TP-Link has made some really nice stuff lately - often matching competitor's models for significantly lower prices.

That said, they also have a lot of junk older products in their catalog that you need to be wary of.

For your budget, there are currently a whole lot of really great options that will be more than enough for most users. Without knowing more about what you are looking for, it is hard to recommend anything precisely, but I wouldn't shy away from a well-reviewed unit from either brand.

As for a pci-e adapter, I can't recommend anything as I haven't had any use for wireless in a desktop for nearly 10 years now. What I do know is that you absolutely do not want your antennas just sticking out the back of your PCI card (or worse yet, no antennas at all) as your metal chassis will do an amazing job blocking your transmissions and giving you some lovely double digits packet loss. Look for something that either has a long extension on the antennas, or better yet standard removable antenna connectors so that you can replace them yourself with something appropriate for your particular setup.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zero4549

TP-Link has made some really nice stuff lately - often matching competitor's models for significantly lower prices.

That said, they also have a lot of junk older products in their catalog that you need to be wary of.

For your budget, there are currently a whole lot of really great options that will be more than enough for most users. Without knowing more about what you are looking for, it is hard to recommend anything precisely, but I wouldn't shy away from a well-reviewed unit from either brand.

As for a pci-e adapter, I can't recommend anything as I haven't had any use for wireless in a desktop for nearly 10 years now. What I do know is that you absolutely do not want your antennas just sticking out the back of your PCI card (or worse yet, no antennas at all) as your metal chassis will do an amazing job blocking your transmissions and giving you some lovely double digits packet loss. Look for something that either has a long extension on the antennas, or better yet standard removable antenna connectors so that you can replace them yourself with something appropriate for your particular setup.

PCE-AC68 will this pci-e from asus have long extensions antennas ? or removable ?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielhowk

PCE-AC68 will this pci-e from asus have long extensions antennas ? or removable ?

Yes, that particular card uses an antenna array that is not only removable, but is also seated on an extension cord. You should be able to find a nice place to seat the array that won't be blocked by anything. In the event you need higher gain antennas or a longer distance cord, you can add those yourself.

BTW, the PCE-AC68 is the newer, faster, and more universally compatible version of the PCE-AC66. They both cost about the same, so if I were to get one or the other, I'd grab the AC68.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zero4549

Yes, that particular card uses an antenna array that is not only removable, but is also seated on an extension cord. You should be able to find a nice place to seat the array that won't be blocked by anything. In the event you need higher gain antennas or a longer distance cord, you can add those yourself.

BTW, the PCE-AC68 is the newer, faster, and more universally compatible version of the PCE-AC66. They both cost about the same, so if I were to get one or the other, I'd grab the AC68.

thank you for that price range of PCE AC-68. do u recommend any TP link within that price range that could be better ? or asus pce-ac-68 is already the best at its price range ?

 

I have RT-AC66U but I don't use it for WiFi that much...

Here you can see how it looks "inside" (the GUI software) and what options/it can do.

http://event.asus.com/2012/nw/dummy_ui/en/Advanced_OperationMode_Content.html

I must say I'm not that happy with my WiFi performance... but it depends from situation to situation... (concrete wall in between, computer chassis in between etc)

But then again I'm a real networking NOOB! I guess if you set it up correct it will perform awesome

But as said, I use cable, not WiFi

EDIT: look at Merlin Tower for router updates

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielhowk

thank you for that price range of PCE AC-68. do u recommend any TP link within that price range that could be better ? or asus pce-ac-68 is already the best at its price range ?

In the same price range as the AC-A8 you have the TP-LINK Archer T8E and T9E.

The T9E is TP-Link's direct competitor to the AC-68, but it costs a few bucks more (at least in my area), and has short, albeit removable, antennas which I would want to replace with something I could position farther away from the system. I am not aware of any distinct advantage of the T9E, but like I said I've been out of the loop on wireless adapters so perhaps someone else might have a reason to recommend it. Personally from what I can see, I'd get the ASUS instead of this one.

The T8E is a older, slower model ,similar to ASUS's AC-66. Like the T9E, it has the same antenna situation that I would personally recommend replacing. Unlike the T9E however, it does seem to have a couple nice advantages over its competitor the AC-66. First off, it costs significantly less, and secondly it has less known compatibility issues with modern systems. I'd pick this over the AC-66. Whether I'd pick it over the AC-68 would depend on how important the extra speed of the AC-68 would be to my usage. If you are just looking for a reliable internet connection, you could probably save some money, grab the T9E, and not notice any difference. If you need that extra speed for local network file transfers or streaming or something, then grab the AC-68.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASUSfreak

I have RT-AC66U but I don't use it for WiFi that much...

