We rarely talk about PC network cards. Normally, when we talk about gaming computers, the components that come out the most are the screen and the graphics card. At most, the processor or CPU and SSD storage. We assume that the connection will be good to play online. And it usually is. But connectivity does not only depend on contracting a good bandwidth.
If our intention is to play online we will need a latency as low as possible, the dreaded lag. And for this, good bandwidth and a good router are not enough. The placement of the gaming PC also plays a role. And, of course, the network card that is responsible for communicating the computer with the router.
Earlier I made a list of the most outstanding network cards for gaming PCs of the past year. This year, we expanded the list with more models. Its purpose: to take advantage of the network speed that you have contracted to be able to play online without unnecessary interruptions, cuts or surprises.
TP Link Archer TX3000E – AX3000 WiFi 6
The network component manufacturer TP Link offers us this network card for PCs that supports WiFi 6, the most recent standard for connecting to the Internet or other devices wirelessly. Next to the TX50E model we saw in a previous article, the TP Link Archer TX3000E network card stands out both inside and out, despite its small size .
On the outside, its two multidirectional external antennas with a magnetic base stand out to be placed in the best position and height regardless of the network card or the gaming PC. Ideal to connect your gaming PC to your WiFi network and get the best coverage. And being compatible with WiFi 6 thanks to its Intel WiFi 6 AX3000 chipset, you can get speeds of 2,402 Mbps over 5 GHz WiFi and 574 Mbps over 2.4 GHz WiFi. And of course, it also supports Bluetooth 5.0 connections.
More advantages of the TP Link Archer TX3000E network card . According to those responsible, it offers “75% less latency that ensures ultra response in games, video calls without interruptions and perfect live broadcasts.” For the rest, its heat sink and its specialized coating make it perform at full capacity “even in hot environments.”
ASUS PCI-E AC3100
The ASUS PCI-E AC3100 wireless network card may not be compatible with WiFi 6, but it does know how to get the most out of everything that the WiFi 5 or WiFi AC version offers, the most widespread at the moment. This way you will avoid having to change routers for now. Specifically, it allows you to reach speeds of 2,100 Mbps in the 5 GHz WiFi band and 1,000 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band. The available bandwidth cannot be wasted. Wherever you are.
And to get those wireless connectivity speeds , together with the gaming PC network card there are four antennas with an external base that you can place in the best position thanks to the extension cables and the magnetic base. For the rest, it is compatible with Windows 11 and its small size makes it easy to install.
If you are worried about heat, given the temperatures generated by the graphics card and other components of a gaming PC, the ASUS PCI-E AC3100 card integrates a custom heatsink that covers the entire card and helps maintain a suitable temperature, no matter what. What happens inside the computer.
Fenvi FV-AX3000T
From China comes this powerful network card for PCIe-type gaming PCs. Fenvi FV-AX3000T supports WiFi 6 (WiFi AX) and Bluetooth 5.1. This means you can reach speeds of 2,400 Mbps on 5 GHz WiFi and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
Of this network card, its external antenna draws attention. Instead of opting for the classic stick-shaped antenna, this network card incorporates a rectangular antenna that is actually two high-gain 2×2 MU-MIMO antennas. For the rest, its base is magnetic to adjust it and place it standing up or attached to the computer on one side. And with its 1.2 meter cable you can find the best possible coverage.
Ziyituod AX210 PCIe WiFi 6E
Despite its unpronounceable name, Ziyituod AX210 is a PCIe-style gaming PC network card that offers the latest version of standard wireless connections. On the one hand, WiFi 6 and on the other, Bluetooth 5.2. All thanks to the help of the Intel AX210 chip. If we have a WiFi 6 router or amplifier, we will obtain transfer speeds of 574 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz WiFi band and up to 2,400 Mbps in the 5 GHz band.
Its appearance is similar to other gaming network cards. On the outside, two removable antennas that we can tilt towards where we find better coverage. And inside, a heat sink reminiscent of the ASUS card and that helps prevent unnecessary overheating.
Easy to install and compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11, the Ziyituod AX210 network card offers a lot for little. A state-of-the-art network card with the best connectivity and that you can install in any PCie slot. In exchange, you will get all the available bandwidth of your Internet connection.
