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Thread: PCI or USB wireless card?

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    PCI or USB wireless card?

    Can anyone tell me what is the difference between a pci wireless card and a usb one? Is there any advantage to having one or the other?
    thx

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    DILLIGAF GoNz0's Avatar
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    Re: PCI or USB wireless card?

    usb really as you can stick it on a fly lead to get the best signal

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    Re: PCI or USB wireless card?

    thanks. What is a fly lead?

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    Re: PCI or USB wireless card?

    usb extension lead

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    Re: PCI or USB wireless card?

    Yeah, Basically USB is much more versatile but if your pc is staying still and your pc isn't too far from the router you could get a PCI which has an aerial which comes out the back.
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    Re: PCI or USB wireless card?

    thx - well my pc won't be moving at all. The router is downstairs though - does that matter?

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    Re: PCI or USB wireless card?

    pci, i've gone through sooo many USB wifi cards from various manufacturers, they just don't last!

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    Re: PCI or USB wireless card?

    Whilst USB wifi sticks are more versatile in their positioning, they are more prone to driver hell.

    I'd recommend a PCI wifi card with an external antenna.
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    Re: PCI or USB wireless card?

    thx for all the helpful advice chaps. Sounds like usb may be best for me as i may need to move it about to get a good signal as the pic sits under my desk. Now i need to decide whether to get a 150 or a 300 mbps model?!

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    Re: PCI or USB wireless card?

    Depends on your router, 150 and 300 mbps are wireless n speeds so unless you router is N or G+ your not going to see those speeds anyway.

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    Re: PCI or USB wireless card?

    my router is definately one of those ( N or G) not sure which one.

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    Re: PCI or USB wireless card?

    G is older routers and is typically limited to 54mpbs, excluding speed boost tech etc, N is newer and is typically 150mbps on older N routers and 300mbps on newer ones with the actual N standard not draft.

    Bearing in mind the speed is only applied when transferring files over your network, if your using it for just internet its never gonna touch those speeds anyway.

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    Re: PCI or USB wireless card?

    thx. im pretty sure it's n draft but i'll only use it for internet so the 150 sounds like it will be ok

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