Here you can see how it looks "inside" (the GUI software) and what options/it can do.

http://event.asus.com/2012/nw/dummy_ui/en/Advanced_OperationMode_Content.html

I must say I'm not that happy with my WiFi performance... but it depends from situation to situation... (concrete wall in between, computer chassis in between etc)

But then again I'm a real networking NOOB! I guess if you set it up correct it will perform awesome

But as said, I use cable, not WiFi

EDIT: look at Merlin Tower for router updates

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zero4549

In the same price range as the AC-A8 you have the TP-LINK Archer T8E and T9E.

The T9E is TP-Link's direct competitor to the AC-68, but it costs a few bucks more (at least in my area), and has short, albeit removable, antennas which I would want to replace with something I could position farther away from the system. I am not aware of any distinct advantage of the T9E, but like I said I've been out of the loop on wireless adapters so perhaps someone else might have a reason to recommend it. Personally from what I can see, I'd get the ASUS instead of this one.

The T8E is a older, slower model ,similar to ASUS's AC-66. Like the T9E, it has the same antenna situation that I would personally recommend replacing. Unlike the T9E however, it does seem to have a couple nice advantages over its competitor the AC-66. First off, it costs significantly less, and secondly it has less known compatibility issues with modern systems. I'd pick this over the AC-66. Whether I'd pick it over the AC-68 would depend on how important the extra speed of the AC-68 would be to my usage. If you are just looking for a reliable internet connection, you could probably save some money, grab the T9E, and not notice any difference. If you need that extra speed for local network file transfers or streaming or something, then grab the AC-68.

hi i went to the shop looking for asus . whats the difference with RT-AC68U and DSL-68U
https://www.asus.com/uk/Networking/DSLAC68U/
and is TP-Link D9 as good as the AC68U version by asus ?

 

If you're buying a router today, get the Netgear R7000. Not only is it the best performing AC1900 router, it's the best value and has been for over 2 years now.

As you can see in the charts below, it performs quite a bit better than the RT-AC68U.





Take a look around SNB, it's a great site for this sort of thing. Here's the router charts and R7000 review.

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/tools/rankers/router/view

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-reviews/32239-ac1900-first-look-netgear-r7000-a-asus-rt-ac68u

I'd advise putting DD-WRT on it, gives you more access to what the hardware has to offer.

As for PCI Wi-Fi adapter. The TP-Link Archer T9E would be my vote, I have one myself. It's exactly the same performance wise as the Asus PCE-AC68 but it has as black PCB and heatsink. It's also quite a bit cheaper in the UK but that may vary for you depending on location. Antennas are always swappable.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by twerk

If you're buying a router today, get the Netgear R7000. Not only is it the best performing AC1900 router, it's the best value and has been for over 2 years now.

As you can see in the charts below, it performs quite a bit better than the RT-AC68U.






Take a look around SNB, it's a great site for this sort of thing. Here's the router charts and R7000 review.
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/tools/rankers/router/view
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-reviews/32239-ac1900-first-look-netgear-r7000-a-asus-rt-ac68u

I'd advise putting DD-WRT on it, gives you more access to what the hardware has to offer.

As for PCI Wi-Fi adapter. The TP-Link Archer T9E would be my vote, I have one myself. It's exactly the same performance wise as the Asus PCE-AC68 but it has as black PCB and heatsink. It's also quite a bit cheaper in the UK but that may vary for you depending on location. Antennas are always swappable.

is it worth trying the netgear ? i heard good reviews about Asus , TP link but never really hear much about netgear. one website is it able to justify.
sorry i dont mean to be rude or anything. but im just trying to understand

hope you dont mind me asking.
and of course i grealy appreciate your post and link.

your website helps alot thanks ! but may i know your opinion ?

 

I second the Net Gear suggestion. It's what they do and they are good at it.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielhowk

is it worth trying the netgear ? i heard good reviews about Asus , TP link but never really hear much about netgear. one website is it able to justify.
sorry i dont mean to be rude or anything. but im just trying to understand

hope you dont mind me asking.
and of course i grealy appreciate your post and link.

your website helps alot thanks ! but may i know your opinion ?

