3 best internal computer networking cards

Internal computer networking cards, commonly known as network interface cards (NICs) or network adapters, are essential components of modern computers that enable them to connect to wired or wireless networks. Here's what you need to know about these components:

  1. Purpose and Functionality: Network cards are hardware components that allow computers to communicate with other devices and access resources on a network, such as the internet, local area networks (LANs), or wide area networks (WANs). They facilitate the transmission and reception of data packets between the computer and the network.

  2. Types of Network Cards:

    • Ethernet NICs: These are the most common type of network cards and are used for wired network connections. They typically use Ethernet cables (e.g., Cat 5e or Cat 6) to connect to routers, switches, or modems.

    • Wireless NICs (Wi-Fi Adapters): Wireless network adapters enable computers to connect to Wi-Fi networks. They use radio signals to establish a wireless connection to routers or access points, allowing for greater mobility and flexibility in network access.

  3. Connection Interface: NICs can be installed on a computer's motherboard or inserted into expansion slots, such as PCI, PCI Express (PCIe), or M.2 slots. The choice of interface depends on the computer's form factor and available slots.

  4. Speed and Standards: Network cards support various network speeds and standards, including 10/100/1000 Mbps (Ethernet) and various Wi-Fi standards (e.g., 802.11ac, 802.11ax). Higher-speed NICs can provide faster network connections, depending on the network infrastructure's capabilities.

  5. Driver Software: To function correctly, network cards require driver software. These drivers facilitate communication between the operating system and the NIC. They are typically provided by the NIC manufacturer and may need to be installed or updated.

  6. Duplex and Auto-Negotiation: Network cards often support duplex and auto-negotiation features. Duplex determines whether data can be transmitted and received simultaneously (half-duplex or full-duplex). Auto-negotiation allows the NIC to automatically adjust its settings to match the capabilities of the connected network equipment.

  7. LED Indicators: Many network cards have LED indicators that display network activity and connection status. These indicators can help diagnose network issues.

  8. Advanced Features: Some network cards offer advanced features, such as support for Quality of Service (QoS), Wake-on-LAN (WoL), and virtual LAN (VLAN) tagging, which can enhance network performance and management.

  9. Compatibility: When purchasing a network card, it's important to ensure compatibility with your computer's hardware and the network environment. Check for drivers and compatibility with your operating system as well.

  10. Upgrades and Replacements: Network cards can be upgraded or replaced if your computer's built-in NIC is outdated or malfunctioning.It's a cost-effective way to improve network performance or add wireless capabilities to a desktop computer.

Overall, network cards are integral components that enable computers to connect to and communicate with networks, making them a fundamental part of modern computing. The choice between wired Ethernet NICs and wireless Wi-Fi adapters depends on your networking needs and the infrastructure in place.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best internal computer networking cards on the market
  

TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 PCIe WiFi Card (Archer TX3000E), Up to 2400Mbps, Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11AX Dual Band Wireless Adapter with MU-MIMO,OFDMA,Ultra-Low Latency, Supports Windows 10 (64bit) only

TP-Link

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Arm Your PC with Next-Gen WiFi Technology

AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.0 PCIe Adapter



Next-Level Gaming

The very latest Wi-Fi 6 standard guarantees extreme speed, ultra-low latency, and uninterrupted connectivity. Utilizing the Wi-Fi 6 foundation, Archer TX3000E is designed to liberate your gaming from cables and fully optimize your gameplay. Discover the missing component of your gaming arsenal!



Stay Immersive

1024-QAM and a 160 MHz bandwidth deliver powerful, continuous WiFi to fully unlock the potential of your Wi-Fi 6 router. Wi-Fi 6 drives your PC to peak performance so your setup keeps pace with your jaw-dropping skills.



Broader Coverage

Two multi-directional and high-performance antennas with a magnetized base extends your existing WiFi reception capabilities, allowing you to game anywhere and anytime. Place the magnetized antenna base anywhere on your desktop to find the optimal location for signal reception.



Bluetooth 5.0 Compatible

Archer TX3000E is compatible with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology, achieving 2× faster speed and 4× broader coverage than Bluetooth 4.2. Connect as many devices as you want, including game controllers, headphones, and keyboards, to enjoy a smoother experience.***



Advanced Security

The latest security enhancements—WPA3 provides more secure and individualized encryption in personal password safety, protecting your network from wireless hacking. Always keep your network safe while gaming online.**



Fine Crafting for Ultimate Performance

Built with a specialized heatsink crafted to improve stability and reliability even in hot environments. Careful attention to every detail, such as gold plating on every contactor to resist oxidation, delivers a superior network experience.

