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    Which Wireless...?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Kyros_XIII, Jan 17, 2012.

  1. Kyros_XIII

    Kyros_XIII Notebook Enthusiast

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    Which wireless.. adapter? card? thing? :confused: (I don't even know the proper term) should I pick? I'm considering the MSi GT 783-625us (from xoticpc) as my new/first laptop and was wondering if it was worth it to upgrade from the stock wireless. Here's the options for the upgrades:

    Wireless Network (+xx = +$$)

    1. Built-in 802.11 Wireless B/G/N - Stock Wireless Card + Bluetooth (SKU - X8R002)
    2. Intel® Advanced-N 6205 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module (SKU - X8R103) ( + 35 )
    3. Intel® Advanced-N 6230 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module + Bluetooth (SKU - X8R105) ( + 35 )
    4. Bigfoot Networks Killer™ Wireless-N 1102 (2x2) (SKU - X8R051) ( + 40 )
    5. Bigfoot Networks Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 (3x3) (SKU - X8R052) ( + 49 )
    6. Intel® Ultimate-N 6300 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module (Includes 3rd Antenna) (SKU - X8R108) ( + 75 )
    7. Bigfoot Networks Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 (3x3) (Includes 3rd Antenna) (SKU - X8R053) ( + 89 )
    ​

    On a side note, is bluetooth important? I mean, I'd like to have it just to have the option available but ultimately I don't really care. Anyway, thanks for the insight! :)
     
    Kyros_XIII, Jan 17, 2012
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  2. downloads

    downloads No, Dee Dee, no! Super Moderator

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    Based on prices and quality 6205 or 6230 seem to be the best ones.
    If you want to have BT- 6230 is your winner.
     
    downloads, Jan 17, 2012
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  3. Kyros_XIII

    Kyros_XIII Notebook Enthusiast

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    So options 4-7 aren't worth it? Will my network speed suffer if I don't get any of them? Just curious - total newbie here!
     
    Kyros_XIII, Jan 17, 2012
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  4. downloads

    downloads No, Dee Dee, no! Super Moderator

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    Only option 4 is reasonably priced for what it is. The rest is not but I'd still stick to 2 or 3.

    I would advise you not to buy the default adapter- it's usually crap.
    But at the same time do not spend too much on an upgrade- 6230 seems to suit your needs- good Wi-Fi and BT you wanted for a reasonable price.
     
    downloads, Jan 17, 2012
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  5. westCoastgeekbaby2

    westCoastgeekbaby2 Notebook Consultant

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    If you're a gamer, I would (and did) go with the killer wireless 1103
     
    westCoastgeekbaby2, Jan 21, 2012
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  6. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    The increase in speed/decrease in latency between the 6300 and 1103 is pretty much negligible. Yes, there is one, but it is unlike it will change anything, i think downloads has some data on both the Intel and Bigfoot cards. Also, the OP would need a three stream router like the Linksys E4200 to actually justify the purchase of a three stream adapter.
     
    tijo, Jan 21, 2012
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  7. jrwingate6

    jrwingate6 Notebook Deity

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    If you have a capable router then go with the Big Foot N1103 w/ 3 Antenna's. I used to have a 6230 and it was a good card but it never gave me a ping under 15ms when using Pingtest.net. My Ping now is consistently below 5ms and my range has improved as well. I used to get 3 bars in my basement with my 6230 and now I get full bars. Probably one of the best investments I made. I also don't use Bluetooth so I didn't lose anything. If Bluetooth is important to you, it's not like the 6230 is a bad card. I just like the Killer Wireless N1103 better.
     
    jrwingate6, Jan 23, 2012
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