SmallNetBuilder are probably the most respected consumer networking site but I understand you wanting more reviews. I've had a look around and all other reviews are just garbage, they have awful testing methodology.

Asus don't really have a networking pedigree, whereas TP-Link and Netgear do. Especially Netgear, who's products you'll see in businesses and companies everywhere.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by twerk

SmallNetBuilder are probably the most respected consumer networking site but I understand you wanting more reviews. I've had a look around and all other reviews are just garbage, they have awful testing methodology.

Asus don't really have a networking pedigree, whereas TP-Link and Netgear do. Especially Netgear, who's products you'll see in businesses and companies everywhere.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarneyRubble

I second the Net Gear suggestion. It's what they do and they are good at it.

you guys obviously know wayyy more than i do. so from the website smallnetbuilder they use extremely accurate tools compared to other websites that can be found from google ? because i know nothing about tools compared to you guys.
if netgear the top 1 product. it is top 1 . but does it have alot of compability issue and stuff ? besides performance since is top 1.
sorry first time buying networking stuff. im worried alot about issues that occur as it is my first time experience buying networking products.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielhowk

you guys obviously know wayyy more than i do. so from the website smallnetbuilder they use extremely accurate tools compared to other websites that can be found from google ? because i know nothing about tools compared to you guys.
if netgear the top 1 product. it is top 1 . but does it have alot of compability issue and stuff ? besides performance since is top 1.
sorry first time buying networking stuff. im worried alot about issues that occur as it is my first time experience buying networking products.

It's not just that SmallNetBuilder have the tools, it's that the reviewers are competent. Although they do have a nice test setup. You can see their testing tech here:

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-howto/32478-how-we-test-wireless-products-revison-8

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-howto/32477-how-we-test-smallnetbuilders-wireless-testbed-v2-

Networking is fairly straight forward and built on standards. As long as a device supports the 802.11 standard (Wi-Fi) in any form it will work.

The Netgear R7000 will work out of the box, with no configuration needed. You can go into the GUI and set the router name, password, IP address etc but you don't have to if you don't feel comfortable.

 

New model for nighthawk netgear and since netgear is older
Quote:

Originally Posted by twerk

It's not just that SmallNetBuilder have the tools, it's that the reviewers are competent. Although they do have a nice test setup. You can see their testing tech here:
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-howto/32478-how-we-test-wireless-products-revison-8
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-howto/32477-how-we-test-smallnetbuilders-wireless-testbed-v2-

Networking is fairly straight forward and built on standards. As long as a device supports the 802.11 standard (Wi-Fi) in any form it will work.

The Netgear R7000 will work out of the box, with no configuration needed. You can go into the GUI and set the router name, password, IP address etc but you don't have to if you don't feel comfortable.

lastly i want to ask. since netgear R7000 is 2 years old. is there a new model of it ? or releasing soon ? should i wait for it ? will it be better the newer model etc
should i go for usb wireless or pci e adapater wireless. not sure which is better. but from what i heard pci-e is more stabil in a long run if im not moving my desktop around. i cant seem to find usb wireless and pci-e wireless, in smallnetbuild for the top 1 of its kind.
if pci-e is better do your have any top model or brand to recommend to go along with netgear r7000 ? so far i was going for Asus 68 pci-e
if usb wireless is better than pci-e do you have a model to recommend ?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielhowk

New model for nighthawk netgear and since netgear is older
lastly i want to ask. since netgear R7000 is 2 years old. is there a new model of it ? or releasing soon ? should i wait for it ? will it be better the newer model etc
should i go for usb wireless or pci e adapater wireless. not sure which is better. but from what i heard pci-e is more stabil in a long run if im not moving my desktop around. i cant seem to find usb wireless and pci-e wireless, in smallnetbuild for the top 1 of its kind.
if pci-e is better do your have any top model or brand to recommend to go along with netgear r7000 ? so far i was going for Asus 68 pci-e
if usb wireless is better than pci-e do you have a model to recommend ?

There are higher end models than the R7000 but they aren't worth it. On paper they are better but in practice they often perform worse than the R7000. Plus they are 4x4:4 MIMO which no adapters support, most adapters don't even support 3x3:3.

