FAQ
TL;DR: Planning 150–200 Mb/s and low ping? "You will need 5GHz AC for such speeds." A budget USB AC adapter can work, though without MIMO. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17034958]
Why it matters: PC gamers behind walls need the right WiFi standard to avoid lag spikes and wasted upgrades.
- 150–200 Mb/s plans call for 5 GHz 802.11ac gear for headroom and stability. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17034958]
- A measured −65 to −70 dBm signal is “good” and handles up to ~20 Mb/s on b/g. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17034603]
- Prefer MIMO and external antenna panels for better handling of reflections and placement. [Elektroda, Nagus, post #17036123]
- 5 GHz across two walls is a “bad idea” for reliable gaming latency. [Elektroda, geniusm, post #17037013]
- For ~200 Mb/s via PLC, budget around 500 PLN; cheap kits underperform. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #17037159]
Quick Facts
- 150–200 Mb/s plans call for 5 GHz 802.11ac gear for headroom and stability. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17034958]
- A measured −65 to −70 dBm signal is “good” and handles up to ~20 Mb/s on b/g. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17034603]
- Prefer MIMO and external antenna panels for better handling of reflections and placement. [Elektroda, Nagus, post #17036123]
- 5 GHz across two walls is a “bad idea” for reliable gaming latency. [Elektroda, geniusm, post #17037013]
- For ~200 Mb/s via PLC, budget around 500 PLN; cheap kits underperform. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #17037159]
What WiFi card should I buy for PC gaming under 80 PLN?
Stay with a budget USB AC600, like TP‑Link Archer T2UH. It supports AC on 5 GHz but lacks MIMO. That keeps cost low and enables future AC routers. Expect lower peak throughput than PCIe MIMO cards. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17034958]
Do I need 802.11ac for 150–200 Mb/s internet?
Yes. “You will need 5GHz AC for such speeds.” 2.4 GHz solutions struggle at these rates, especially in crowded bands. Choose AC-class hardware. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17034958]
What is “AC” and why does 5 GHz help gaming?
AC is a much faster WiFi standard in the 5 GHz band. It offers higher throughput and less interference than 2.4 GHz. That helps latency-sensitive games. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17035058]
Is 5 GHz good through two walls for gaming?
No. “5GHz on two walls is a bad idea.” Attenuation and reflections can raise latency and drop rates. Consider Ethernet or PLC as alternatives. [Elektroda, geniusm, post #17037013]
How do I measure my WiFi signal to decide on a card?
- Install WiFi Analyzer on Android.
- Stand where the PC will sit and note the SSID’s dBm value.
- Repeat at different heights/angles to find the strongest spot for antennas. [Elektroda, Sztandar18, post #17034157]
Is −65 to −70 dBm enough for smooth gaming?
That level is considered good. It can handle up to about 20 Mb/s on b/g. For higher speeds, use 5 GHz AC and better antennas. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17034603]
Why should I avoid non‑MIMO WiFi cards?
“No cards without MIMO – they cope less with reflected signals and are more sensitive to signal fades.” MIMO improves stability and effective throughput. [Elektroda, Nagus, post #17036123]
Which PCIe WiFi card is recommended for 5 GHz gaming?
Asus PCE‑AC55 is a solid pick. A cabled antenna panel helps position antennas away from desk obstructions for cleaner signal. [Elektroda, Nagus, post #17036123]
What’s the cheapest viable PCIe option if I can stretch budget a bit?
Asus PCE‑AC51 is a good entry choice around 115 PLN. It exceeds an 80 PLN cap but improves over USB sticks. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17036864]
Are USB adapters like TP‑Link Archer T2UH OK for gaming?
They can work if budget is tight. Archer T2UH is USB 2.0 AC600 and lacks MIMO. Expect reasonable play, not maximum throughput or range. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17034958]
Should I consider powerline (PLC) instead of WiFi for low ping?
Yes, especially through walls. PLC is a good idea, but for ~200 Mb/s you need better kits. Budget about 500 PLN to avoid bottlenecks. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #17037159]
Why do I get sudden ping spikes on WiFi even with decent signal?
Walls and interference cause bursts. Users report waves of ping over 300 ms in similar setups. Run Ethernet if possible to eliminate spikes. [Elektroda, Sztandar18, post #17034097]
