This is a problem if we are forced to move the PC to another room where using the cable is not an option. Fortunately, this problem has a very simple solution thanks to the versatility offered by desktop PCs, since we can add Wi-Fi support. If we want to add Wi-Fi connectivity to a desktop PC, we have two options:
Each has its advantages and disadvantages. If we have the need to add support for Wi-Fi on a PC, first of all, we must know what are the main advantages and disadvantages of each.
Wi-fi Pcie vsb Wi-fi card
The first big difference between both formats is the scope They offer. The PCIE Wi-Fi cards offer a greater number of antennas to capture the wireless signal that comes from the router, so it allows a higher connection speed than if we use a USB Wi-Fi skewer.
USB Wi-Fi include a antenna internal as well as portable equipment, and whose reach is much more limited. In the market, we can also find Wi-Fi USB skewers that include an antenna that we can guide where the router is located.
Related to scope, we cannot stop talking about Bandwidth. PCIE internal cards have a higher bandwidth since they connect to the PCIE port, so they are always the best option if we want to transmit large amounts of data without the speed is affected.
USB Wi-Fi skewers offer greater versatility since we can put it and remove it when we want in any USB port of the equipment or even take it to another PC in a few seconds. PCIE cards can only be used on desktop PCs, as long as we have free space. If, in addition to the graph, we also have a sound card installed and we have no free bay, we will have to opt for the USB Wi-Fi skewer.
All PCIE cards adding support for Wi-Fi connectivity on a desktop PC, are not limited to this type of connection. In addition, it also includes support for Bluetooth. The USB Wi-Fi skewers are limited to offering wireless connectivity. If we also want to add Bluetooth support we have to buy another USB skewer.
Another difference that we must also mention is the price. While a USB Wi-Fi skewer without antenna is priced at 10-15 euros, the price of a PCIE card rises to 25-30 euros.
Wi-Fi versions compatible with Windows
Each user has different needs, both being perfectly valid options. But, before buying the first model you see in the market, it is important to take into account the Wi-Fi version that it supports.
At this time, the most modern Wi-Fi version is Wi-Fi 7. Wi-Fi 7 It is only compatible with Windows 11 From now on. Microsoft does not offer support through Windows Update If we use a PCIE or USB Pischo card on a Windows 10 equipment.
In order to support Windows 10 On October 14, 2025, if not your PC is not compatible with Windows 11 and you go to Ubuntuyou will not have any problem if you use a PCIE or USB Wi-Fi skewer with support for Wi-Fi 7. If you are not going to use Ubuntu, you will have to see the support the Linux distribution that you are going to use, since not all offer support for this protocol.