  • Wi-Fi 6 TECHNOLOGY POWERED BY INTEL: The latest Wi-Fi 6 standard gives you incredible speed ultra-low latency and uninterrupted connectivity with OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology Utilizing next-generation Wi-Fi 6 technology Archer TX3000E is designed to excel in even the busiest of networks for next-level entertainment
  • Next-gen speeds up to 2.4Gbps Reach incredible speeds up to 2.4 Gbps (2402 Mbps on 5 GHz or 574 Mbps on 2 4 GHz) - Supports Windows 10 (64bit) - Driver installation required via Website or included CD
  • Minimized lag for your PC Revolutionary OFDMA reduces lag so you can enjoy ultra-responsive real-time gaming or an immersive VR experience
  • Broader Coverage Two multi-directional and high-performance antennas with a magnetized base extends your existing Wi-Fi reception capabilities. Place the magnetized antenna base anywhere on your desktop to find the optimal location for signal reception. Easily install with low profile bracket.
  • BLUETOOTH 5 0 FOR GREATER SPEEDS AND COVERAGE Archer TX3000E is equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5 0 Technology achieving 2x faster speeds and 4x broader coverage than Bluetooth 4 2 Connect as many devices as you want including game controllers headphones and keyboards for the ultimate setup
  • If you do not have a CD Rom or having difficulty with the CD please visit our homepage and search Archer TX3000E Driver is available for download on the support page for Archer TX3000E

Product features

Wi-Fi 6 Technology

The latest Wi-Fi 6 standard gives you incredible speed, ultra-low latency, and uninterrupted connectivity. Utilizing next-generation Wi-Fi 6, Archer TX3000E is designed to excel in even the busiest of networks. [2]

Next-Gen Speeds up to 2.4 Gbps

Let your PC experience speeds faster than Wi-Fi 5 (AC) with 1024-QAM and a 160 MHz bandwidth that delivers powerful, continuous WiFi to keep your PC running at top speed. [1] [2] [3]

Minimized Lag for Your PC

Revolutionary OFDMA reduces lag you can enjoy ultra-responsive real-time gaming or an immersive VR experience.[2]

Supports Windows 10 (64-bit) only.

Broader Reception

Two multi-directional and high-performance antennas extend your existing WiFi reception capabilities so you're always connected. Archer TX3000E also features a magnetized antenna base, letting you place it anywhere on your desktop for optimal signal reception.

Better Efficiency on Busy Networks

Get the most efficient WiFi connection for your PC with revolutionary OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology, which lets your adapter communicate with your router along with other devices without lag.

TP-Link AC1200 PCIe WiFi Card for PC (Archer T5E) - Bluetooth 4.2, Dual Band Wireless Network Card (2.4Ghz and 5Ghz) for Gaming, Streaming, Supports Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 (32/64-bit)

TP-Link

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Disclaimers 1 Specifications are subject to change without notice TP-Link is a registered trademark of TP-Link Technologies Co Ltd Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders Copyright 2020 TP-Link Technologies Co Ltd All rights reserved. Maximum wireless signal rates are the physical rates derived from IEEE Standard 802 11 specifications Actual wireless data throughput and wireless coverage and the number of connected devices is not and will vary as a result of network conditions AP limitations and environmental factors including building materials obstacles volume and density of traffic and AP location 2 Functionality of Archer T5E may be restricted on some computing systems and platforms Please try to update the device’s driver for feature compatibility.

  • Super-Fast Speed – Make full use of your network with AC1200 WiFi speeds (867 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band)
  • Bluetooth 4.2 – Achieve 2.5× faster speed and 10× more packet capacity than Bluetooth 4.0
  • Broad Wireless Range – Connect to your WiFi from further away with two external high-gain antennas ensuring greater range and enhanced stability
  • Easy Installation – Plug the adapter into an available PCI-E slot to upgrade your desktop (Both Standard and Low profile brackets included)
  • Windows Compatibility - Supports Windows 10, 8.1, 8 and 7 (32/64-bit)

Product features

Arm Your PC with Bluetooth

Archer T5E turns your PC Bluetooth-compatible with advanced Bluetooth 4.2 technology, achieving 2.5× faster speeds and 10× more packet capacity than Bluetooth 4.0. [3]

Better Range with High-Gain Antennas

Two powerful signal-boosting high-gain antennas greatly increase your existing WiFi reception, allowing you to enjoy fast and uninterrupted 4K streaming and smooth gaming from further away.

ZYT 3000Mbps PCIe WiFi Card with Bluetooth5.1 for Desktop PC | Intel WiFi 6 AX200 | 5G 2.4G WiFi Bluetooth Card with 160MHz,OFDMA,MU-MIMO | Support Windows 10 64bit

Ziyituod

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price
  • ➤Intel Wi-Fi 6 Technology --- Based on Intel WiFi 6 AX200 chipset, this WiFi 6 PCIe card supports the latest 802.11ax technology, such us OFDMA, 1024QAM, Target Wake Time, the Ziyituod Wi-Fi 6 AX200 WiFi card enables smooth streaming of high resolution videos, fewer dropped connections, and faster connections farther away from the router and in dense environments.
  • ➤2.4Gbps Max Speed --- Next-gen speeds up to 2.4Gbps (2402 Mbps on 5 GHz or 574 Mbps on 2 4 GHz) reduce lag so you can enjoy ultra-responsive real-time gaming, video call or an immersive VR experience.
  • ➤Bluetooth5.1 --- Provides 4x5 range over Bluetooth4.2 using the same Tx power, enabling coverage throughout the home. Doubles data rates speed for faster transmissions thereby reducing the overall power consumption.
  • ➤Advanced Encryption --- Browse safely knowing that your high-speed WiFi is protected from hackers and malware via advanced WPA3 encryption.

