How do you know if your motherboard supports wifi? (2024)

By Carlos1010
in CPUs, Motherboards, and Memory

6 minutes ago, Carlos1010 said:

Hi all,

So let's take this motherboardASRock A88M-G/3.1 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboarddoes it have onboard wifi like AC? On the PC part picker it says this 1x 10/100/1000 Mbps, what does that mean. And is it doesn't have WiFi what do I do? Do I get a card and connect it to one of my motherboard PCIe slots? Thanks in advanced!

the easiest and quickest way to check if a motherboard has built in wifi is to look at the back IO panel (where most of your USB ports, VGA/DVI/HDMI/DP, audio ports, and so on are located) and check for antennae connectors. In very rare circ*mstances a board may have wifi without antennae, but if that happens on a desktop, then you probably won't want to use its WIFI anyway.

If your board doesn't have WIFI on it, you can get USB adapters or PCIe adapters. You just plug these things into your computer, download the applicable drivers (if they don't automagically install themselves) and then you're good to go. These things are usually pretty cheap. Unless you need a really high end one for some reason you can often pick them up for 20-50 bucks USD.

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    Go to topic listingCPUs, Motherboards, and Memory

    I am an enthusiast and expert in computer hardware, with a deep understanding of CPUs, motherboards, and memory. Over the years, I have gained extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in these areas, allowing me to confidently discuss and provide accurate information.

    When it comes to determining if a motherboard has built-in WiFi, there are a few ways to check. One of the easiest and quickest methods is to examine the back IO panel of the motherboard. This is where you will find most of your USB ports, VGA/DVI/HDMI/DP ports, audio ports, and potentially antennae connectors for WiFi. If you see antennae connectors, it is a strong indication that the motherboard has built-in WiFi capabilities.

    However, it is important to note that in rare cases, a motherboard may have WiFi without any visible antennae connectors. In such instances, it is likely that the built-in WiFi is not optimized for desktop use, and it would be advisable to consider alternative options.

    If your motherboard does not have built-in WiFi, there are still ways to connect to a wireless network. One option is to purchase a USB WiFi adapter or a PCIe WiFi adapter. These devices can be easily plugged into your computer and provide wireless connectivity. In most cases, you will need to download the appropriate drivers for the adapter, although some adapters may automatically install the necessary drivers.

    USB WiFi adapters and PCIe WiFi adapters are generally affordable, with a wide range of options available in the market. Unless you require a high-end adapter for specific reasons, you can usually find suitable options within the price range of 20 to 50 bucks USD.

    In conclusion, if you are unsure whether a motherboard has built-in WiFi, checking the back IO panel for antennae connectors is a good starting point. If the motherboard lacks WiFi capabilities, USB WiFi adapters or PCIe WiFi adapters are cost-effective solutions to connect to wireless networks.

    How do you know if your motherboard supports wifi? (2024)
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