Bluetooth expansion

[KGsFirst]

So I know you can just get a usb dongle but I'm wondering if I'd get better connectivity and overall performance from a PCIE expansion card, plus i don't want to take up an extra USB. If anyone has done this for their build I'd love to know what you found works and what brands to stay away from. 

THANKS  

[RAS_3885]

I've always favored the PCIe option versus USB. In my experience PCIe has better overall stability and the dedicated, external antennas are better for connectivity and range.

 

I've had good luck with TP LInk for network expansion cards.

[Frugivore8894]

They all suck. But PCIe is better. That’s the answer. I ended up going though three different cards/dongles. I ended up just buying a over priced one form Gigabyte/Aorus. It works and I haven’t had a problem with it. Point is buy from a reputable brand and make sure it not a problem with your OS before returning it.

 

Edit: Sorry I just read this and it’s not very organized but I hope you get the point.

[WhitetailAni]

1 minute ago, RAS_3885 said:

I've always favored the PCIe option versus USB. In my experience PCIe has better overall stability and the dedicated, external antennas are better for connectivity and range.

 

I've had good luck with TP LInk for network expansion cards.

1 minute ago, Frugivore8894 said:

They all suck. But PCIE is better. That’s the answer. I ended up going though three different cards/dongles. I ended up just buying a over priced one form Gigabyte/Aorus. It works and I haven’t had a problem with it. Point is buy from a reputable brand and make sure it not a problem with your OS before returning it.

...you do realize PCIe WiFi/Bluetooth cards use USB for Bluetooth right?

That's why there's the USB header offshoot thing. Bluetooth is only done over USB. WiFi can be over PCIe or USB.

 

[RAS_3885]

7 minutes ago, FakeKGB said:

...you do realize PCIe WiFi/Bluetooth cards use USB for Bluetooth right?

That's why there's the USB header offshoot thing. Bluetooth is only done over USB. WiFi can be over PCIe or USB.

 

Huh, well today I learned... I was basing my comments off experience with wifi cards and did not realize a wifi/bluetooth combo card still needed a USB connection. Serves me right for assuming! Thanks for the info!

[Frugivore8894]

1 hour ago, FakeKGB said:

...you do realize PCIe WiFi/Bluetooth cards use USB for Bluetooth right?

That's why there's the USB header offshoot thing. Bluetooth is only done over USB. WiFi can be over PCIe or USB.

 

Ohh is that what it’s for. Lol

[Svek]

You might want to look into something that serves as a combo WiFi 6 and bluetooth in a PCIE card.

 

You will get some superb range on your bluetooth and might get some upgrades with your wifi.

 

Take a look at ASUS PCE-AX58BT

 

The antenna is very solid on these, and if you mount it somewhere high up, you will understand what I mean about range on bluetooth.

[Zomeguy]

2 hours ago, Svek said:

You might want to look into something that serves as a combo WiFi 6 and bluetooth in a PCIE card.

 

You will get some superb range on your bluetooth and might get some upgrades with your wifi.

 

Take a look at ASUS PCE-AX58BT

 

The antenna is very solid on these, and if you mount it somewhere high up, you will understand what I mean about range on bluetooth.

I would agree. I've used a couple USB Bluetooth adapters and the signal strength and stability were pretty bad (used an Asus and Startech). The pcie card ones typically have antenna's which really improve the range.

[Alex Atkin UK]

On 1/6/2022 at 4:35 PM, Svek said:

You might want to look into something that serves as a combo WiFi 6 and bluetooth in a PCIE card.

 

You will get some superb range on your bluetooth and might get some upgrades with your wifi.

 

Take a look at ASUS PCE-AX58BT

 

The antenna is very solid on these, and if you mount it somewhere high up, you will understand what I mean about range on bluetooth.

Personally I'd ideally be looking for an Intel AX210 based one as it performs better than the AX200 chipset and supports WiFi 6e.

Definitely agree about the antenna though.