We have the desktop PC too far from the modem / router and we cannot use the Ethernet cable to connect "> How to add wifi to a fixed PC How to choose a 5 GHz WiFi adapter
Choosing a wireless adapter that supports 5 GHz is not difficult at all, we will only have to make sure that it has the following characteristics:
- Support for N and AC standards : to obtain the maximum transfer speed from the modem, we will have to make sure that the adapter supports the 802.11n and 802.11ac standards, which are the best for the connection on the 5GHz frequency. With the 802.11n protocol we will obtain the maximum speed of 450 Mbps, while with 802.11ac it is possible to travel at 1900 Megabits per second, even if in most scenarios it will travel at the maximum speed of 867 Mbps. On some adapters it is possible to connect to both frequencies (2.4 and 5 GHz) to obtain a higher transmission speed.
- Adapter format : many adapters have a compact design and can be connected to the PC via a USB port, as if they were normal sticks; the faster models are available as expansion cards to be inserted inside the PC on a PCIe x1 slot. We choose the format we want based on our financial availability, the number of ports available and the use we will make of the PC (on gaming PCs we always recommend to focus on PCIe WiFi adapters to obtain the best performance).
- Security : all adapters support WPA and WPA2 with AES as an encryption system, so as to guarantee secure connections for the PC with any modem used.
- Coverage : in the case of the 5 GHz frequency, the coverage is considerably lower than the 2.4 GHz, so we can hardly use the speed offered by this frequency beyond 10-15 meters (including walls and dividers). So to surf at maximum speed the PC must be maximum one room or two from the modem, otherwise it will not be possible to connect.
- Antennas : USB models have one or more internal antennas to capture the signal and are effective only in optimal network conditions (few walls and very strong signal from the router); models with external antennas or with antennas arranged on a separate base can be oriented to always obtain the maximum signal and consequently a good transmission speed.
READ ALSO: Differences between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks; which is better?
The best 5 GHz dual band WiFi adapters for PC
After seeing what features a good 5 GHz WiFi adapter for a desktop PC must have, let's find out in this part of the guide which devices we can view for purchase, so as to obtain the right compromise between quality and savings.
1) USB WiFi Antenna Adapter
Among the cheapest USB adapters that we can use to hook up to 5GHz networks, this Chinese brand adapter with external antenna stands out, which supports the 802.11n standard on both frequencies offering a maximum speed of 433Mbps on 5GHz or 150 Mbps on 2.4GHz. The chipset used (RTL8811AU) is natively compatible with the latest Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems without installing other drivers, however available via mini disk.
We can view this adapter from here -> Tinxi 600Mbps 5GHz WiFi adapter (11 €).
2) iAmotus Mini USB WIFI
Another compact WiFi adapter that we can view is the iAmotus Mini USB WIFI, which has dual band support for both frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), the WPS button for quick association with the modem and a speed maximum transfer rate of 600 Mbps, thanks to the use of the 802.11ac standard. Self-installing on all modern operating systems, so as to be immediately operational.
We can view this adapter from here -> iAmotus Mini USB WIFI (14 €).
3) TP-Link Archer T2U
You are looking for an ultra-compact adapter to add support for 5GHz on PC and older notebooks "> TP-Link Archer T2U (€ 18).
4) TP-Link Archer T6E
The first internal network card that we recommend viewing is the TP-Link Archer T6E, which has 2 antennas for data transmission (ideal for connecting to even the most distant modems), connection via PCIe x1 slot, support for WPA / WPA2 encryption with simplified configuration system and support for 802.11n protocol, useful for obtaining the maximum speed of 450 Mbps (on 2.4 GHz) and 867Mbps (on 5 GHz)
If we are interested in this internal PC card we can observe it from here -> TP-Link Archer T6E (33 €).
5) Asus PCE-AC56
If we have a gaming PC we can focus on the Asus PCE-AC56 internal network card to get the maximum performance! This card supports the 802.11ac standard for fast connections up to 867 Mbps on a 5 GHz network, support for 2.4 GHz networks up to 300 Mbps, WPA2 encryption, two removable antennas and a separate magnetic base to be able to orient the antennas in anywhere on the case or desk. Self-installing drivers, although proprietary drivers are available on the disk provided with the adapter.
We can view this internal network card from here -> Asus PCE-AC56 (54 €).
6) Hommie WIE9260
The internal high-end card that we recommend viewing is the Hommie WIE9260, an internal card with other performance with three antennas adjustable in any direction, support for Wireless Dual Band with 802.11ac standard with a maximum transfer rate of 1730 Mbps, Bluetooth and encryption WPA / WPA2. The drivers on this card are self-installing, but we can also use the supplied disk for maximum performance.
We can view this internal network card from here -> Hommie WIE9260 (30 €).
READ ALSO -> How to use the WPS Wifi button safely and quickly
