Buying the perfect motherboard for your new computer can be a daunting task. With so many specifications, knowing which one is right for you is hard. One of the considerations when purchasing is whether your motherboard has Wi-Fi capabilities.
Having Wi-Fi built into your motherboard can be handy, as it eliminates buying an external wireless network adapter. If you are looking to save money while still getting the most out of your computer build, then opting for a motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi might be something you want to consider.
Do all Motherboards have built-in Wi-Fi?
Not all motherboards come with a built-in Wi-Fi adapter. However, many popular and newer models do. Those that don’t have built-in Wi-Fi adapters will often feature ports or slots to install a compatible wireless card. This means you’ll need to purchase an additional wireless card, either internal or external if you require Wi-Fi connectivity on your system. Some more advanced motherboards feature onboard Wi-Fi as standard, allowing users to connect their systems wirelessly without needing additional hardware or installation.
How can I check if a motherboard has built-in Wi-Fi?
The easiest way to check if your motherboard has Wi-Fi is to look for a little Wi-Fi icon on the lower right of your screen. If you see the icon, your computer is connected to a wireless network with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities.
If you don’t see the icon, there are a few other ways to check if your motherboard has Wi-Fi:
Check The Specifications To See If Your Motherboard Has Wi-Fi
Look up the model number of your motherboard and check its specifications online. Look for keywords like “wireless” or “Wi-Fi” in the list of features.
Check The Ports
Look at the back of your computer where all the ports are located. If you see an antenna port, that’s a good sign that your motherboard has built-in Wi-Fi.
Check The Device Manager
Check Device Manager: Open Device Manager on Windows and look for “Network Adapters.” If you see a wireless adapter listed, your computer has built-in Wi-Fi.
How To Add Wi-Fi To Motherboard?
Adding Wi-Fi to your motherboard is a relatively simple process, but it’s essential to understand which device fits your needs. Most people opt for a Wi-Fi card, which provides more features and reliable connection speeds than dongles. When installing the card, users need to open up their tower case and locate an empty PCIe slot in their motherboard. After plugging it in, drivers will generally be installed automatically.
Wi-Fi dongles can also be used instead of cards as they are easier to install – plug the USB device into your computer, and you’re ready to go! They are generally cheaper than cards; however, they don’t provide the same range or connection speeds as a Wi-Fi card due to their lack of onboard processing power. Depending on your needs, either method might better suit you: if reliability is of the utmost importance or if you have plenty of space in your tower, then going for a card may be ideal. Alternatively, investing in a dongle might be a better choice if you’re looking for something simpler or cheaper.
Conclusion
Determining whether or not your motherboard has built-in Wi-Fi can be tricky, but there are several ways to check it out. There are plenty of options if you need a new motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. Remember to double-check before making any purchases!
