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    Wireless Network Cards - What's the Difference?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by penguin71, Jun 16, 2012.

  1. penguin71

    penguin71 Notebook Enthusiast

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    So I've been custom-configuring different laptops on websites and keep coming across these different wireless card options. I've heard that the card helps with gaming (presumably with lag/ping) but are there any other differences that might have a noticeable effect on everyday notebook usage (range, speed, etc.)?

    Here are some of the options I've seen (pulled from various sites):

    Built-in 802.11 Wireless B/G/N - Stock Wireless Card + Bluetooth

    Intel® Advanced-N 6235 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module + Bluetooth

    Intel® Ultimate-N 6300 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module

    Bigfoot Networks Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 (3x3)

    Edit: I've also heard about 2 and even 3 antennas. I'm assuming this also has to due with performance increase?
     
    penguin71, Jun 16, 2012
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  2. AftershockPC

    AftershockPC Company Representative

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    I'm gonna steal a link from maverick and pass it to you!

    Benchmarks the various wireless network cards in comparison, hope that helps :D
     
    AftershockPC, Jun 17, 2012
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  3. penguin71

    penguin71 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the replay AftershockPC, the article cleared things up a bit.

    Now I suppose that because I'm going into a college environment, presumably with multiple people on Wifi at all times, getting a Killer Network card would do me little good because of the number of users.

    Maybe an upgraded Intel card if it can fit in the budget then.
     
    penguin71, Jun 17, 2012
    #3
  4. maverick1989

    maverick1989 Notebook Deity

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    I would suggest the 6300 because of its range. Here at university, we have excellent signal at most places but there are occasions when the signal drops because it is too far from the access point. Besides, how many MMOs are you really gonna play? Hopefully not many coz u would be going to college :p
     
    maverick1989, Jun 17, 2012
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