you then need to decide between a PCI-E (PCI Express) and PCI card. The most recent standard is PCI-E and if your computer is new, most likely it has a space that can be used as a PCI-E slot. There is more bandwidth on a PCI-E card than a PCI card, and that is why they appears to be the best option to use. However, you need to remember that both PCI-E cards and PCI cards offer good speeds and the bandwidth necessary for wireless internet.

If you will be doing a lot of local network file transferring, the a convenient choice could be a PCI-E card, but the kind of card you choose isn’t as important if you are only doing general internet things. In either situation, a majority of the cards that are available currently for sale are of the PCI-E variety and if your computer isn’t very old, then most likely a PCI-E card will be supported by your motherboard.

PCI-E Connection, Size, and Pins

There are three PCI Express versions: 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0.

Fortunately, all versions are forward and backward compatible with one another.

You also need to think about length and number of pins. Actually, you don’t need to think about it too much, since they all will fit inside a PCI-E slot. Its 11th pin always is unused and solid. After that pin, a certain number of pins can be added by the manufacturer.

PCI-E Size	No. of Pins	Length
PCI Express 1	18	25nm
PCI Express 4	39	39nm
PCI Express 8	49	56nm
PCI Express 16	82	89nm

Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best PCI-E (PCI) Wireless Adapter?

The following is quick guide that can help you determine which is the best PCI wireless adapter that will meet your needs.

Speed

The speed of the PCI wireless adapter is the most obvious thing for you to look for and it is measured in Mbps. There are dual band adapters with each channel having its own speed, so you will want to check to see if the speed that is on the 5GHz faster channels meets the speed requirements that you have.

Wireless Networking Standard

For optimum performance, this standard should match with whatever device you are connecting to. The most recent IEEE 802.11 ac standard is used by a majority of dual band wireless PCI adapter, which is the most recent for super-fast speeds. One advantage to it is normally those adapters are compatible as well with older versions like IEEE 802.11 n, g, and b.

WiFi Range

Your desktop may not be really near router. That is why it is critical that your adapter have good WiFi range to ensure that are no lags in performance. There are powerful antennae that come with PCI cards that act both as receivers and transmitters for maximizing signal strength. Beamforming technology comes with some cards for directing the WiFi to the device location from the router to maximize speed.

PCI Slot

One important requirement is your PCI wireless card must fit into the PCI slot on your desktop in order to be internally connected with the motherboard. The antennas should be connected on the exterior. A good rule of thumb is the card needs to be equal to or smaller than the slots that are available. PCI 1 cards fit into slot smaller than them if they are open ended slots. For your reference, the various card sizes are listed below.

PCI-E 16: 89 mm (82 pins)
PCI-E 8: 56 mm (49 pins)
PCI-E 4: 39 mm (39 pins)
PCI-E 1: 25 mm (18 pins)

Easy to install

It should be easy installing and setting up your wireless adapt and not require you to have a lot of expertise with setting up networks. Most PCI wireless adapters are easy to install and include a user-friendly install CD to guide you through the set-up process and allow you to start to use your adapter right away.

Security

Since unauthorized people can use WiFi networks, it is very important that the necessary security features come with your adapter so that your network is kept secure. Whether you are using it for your home or business, you should have the ability to get a password-enabled network set up. For reliable protection, search for WEP encryption or WPA/WPA2 encryption, which is more advanced.

More Antennas

With extra antennas, it can possibly support more data streams and faster WiFi, it just depends on your devices and configuration. You have to adjust your antennas to 45 degrees off from one another. However, when they are angled at 45 degrees and if you have a third one that is available then there are more opportunities for covering all of a wireless signal’s directions. Remember that wireless signals are able to bounce off walls and furniture so that when the angle of each of the antennas is adjusted, you will have a lot better chance of capturing a WiFi signal with results that are optimal.