User questions & answers

Question: Funciona bien con socket amd am4 y ryzen
Answer: Si funciona exelente
Question: Can anyone who's paying for gigabit internet tell me how it performs
Answer: Pay for gigabit. Getting 816 wired, 328 wireless from a few feet away.
Question: Hello,i don't want to use the cd drive. can i download the driver for this network card online? where can i download it
Answer: Hi,there Thank you for your question. Yes,Of course, our WIE series NICs are all Intel chips, and this WIE8260 wifi card uses the INTEL® WIRELESS-AC 8260 chip. You can find out about it from the link provided below. INTEL® WIRELESS-AC 8260 Link: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/wireless/wireless-products/dual-band-wireless-ac-8260.html?wapkw=intel®+wireless-ac+8260 Regarding the driver, you can also download it from the official website of Intel. Driver link: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/product/86068/Intel-Dual-Band-Wireless-AC-8260 Any question and suggestion about our product during using please do not hesitate to contact us.
Question: Hello,i don't want to use the cd drive. can i download the driver for this network card online? where can i download it
Answer: Hi,there Thank you for your question. Yes,Of course, our WIE series NICs are all Intel chips, and this WIE8260 wifi card uses the INTEL® WIRELESS-AC 8260 chip. You can find out about it from the link provided below. INTEL® WIRELESS-AC 8260 Link: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/wireless/wireless-products/dual-band-wireless-ac-8260.html?wapkw=intel®+wireless-ac+8260 Regarding the driver, you can also download it from the official website of Intel. Driver link: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/product/86068/Intel-Dual-Band-Wireless-AC-8260 Any question and suggestion about our product during using please do not hesitate to contact us.

Product features

ZYT WiFi 6 AX200 PCIe WiFi Card | Intel WiFi 6 AX200 Chip | Bluetooth5.1 | 160MHz | OFDMA | Ultra-Low Latency

  • 5GHz : UP to 2402Mbps
  • 2.4GHz : UP to 574Mbps

Deliver from 80 MHz to 160 MHz higher peak data rates (up to 2.4Gbps) and up to 4x capacity improvement in dense or congested environments comparing to 802.11ac. Doubling the channel width and creating a faster connection from your router to the desktop.

Get Faster AX WiFi For Your Desktop PC

  • With more WiFi devices and higher bandwidth requirements, the need for a high capacity WiFi network is greater than ever.
  • 802.11ax WiFi with OFDMA, 160MHz Channel Support, MU-MIMO and 1024 QAM is built for greater capacity, more efficiency and to handle more devices.

2.4Gbps Max Speed

  • Provides up to 4× higher capacity and throughput compared to standard AC cards in dense usage environments, greatly increasing the number of connected devices.Utilizing next-generation Wi-Fi 6, ZYT-AX200 is designed to excel in even the busiest of networks.

Bluetooth 5.1 for Greater Speeds and Coverage

  • Theoretical maximum range: 15 meters
  • Achieving 2x faster speeds and 4x broader coverage than Bluetooth 4.2. Connect all your devices, including game controllers, headphones, and keyboards, for the ultimate setup.

OFDMA for High Throughput and Efficient Network

  • Get the most efficient WiFi connection for your PC with revolutionary OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology, which lets your adapter communicate with your router along with other devices without lag.M

Better Range with High-Gain Antennas

  • Two 5dBi external high gain WiFi antennas utilize the latest wireless technology to provide stable connection and boost coverage for daily entertainment.
  • Switch the working mode of ZYT-AX200 to Access Point Mode to share your wired network with other wireless devices.

AX WiFi For PC Gaming

  • Support Windows 10 64-bit for desktop PC. It is the best choice for desktop for online gaming and 4K Ultra HD video streaming.
  • WPA3 keep your network secure so you can browase or game online with peace of mind.

PCIE Slot

  • Designed by PCI-E X1 Interface will compatible with All PCIE Slot Include PCI-E X1 X4 X8 X16 Slot.
  • Do not install on PCI slot.
  • Please confirm that there are available PCIE slots and F_USB Connector on your motherboard.

Package List

  • 1 * ZYT-AX200 PCIe Wifi Card
  • 1 * Driver CD
  • 2 * Detachable Antenna
  • 1 * Low profile bracket (8cm | 3.15in)
  • 1 * Bluetooth USB Cable(30cm | 11.8in)
  • 1 * Screwdriver
  • 2 * Screw
  • 1 * User Manual
  • 1 * Ziyituod Box
  • 1 * Anti-static bag

Latest Reviews

View all