Killer 1103 worth the $$$

I have the m11x r2 currently with the dw1520 in it. I can get the killer 1103 with extra antenna for $60.. Should I do it? Is the speed and reception going to be that much better?

 

The killer card will take care of your internet processing, for MMOs such as WOW you'll notice the difference. On the other hand if you don't play much online games it may not be as useful.

 

Will wifi reception be any better?

 

Better than the stock card yes, but less than the intel card.

I have killer cards in all my laptops, I love the system, connections are nice and smooth.

I had intel cards in all my laptops before, the intel cards have a little more range than the killer cards, but not too much more.

 

Upstairs in my house I get 40-50% reception with the Killer and 100% with the Intel even with the screen closed. If you need distance stay away from the Killer as you only get 2 antenna.

 

So am I better off with a better Intel then what I have or the killer? I was also going to to get the 1103, which has 3 antennas and install another antenna in my m11x.

 

Depends on what your after for uses.

Intel will give you long range and a stable connection

Killer will give you a little less range, a stable connection, and you can use the network manager built into it to be able to download things while you game. The network manager also gives you system specs and allows you to track what the computer is doing.

 

I installed the 3rd antenna which boosts the speed but be warned it makes no difference to the signal, at least it didn't for me at the range I needed it.

 

I bought Killer 1103's for my 11x and 17x and I must say that the performance and reception has seen an unbelievable improvement. My router is downstairs and yet I am still connected at 300mbps with 4 bars of signal. The 3rd antenna for my 11x was one off ebay. It came in a twin pack. My wifi cards are essentially killer's ones, but at a much lower price since I purchased the original reference cards from Atheros. Same cards, less than half the price

 

Yeah I wasn't too into the wifi manager that came with Killer 1103 (no use for the software) and just moving to the next room dropped my connection by quite a bit. This is all on the M18x-R1 with 3 antennas. Needless to say, I went back to my trusty Intel 6300.

 

So what do you guys suggest for a new WiFi card for my M11X?! I don't game to much.. I just want a card with faster speeds, connectivity and distance. Mine always gives me trouble trying to connect on campus!

 

If you intend to use it in the same room or nearby the hub then you will have no problem at all and it is fast. If you intend to use it upstairs or like I do for my external screen with the laptop closed then stay away from killer. Close the screen and your signal will drop and if you go upstairs you will lose it altogether.

 

Like I said, I found a massive improvement after switching to the 1103 from the DW1520 which came default in my 11x. Range and reception are both superb. As for the screen being closed part, it applies to all laptops and wifi cards, not just the 11x + N-1103.