Go for a PCIe adapter, they offer better performance. The Asus PCE-AC68 and TP-Link T9E are the top 2. What you go for depends on price and aesthetics. I hate the look of the red on the Asus so I went with the TP-Link.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by twerk

There are higher end models than the R7000 but they aren't worth it. On paper they are better but in practice they often perform worse than the R7000. Plus they are 4x4:4 MIMO which no adapters support, most adapters don't even support 3x3:3.

Go for a PCIe adapter, they offer better performance. The Asus PCE-AC68 and TP-Link T9E are the top 2. What you go for depends on price and aesthetics. I hate the look of the red on the Asus so I went with the TP-Link.

and one more thing the Asus DSL-68U has an ADSL/VDSL modem built in. It just saves you from having to use an external modem.
does that mean DSL 68U is
faster than a modem (provided by my ISP) + Asus AC 68U ?
since DSL 68u is all in one will it be better and faster ?
or the default modem +Asus AC68U is faster ?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by twerk

There are higher end models than the R7000 but they aren't worth it. On paper they are better but in practice they often perform worse than the R7000. Plus they are 4x4:4 MIMO which no adapters support, most adapters don't even support 3x3:3.

Go for a PCIe adapter, they offer better performance. The Asus PCE-AC68 and TP-Link T9E are the top 2. What you go for depends on price and aesthetics. I hate the look of the red on the Asus so I went with the TP-Link.

is there a way to extend the anthenna from tp link t9e . like the asus pce ac 68u ?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielhowk

is there a way to extend the anthenna from tp link t9e . like the asus pce ac 68u ?

You can buy a third party antenna, or antenna extension cable.

Something like this for example (note that you would need 3 of them in this case): http://www.amazon.com/Generic-RP-SMA-Antenna-Extension-Magnetic/dp/B00KHKGLE2/ref=sr_1_50?ie=UTF8&qid=1444152095&sr=8-50&keywords=wifi+antenna

 

Euhm... OP, you just cannot use anything you like. There are some rules about gain and dB or you could end up having no signal at all or just blow up your router...

I'm serious! I just don't remember what it was...

Might only apply to 3th party antennas or also 3th party (extension) cables...

Search google or call in for smarte OCN-ers than me

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zero4549

You can buy a third party antenna, or antenna extension cable.

Something like this for example (note that you would need 3 of them in this case): http://www.amazon.com/Generic-RP-SMA-Antenna-Extension-Magnetic/dp/B00KHKGLE2/ref=sr_1_50?ie=UTF8&qid=1444152095&sr=8-50&keywords=wifi+antenna

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASUSfreak

Euhm... OP, you just cannot use anything you like. There are some rules about gain and dB or you could end up having no signal at all or just blow up your router...

I'm serious! I just don't remember what it was...

Might only apply to 3th party antennas or also 3th party (extension) cables...

Search google or call in for smarte OCN-ers than me

is the anthenna gonna be better than pc asus 68u. the ones that comes with asus. ? will they work better ?
what do you mean explode router? using pcie like archer t9e and pce asus 68u can explode the router ?

 

Didn't read up to this point but here's this. These guys have recommended TP-Link two times in a row now (wdr-3600 and Archer C7)

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-wi-fi-router/

Oh and it's fully DD-WRT compatible.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayjr1105

Didn't read up to this point but here's this. These guys have recommended TP-Link two times in a row now (wdr-3600 and Archer C7)

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-wi-fi-router/

Oh and it's fully DD-WRT compatible.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320173
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704241
which is better TP - Link Archer T9E or Asus PCE AC68u ?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielhowk

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320173
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704241
which is better TP - Link Archer T9E or Asus PCE AC68u ?

Asus having mobile antenna's is a nice plus. But both of those look good.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayjr1105

Asus having mobile antenna's is a nice plus. But both of those look good.

oh cool i heard u could buy a add on to entend t9e anthenna. so i was wondering if it was worth it.
my router is ADSL 2+
would asus pc ac68u be compatible?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielhowk

oh cool i heard u could buy a add on to entend t9e anthenna. so i was wondering if it was worth it.
my router is ADSL 2+
would asus pc ac68u be compatible?

You mean your modem is ADSL 2+? Any modem is compatible with just about any router. Do you know if your modem is setup now as PPPOE or DHCP? Routers will support both but PPPOE is more of a hassle to setup in a new router.