I think I need to install a newer USB WiFi dongle but since I have some upgrade options on the computer, I was thinking of attaching either a m.2 WiFi card or a pcie network adapter.
The PC is a HP Elite desk 800 G4 SFF computer
1. will these need a power connection with the power supply or will the ports provide power?
2. Any other things to look out for, any traps?
In case you have any recommendations, my budget for this is around £20. Don't really want to be spending much more than that!
Any and all help appreciated, sorry for posting this so late ","comment":[{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51710989","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"AndyRoyd"},"datePublished":"2023-12-10T14:58:41.000Z","text":"The internal upgrade preference was clear enough, but also noted the limited budget to be thrown at a SFF lump
dictating either
cumulative M2 + associated antenna/power costs for the indicated \"WIRELESS\" M2, or
PCI-E card,
or the prev suggested USB-dongle-with-decent-antenna-mated-to-min-1m-cable.
Not convinced the budget will permit a credible M2 option so assume low profile PCI-E card is more achievable - although wifi performance will be compromised by prev mentioned not-ideal positioning at rear of PC.
Example PCI-E option at £16.95 FBA stated to include the limiting but essential low profile bracket to satisfy HP service manual statement:
NOTE: The PCI Express sockets support only low proƭile cards
keepa.com/
Or if reasonable DIY skills and able to bend & drill (or cut, maybe file) the bracket:
£3.50 CEX uk.webuy.com/pro…50a
TBH, if you are confident there is a decent wifi signal at rear of PC then bypass the take-it-apart faff and save yourself a few pounds by simply using an improved version of what you have now:
simple plugin USB but with external antennae.
Example £7.64 FBA complete with bluetooth connectivity
keepa.com/
Or if really lazy and can tolerate the minimal elect cost:
£2.50 CEX uk.webuy.com/pro…946"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51707892","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"TristanDeCoonha"},"datePublished":"2023-12-10T01:55:52.000Z","text":"20 meters of Cat8 cable is about £18. With that you'll get the full speed. Just pin the wire to the skirting board"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51707996","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"AndyRoyd"},"datePublished":"2023-12-10T03:57:00.000Z","text":"Two critical observations about marginal / compromised signal areas regardless of internal / external WLAN solution:
• antenna gain
• positioning.
You can have wonderful high-gain antennae but if they're tucked away behind either a lump of metal or multiple other other obstacles en route to/from router (sic) then their performance will be compromised in an already compromised location.
Solution:
high gain antennae positioned away from obstacles.
Maximum performance dictates that the antennae need to be directly connected to the adapter to negate remote antenna cable losses,
implying a positional USB solution will likely provide best wifi performance.
Generic USB wifi adapter + USB cable will start around £15, example
£17 FBA keepa.com/ although the cables on these generics is typically comparatively short and often circa 70cm.
Or cobble your own via separate adapter (with decent antennae) + USB extension cable, example:
£11.29 FBA with detachable 5 dbi antennae keepa.com/
£4.99 FBA for branded 2m USB3.0 extension cable amazon.co.uk/dp/…CA/
or extra 64p for 3m USB3.0 extension cable direct Amazon amazon.co.uk/dp/…3M/
Can probably find cheaper with tailored search - just don't compromise on antennae spec.
CEX may have suitable solutions but example BrosTech devices are minimum £22 + p&p and assumed beyond budget."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51728539","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Forp_Rezi"},"datePublished":"2023-12-12T16:52:23.000Z","text":"Thanks all for your opinions and advice
I've settled for this, which should come tomorrow:
Asus PCE-AX3000 PCIe Card (Bluetooth 5.0+ Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 Dual Band, 2x Antennas, DFS) amzn.eu/d/fDGNno5
£23.47
It comes with a low profile bracket and I've done a little bit of research and found that I can connect the power cable to the SD card reader's slot on the motherboard (that's if I want to use Bluetooth)"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51707806","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"BabiDealings"},"datePublished":"2023-12-10T01:10:48.000Z","text":"Your current USB WiFi dongle probably isn’t great, however I’m guessing it supports speeds up to maybe 60Mbps at a minimum. I’m guessing it has USB 2.0 rather than 3.0, but I’m not certain. Which in most cases should run absolutely fine for normal tasks.
My guess is your biggest problem will be the distance from your router. Again this is an assumption, but if you’re using your internet providers standard equipment then it is likely rubbish. It also depends on how thick your house walls are and how far away it is. My advice would be to get a cheap mesh wifi system setup, loads are available. You would probably only need a twin set.
What is your broadband speed? As if it is a slow broadband (less than 100Mbps), then any old mesh equipment will do. "},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51708144","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"sidhoooooo"},"datePublished":"2023-12-10T07:02:04.000Z","text":"Perhaps a power line WiFi extender, may be of help ( not an answer to your question though)
Thanks"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51708494","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"tardytortoise"},"datePublished":"2023-12-10T08:50:31.000Z","text":"I find the internal wifi speed subject fascinating. Over the years, I have determined wifi speed only needs to be fast enough to accomplish the tasks it is set within an acceptable time frame. Now, I'm not a gamer, so as long as it can do my updates and surfing reasonably well, I'm happy. I have found chasing the max to be not worth the effort."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51711157","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Zek"},"datePublished":"2023-12-10T15:24:00.000Z","text":"I bought this one aliexpress.com/ite…tml it seems pretty good, I downloaded the drivers straight from intels website (or perhaps Win 11 auto installed them), so no third party Chinese drivers. Was only 14.28 delivered with tax at the time. I think you can get the same one on Amazon for slightly more. Has bluetooth as well (needs to use a usb port on mobo for that) and comes with antenna's and low profile bracket, usb cable to port."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51713237","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"001Cisco"},"datePublished":"2023-12-10T20:06:40.000Z","text":"Search m.2 AX211 at AliExpress or ebay"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51728469","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"luminous"},"datePublished":"2023-12-12T16:44:14.000Z","text":"I got some recently
Pricey but worth it
amazon.co.uk/dp/…t_1
Cheaper and well reviewed
amazon.co.uk/gp/…c=1"}],"commentCount":26,"interactionStatistic":5,"articleSection":"Ask"}