Wireless Cards - Big Difference?

Hi all,

I love reading about new graphics components, and new developments in the processor field etc - however one thing that has always eluded me (mostly because I'm not really THAT interested I have to admit), is that of wireless network cards and technology.
For example, when customising a new Alienware on the Dell website, one can choose from the following:

- Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 2230 With Bluetooth 4.0
- Intel® Advanced-N WiFi Link 6250 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO Technology with WiMax and Bluetooth 4.0
- Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO for Gaming & Video and Bluetooth 4.0


I have to hold my hands up and say that I really don't know what the difference is between any of these, other than that everyone seems to rave about Killer-N. Can someone (in layman's terms) please shed some light on what to consider when picking a wireless card? Is there really THAT much difference between them?

Thanks guys!

 

I would say there is THAT much difference between them - but mostly between current Intel and almost all other cards.

I value the stability and consistency that Intel wireless provides (and the constantly improving software...) and in many situations I am in, they are the best wireless technology to have inside my notebooks.

However, that doesn't mean they are the absolute fastest though...

See:
Killer Wireless-N 1103 Review: Can Qualcomm Take On Centrino? : Killer Wireless: Is It Able To Usurp Intel's Centrino?



Between the three you have listed, I would be considering the 6250 and the Killer 1103 (I myself would be buying Intel though...). If you have (or will soon be getting) a three antenna router with 450MB/s or higher throughput, the Killer 1103 would be the best match for it - I would still be looking for the Intel 6300 option though (and seperate BT 4.0 module).

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

 

The difference is in wireless setup not in wireless card.
Don't get me wrong- better card would be- well... better but if your ISP or your router or the settings on it or interference from other networks (on 2.4GHz band) are not up to the task/standing in the way- in such a case buying a better wireless card won't improve a thing.

That doesn't mean you should buy any old card- as a rule of thumb avoid low-end devices (cards, routers etc.). Keeping this in mind I would avoid Intel 2230. Other two are good- Atheros (branded as Killer) is better but usually ridiculously priced so I'd go for Intel too.

 

It depends, theres not much real difference all else equal, I've used the Atheros AR9380 (which is what the Killer N-1103 is based on) and I must say the raw transfer speeds are phenomenal. Plus, it has superior performance in areas of low reception and highly obstructed signal pathways.
One issue was that the drivers were really unstable and induces these massive DPC latency spikes which really wrecked some of my transcoded songs, it basically made my copy of Vilvadi's Four Seasons into a techno remix. You can partially bypass the DPC issue by getting modded drivers which allow you to disable Background Scan yo reduce the frequency of the spikes. The drivers would also randomly crash upon connecting to certain networks or when you change the settings.

I couldn't deal with the Atheros Driver instability so I switched to the Intel 6300, the 6300 doesn't have BT by the way. The 6250 is better and more than sufficient if you don't need or have the 3rd MIMO antenna for 450Mbps transfer speed. The Integrated BT4.0 is a bonus. The Intel cards are better than most, while not the ultimate in performance or range, they're exceptionally power efficient and the drivers are top notch. No DPC lat spikes, no crashing or "forgotten" WIFI profiles.

 

I've seen my share of wireless cards over the years and they all seem about the same to me. If you're somewhere with a lot of networks or far from the router, then perhaps one card offers an advantage over another.

 

I've developed a preference for Intel wireless cards as I've had no connectivity issues since switching to them several years ago. From your choices the Killer card looks tempting because of the 3x3 antenna setup; it should have better range and signal strength especially through obstacles compared to the 2x2 cards. If you're close to your router though they should all be about the same.

What are the differences in pricing?

 

I've also developed a preference for Intel cards, they've been good to me and always delivered good constant throughput.

 

Thanks for the input guys! Much appreciated!