Need some wireless card help.

I checked device manager and believe I currently have a DW1501 802.11n half mini card in my desktop.
It works but won't detect n wifi. This is apparently a known issue from all of comments online; it claims to be n compatible, but it is not.

I just scored a Netgear nighthawk AC1900 router.
So, I'm hoping to utilize the increased wireless speeds.

i7 2600
8gb ddr3
ATI 5770

Should I just get the closest version of the DW1501 with N functionality (DW1520, Intel 6200, Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300, etc)?

Should I see if I have an extra x1 PCIe slot to install something like the Asus PCE-AC66?

ETA: Or should I go with a 2.0/3.0 USB adapter so I get improved performance but still have a backup wifi connection built in?

This post was edited on 1/21/14 at 4:23 pm

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Posted by ILikeLSUToo

Central, LA

Member since Jan 2008

18018 posts

Posted on 1/21/14 at 5:33 pm to Mahootney

Well, for one, see what kind of PCI/PCI-e slots you have available.

But honestly, not many of us are going to have experience with a wide variety of desktop wireless adapters. Find an AC card or USB adapter with a lot of positive reviews. USB ones with internal antennas generally have shorter range, but if you are just one room away from the router, it shouldn't make any difference.

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Posted by Mahootney

Lovin' My German Footprint

Member since Sep 2008

11875 posts

Posted on 1/21/14 at 5:57 pm to ILikeLSUToo

Thanks.
The Coax connection in the office is crap. So, we have to put the modem/router in another room, and I can't hard wire.
I'm just trying to acquire as much performance as I can for gaming/streaming.

I read your PC thread, but you kinda just advised us to research on our own for Ethernet/NIC.

There seems to be a lack of helpful websites on performance, compatibility, and comparisons for wireless adapters.

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