When building a desktop, would you get PCI or USB wi-Fi?

[Dreaming]

PCI-e vs. PCI though?

My inbuilt asus is on the pci-e 1x slot nearest the i/o shield bit. My next motherboard I'll be getting an abit airpace ci-e one. My girlfriend has one in the pc i built for her and it works really well

[burble]

PCI-e vs. PCI though?

It'll make no difference.

[directhex]

usb

the ability to position an antenna is worth infinitely more than a couple of cpu cycles

but generally speaking, why not use wired for a desktop? wireless is slow & unreliable

[adam1701]

if you can use a wire you should. end of story!

[geezerone]

1). On board Wifi if possible (to free up pci slots which are fewer and fewer especially on cheaper motherboards)

2). PCI as usually less hassle to get working than USB and plug it in and leave it. This also frees a USB port which put to better use by other devices (Pen drives, External Hard drives, cameras etc...) Out of the way too behind the PC so away from prying eyes/hands.

3). USB last due to people having problems getting some types to work correctly and taking up useful slots.

[peterb]

Where is the PC going to be placed? Unless the PCI card has an external antenna (on a long lead) there is a risk that it might be screened by the surrounding material (even if it is wood, there is still a rsik from multipath reflections from things like radiators etc) and moving a PC to get a good signal is a pain. At least with a USB device you have freedom to move it around to get the best signal.

So if you are going PCI (probably best option in terms of speed) then make sure the antenna can be placed remotely.

However for a desk top machine you are better off going for a hard wired connection for overall speed and reliability, unless it is impossible to run a cable to it from your router.

[IntaCepta]

I'd go with pci. But then i try to use as few usb devices as possible.
I find my signal strengths are fine with the pci adaptor arials.

[mightymouse]

pci all the way, stupid usb always give problems thats why they always give it out for free

[frazered]

pci here

[EtheAv8r]

PCI if it has to be wireless, but I have replaced wireless connections in my daughters' rooms with 200Mb Dovelo Homeplugs.... WAY faster and more reliable!