Extension Cable

The antennas are directly screwed into most wireless cards. That means there aren’t any options for adjusting the antennas height. That can be somewhat of a problem, particularly if your PC is down on the floor underneath a desk, with the back part of the case tight up against the wall. Most likely your WiFi signals will need to travel through the case, desk, and walls, or a combination of all three of them. Fortunately there are some PCI-E cards that come with a cable that connects the card with the antennas. That means the height of your antennas can be raised, and positioned away from your PC as well as any furniture that might cause performance issues with your WiFi.

How Do You Install a Wireless PCI Express Card?

Installing a wireless card might be harder compared to installing a USB adapter, but it is not as hard as you might assume.

However, it involves opening up the computer. So, ensure that you check how doing that may affect your warranty before you actually do it. If you are not sure about what to do, you should consider getting a professional to do it for you.

Here is the simple procedure for installing a wireless network card:

1. Turn Off the Computer

Turning off your computer might seem like an obvious step, but it is still worth mentioning since you can do real damage to yourself or your computer if you attempt to work on your computer before first turning off the power.

2. Open the Computer Case

Computers typically have a removable panel that should be removed first to allow you access into the computer. You should check the manual of your computer before you do this to ensure that you do not damage it.

3. Identify the PCI or PCI Express Port

The PCI or PCI Express port is where you will be installing the wireless card. If you are not completely use about its whereabouts, check the manual.

4. Remove the Protective Plate

You will usually find a protective plate over the PCI/PCI Express slot. You can remove it by unscrewing the plate.

5. Align the Wireless Network Card and the PCI/PCI Express Slot and Push in the Card

Ensure that you align all the important bits and that the chips are facing the bottom of the case. Afterwards, push the card into the slot.

6. Screw the Wireless Card Back in

Fix the wireless card in place using screws from the protective plate in step 4.

7. Attach the Antennas

The wireless card should have come with some antennas. It is now time to screw them in place.

Understanding the Acronyms

You are definitely bound to come across some confusing terms and acronyms when looking for a Wi-Fi card to buy. To help with this, here are the most common ones along with a brief explanation of each one.

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect): It is the slots on a motherboard that were previously the most popular option over one decade ago. It was used for connecting PCI cards for TV cards, USB, etc.

PCI-E (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express): It is a more recent version of PCI. It has a greater bus speed and less pins. PCI-E has been used for connecting graphics cards over the years.

802.11n: It is an old wireless networking standard that uses both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands. It is also referred to as Wireless N.

802.11ac: It is the new IEEE wireless networking standard that uses the 5GHz radio frequency for transferring and receiving data. It is also referred to as Wireless AC. It is also compatible with prior wireless networking standards such as Wireless N.

Dual Band: It refers to the devices using both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio frequencies.

5GHZ: It is a wireless frequency range within 5GHz that’s faster than 2.4GHz and less likely to be affected by interference. The reason is because there are many channels that don’t overlap. The downside is that it doesn’t have a very good range.

2.4GHz: It is a wireless frequency range within 2.4GHz. It is the most commonly used band. Its wireless range is better and more extended compared to 5GHz. However, it might be limited by interference and speed issues because there are only 3 channels that don’t overlap available.

Gbps (Gigabits per second): It is a unit of data transfer.

Mbps (Megabits per second): It is a unit of data transfer that’s slower than Gbps.

AC3100/N300: The AC or N refers to the aforementioned wireless standard. The numbers next to the letters AC and N represent the cumulative theoretical data speeds over all ratios.

The Bottom Line

You might get irritated when using your computer but the Internet is not working properly. Wireless PCI cards or adapters work amazingly especially for desktop computers. There are numerous brands in the market that it is sometimes hard to choose the right one. Above you will find a list of the best PCI (PCI-E) wireless cards that’s guaranteed to help you find the right one for your needs.

Editor’s Choice & Best Seller

Professional’s Choice

Low-budget Choice

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Rating by Author / Affiliate links, Images, Descriptions & Price from Amazon Product Advertising API