Why does USB TP-Link BT adapter work better than Intel on-board BT?

[Longbow1]

So i build a new rig using a MSI mobo that has the ax201 onboard.  I have some bose earbuds that i use to listen to music.  When using the onboard it will randomly disconnect.  But if i plug in my old TP-Link usb BT adapter it work flawlessly.  Can anyone give a explaination?

 

Thanks

[da na]

Well, it is all down to reception. Does the board have antennas out to the back? And are you plugging your BT USB into front USB ports? Perhaps the board card just puts out a weaker lower amplitude signal.

[GuiltySpark_]

I found many complaints from onboard BT is the user didn't realize the antennas were also used for the Bluetooth. Just had them disconnected. 

 

The AX200 in my B550i is rock solid across my damn house. 

[Longbow1]

but i have the antenna connected.  I had the tp-link and the Ax201 fully installed at smae time.  I just dont understand.  BTY, i just a new asus ax card with BT 5.2.  what is the differnce for a average user?  can you use a wifi adapter that has both BT and wifi on the same cards?  Using the same antennas?  Or does it have to be seperate antennas?  Never used a wifi card that has BT onbaord.

 

Thanks

[GuiltySpark_]

Its the same antennas. The Intel AX2xx chips commonly installed on motherboards and add-in cards all use the one set of antennas for both Wifi and Bluetooth. 

[Donut417]

1 hour ago, Longbow1 said:

ust dont understand

Simple Bluetooth is low powered compared to WiFI. Any WIFi signals using the same channel as Bluetooth will cause interference. Add in the fact that most WIFi/Bluetooth cards built in are going to have antennas directly connected to the motherboard. Directly behind the case of the PC, which is generally made of steel, aluminum and or glass. All of that interferes with the signal getting to and from the device. The USB dongle is likely connected in to a front USB port, allowing Antennas clear line of sight to the device. 

[Alex Atkin UK]

9 hours ago, Donut417 said:

most WIFi/Bluetooth cards built in are going to have antennas directly connected to the motherboard. Directly behind the case of the PC, which is generally made of steel, aluminum and or glass. All of that interferes with the signal getting to and from the device. The USB dongle is likely connected in to a front USB port, allowing Antennas clear line of sight to the device. 

^^^ This

This is why some manufacturers like ASUS includes antennas on a cable, so you can put it on the top of your PC.  Though their antennas suck as they fall over too easily (so I used self-adhesive velcro), the magnetic ones are better.