Not all desktop motherboards have built-in Wi-Fi. The by default built-in Wi-Fi are available in the motherboards of expensive and selected desktops. While the average price range desktops do not offer it but the manufacturer has variants of some motherboards which do have built-in Wi-Fi when extra dollars are paid.
When we talk about notebooks and laptops, their motherboard almost always comes with the cards and thus is enabled. The necessity of a built-in Wi-Fi laptop motherboard is very obvious because these are carried along everywhere, thus a static LAN connection could not be made available to the user everywhere. However, an Ethernet connection is preferred by a PC user because of its stable and fast connection and bandwidth.
Because of slow-speed connection of a motherboard built-in Wi-Fi card, people might not prefer to go such a motherboard. One solution is to buy a router and install and then distribute the broadband to more than one PC. However, this is a costlier solution. Thus, a built-in Wi-Fi card serves better in such a situation.
In this article, we will discuss how you know If a motherboard has built-in Wi-Fi or not. Let’s get started!
What Is A Motherboard With An Integrated Wi-Fi System?
A motherboard with inbuilt Wi-Fi is one that includes pre-configured connection to a wireless connection without the need for extra hardware.
The Wi-Fi modem is often physically connected into the motherboard. These motherboards’ Wi-Fi is situated near the rear I/O panel, with antennae protruding from the chassis.
So, Do Motherboards Include Wi-Fi?
Both yes and no. By default, a typical desktop motherboard, especially a cheap one, does not have built-in Wi-Fi. However, there are a plethora of models available that have built-in Wi-Fi.
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How Do I Tell If A Motherboard Has Built-In Wifi?
The built-in Wi-Fi motherboards are those motherboards that connect readily to a wireless network on a plug-and-play feature. Such a Wi-Fi facility is often constructed of modem soldered on the motherboard through wires. One can locate such modem on the motherboard near the back of the I/O panel and the antennae are protruded out of the casing.
Another option is to look at your PC options. Click “Control Panel.” After selecting “Network and Internet,” click “Network and Sharing Center.” In the left pane, click “Change Adapter Settings.” The desktop may connect to a wireless network if Wireless Network Connection is shown as an available connection.
The easiest way is to check the specifications on the manufacturer’s website or in the product handbook.
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How Do I Know if My Motherboard Supports Wi-Fi?
The built-in Wi-Fi modem is factory fitted and thus is quality checked and compatibility checked before releasing for the sale in the market. Such motherboards are bound to be supporting Wi-Fi.
However, an extension of a PCI card or Wi-Fi USB Dongle is to be checked for motherboard support. The PCI card needs a dedicated slot which if not available in your motherboard then note that it is not going to work for you.
While a USB dongle used for Wireless internet capturing is usually a plug and play device and the USB compatibility of the motherboard is automatically checked by the operating system when plugged in.
The Windows checks every component installed internally or externally and then loads its driver to run the hardware. But if the motherboard is not compatible with that external component, then the functionality is stopped and a message is popped up that this device is not working properly.
Is Built-in Wifi On Motherboard Better?
There are various advantages which suggest that built-in Wi-Fi on motherboard better.
- Portability
Portability is the main benefit of a built-in modem in the motherboard. Whenever you want to move, you can move your PC with very ease. So, this mobility allows you to move your desktop anywhere you like and you do not bother about an Ethernet connection.
- Speed is More than Sufficient
The high-end PCs come with a great modem and provide you with a good speed on wireless. This speed is sufficient enough to cater to your internet browsing speed. Even they are very much fine for the commercial users too.
- Great for Office Use
It is a very important benefit of built-in Wi-Fi in a motherboard that it is independent of a Local Area Network Router and thus with very ease one can connect with a router without any tech help. It is beneficial where many PCs are required to be connected with one Internet Connection and it is done with the help of a Router.
Nowadays many offices are converting all their PCs on the built-in modem to get the user free from hassles of wiring and the location bounding. The connection is free of problems when the installation is in question because they are plug and play and only a router password is needed to run the internet on your PC in the office.
Conclusion:
Motherboards come with a Wi-Fi modem and yes, we are talking about desktop motherboards here which are slightly expensive than routine PCs. To find such motherboards you need to search a little or actively talk with the high-end PC manufacturers.
It is also to be noted that by adding part you can upgrade your existing motherboard to a Wi-Fi-enabled one. A USB dongle with a built-in Wi-Fi modem in it and antennae furnishes your need to have a wireless facility.
We found that Wi-Fi facility has vast benefits in some cases like multiuser in closed premises. The Ethernet is still the first choice of PC motherboard because of the stationery characteristic of the desktop. However, the manufacturers also manufacture motherboards with built-in Wi-Fi to cater to the needs of the users mentioned above.
