Best PCIe Wireless Card Antenna Position?
A PCIe Wireless Card can help you enjoy excellent network connectivity for gaming. This card comes with 3 or 2 antennas that create long-range wireless signals.
The market offers so many types of PCIe Wireless Cards that you can pick from to get wifi to your desktop. For you to enjoy using it, you should position the antennas properly. Experts recommend setting the antennas facing upwards. Ensure that they remain perpendicular to the floor for them to give you an excellent wireless connection. Our guide will help you learn about PCIe Wireless Cards, how to install them in a motherboard, and how to position the antenna. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
What is a PCIe Wireless Card?
This is a device that can help you give your PC wireless network capabilities. It plugs into the PCI-e port of a computer. Choosing a PCIe Wireless Card for your PC can help you enjoy more power. Most PCIe Wireless Cards come with at least two antennas that can boost the wifi signal reception. You can also find a PCIe Wireless Card that features three antennas that facilitate high-speed communication.
Choosing a PCIe Wireless Card with at least three antennas can help you enjoy fast wifi transmission and enhanced signal strength. Many people choose these devices since they are budget-friendly and effective. Since PCIe Wireless Cards are diverse, you have to consider some crucial factors before making a purchase. Pay attention to the bandwidth and data transfer speed that a PCIe Wireless Card supports. While some of the PCIe Wireless Cards support 300 Mbps speeds, you can also find better ones that support total speeds of up to 3100 Mbps.
Picking a PCIe Wireless Card that offers excellent speeds can help you enjoy gaming. You should also ensure that the wifi card speed matches that of the router. This can ensure that the wifi card will not restrict speed limits, and it can help you enjoy gaming without any lagging issues. PCIe Wireless Card not only offers great coverage but also enhanced network security.
How to install a PCIe Wireless Card and position the antennas
Since many motherboards do not have wireless capabilities, you should consider installing a PCIe Wireless Card so that you can get wifi on the desktop. If you have identified the right PCIe Wireless Card for your desktop, the installation process should be a breeze. Start by looking for the PCIe slot. Such slots come in various sizes. Most motherboards contain a full-length slot designed for this card.
Once you have identified the PCIe slot, you should turn off the PC before inserting the wireless card. Ensure you switch off the switch at the back part of your computer. You can even remove the power plug from your wall. Taking static electricity precautions is crucial as you handle such PC components.
To install the PCIe Wireless Card, you should remove a metal bracket located on the back part of the case. You can use a screwdriver to remove it. Removing the metal bracket ensures that the PCIe Wireless Card will fit through the backside of your PC. After this, you should pick up the PCIe wireless card from its box using the metal bracket. Do this carefully, and make sure you don’t touch the green circuitry area.
Lower the wireless card into the case, ensuring that the bottom connectors are aligned with the slot. The metal bracket should also be aligned with the rear part of the case. Once you confirm this, you can now secure the wireless card by pushing the top part into the slot. Return the screws that you had removed earlier to secure the PCIe Wireless Card well. Use a screwdriver to ensure that the screws are tight enough.
You also have to position the PCIe Wireless Card antennas properly for enhanced wireless connection. Attach the antennas to the rear part of the PCIe Wireless card installed through the metal holes. If you notice some caps that protect these metal holes, you first need to remove them to attach the antennas. Ensure that you twist the antennas well with your hands and position them such that they face upwards. When PCIe Wireless Card antennas are set perpendicular to the floor, they can deliver a good performance. This is the recommended angle for PCIe Wireless Card antennas.
If, after the installation, you notice a weak signal from the PCIe Wireless Card, you can make a few adjustments to change this. For instance, try adjusting the position of the antennas and see if the signal strength improves. You should also consider getting a base of the antennas such that you place them on a particular desk. Getting an extension cable can also help you boost the signal.
You can also try to position the PC such that the rear part faces the direction of your router. Doing this can prevent the router signal from being obstructed by any electronic devices or metal objects. If you are looking for reliable PCIe Wireless Cards, you should consider the following.
Name of PCIe Wireless Card |
No of antennas |
Call to action |
Asus PCE-AC88 |
4 |
|
TP-link AC1300 |
2 |
|
Asus PCE-AC56 |
2 |
|
Rosewill RNX-AC1900 |
4 |
Conclusion
Do you enjoy gaming and have a new desktop? If yes, you should consider equipping it with a PCIe Wireless Card. This can give it wireless network capabilities and makes it more powerful. It comes with antennas that are designed to boost the signal. During the card’s installation, you should position the antennas facing upwards for them to work properly.
FAQs
Why do PCIe wireless cards have more than one antenna?
Dual-antenna can boost the signal further. When one antenna fails to offer excellent performance, the wireless card relies on the second antenna for a better signal.
How do PCIe wireless cards differ from USB adapters?
PCIe wireless cards offer more power to a PC since it can connect directly to your computer’s motherboard. Such cards can also offer faster connectivity compared to USB adapters.
