PC Parts to Add Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to a Custom-Built PC

There are four main ways to add Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to a custom-built PC. This article will explain the features of each method so that it is easy to choose the one that suits individual needs.

For those who are still undecided about adding Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the advantages and disadvantages of adding wireless communication to a custom PC or desktop computer will also be introduced.

Depending on how the PC is used, wired connections for both networks and peripherals may be better, so consider this as well.

Basic knowledge, roles, performance, and compatibility of other PC parts are also explained, so please use them as a reference.

≫ Related Article: PC Parts List and Explanation of Each PC Part [A Must-Read for Custom PC Beginners]

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PC Parts to Add Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to a Custom PC

There are four main ways to add Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to a custom-built PC.

With these methods, even a desktop PC can connect to a Wi-Fi network or pair with Bluetooth devices like a laptop.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Compatible Motherboard

Some motherboards come with Motherboard with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality , so simply choosing one of these makes it easy to add wireless communication features.

If supported, most motherboards come with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, so it is rare to find one with only one of them.

Especially, many of the latest motherboards support high-speed Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, providing a stable communication environment.

Other methods require additional parts, which increases the number of components and can make the inside of the PC look cluttered. For those who want a clean setup, a motherboard is recommended.

There is a connector for attaching an antenna on the motherboard interface, so just attach the included antenna.

A tool has been developed for custom PC estimates, compatibility checks, and power calculations, and it can also be used to search for motherboards with Wi-Fi. Please try it out.

≫ Tool: Custom PC Parts Estimate and Compatibility Check Tool

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Expansion Card

This method adds WI-FI Bluetooth PCI Card by connecting it to a PCI Express slot.

Most of these support both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Expansion cards are easy to install by simply inserting them into a PCI Express slot, and drivers are often installed automatically.

There are four types of slot shapes, but Wi-Fi and Bluetooth expansion cards usually use PCI Express x1 slots.

It does not have to be the same as the motherboard slot; it can be inserted into a larger PCI Express slot, so as long as there is an available slot, it can be installed.

There are also models that support the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, allowing for fast and stable communication.

TP-Link Archer TX20E (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2)

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Some may not be familiar with TP-Link, but TP-Link is the world’s No.1 Wi-Fi equipment manufacturer and is very well-known in the communications equipment industry.

I have about five expansion cards and USB adapters for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the quality is good, so there is no need to worry.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth M.2 Card

M.2 cards are designed to save space, so they rarely interfere with other PC parts and do not obstruct internal airflow.

Installing an M.2 card is relatively easy; just insert it into the compatible M.2 slot and attach the antenna to the back of the custom PC.

In addition, M.2 cards are commonly supported by many motherboards, and driver installation is simple.

However, when choosing a motherboard and M.2 card, pay attention to the following points:

• The motherboard must have a Key-A or Key-E type M.2 slot
• Cables and antennas are required separately from the M.2 card

There are mainly Key-A, Key-E, and Key-M types of M.2 slots, with different notch positions.

Among these, a Key-A or Key-E M.2 slot is required. Note that NVMe SSD slots for storage are Key-M, so M.2 cards for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth will not fit.

Also, cables and antennas to connect to this card are required in addition to the expansion card itself.

Some products sell these separately, while others sell them as a set, so choose according to your situation.

The antenna is installed so that it comes out from the back expansion slot of the case.

AX210NGW (Wi-Fi6, Bluetooth5.3)

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Wi-Fi and Bluetooth USB Adapter

A Wi-Fi or Bluetooth USB adapter is a peripheral device that allows Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to be used simply by plugging it into a USB port.

For USB adapters, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are not combined into one device; Wi-Fi USB Adapter and Bluetooth USB Adapter are separate.

Compared to other methods, the big advantage is that it is easy to use by simply plugging it into a USB port without having to open the PC.

However, for custom PC users who have already assembled a PC, the technical skill and familiarity to handle internal parts is already there, so this may not be a significant advantage.

Depending on how it is used, USB adapters are easy to carry and can be easily moved and used with other PCs, making them very flexible.

On the other hand, Wi-Fi USB adapters are often slower than other methods.

Therefore, be sure to compare the speeds before making a decision.

TP-Link Archer T3U Nano/A (867Mbps (5GHz) + 400Mbps (2.4GHz) )

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TP-Link UB500 (Bluetooth 5.3)

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Adding Wi-Fi to a Custom PC

First, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of using Wi-Fi on a custom PC.

Advantage: No Need for Complicated Initial LAN Cable Setup

With a wired LAN, a LAN cable must be set up from the router to the custom PC, which can be a troublesome and tedious task.

However, with Wi-Fi, this work is unnecessary, making the initial setup much easier.

This is the biggest advantage of using Wi-Fi.

If the router is nearby, the distance is short and not too difficult, but it is especially hard when building a network across rooms or floors.

I once set up a LAN cable from the second floor, where the router was, to my room on the third floor, and I never want to do it again (laughs).

If the cable is simply laid out, it is not a big deal, but it is very difficult if you want to make it look good by running the cable along the wall or hiding it so that it does not get in the way.

Also, if the Wi-Fi environment is set up, moving the custom PC for a room makeover is easy because there is no need to adjust the position or length of the LAN cable.

Advantage: Simplified Wiring

By adding Wi-Fi to a custom PC, physical wiring is reduced, making the desk area tidier.

With a wired connection, a LAN cable from the router to the custom PC was necessary, but with Wi-Fi, this cable is not needed.

Fewer cables also make cleaning the room easier.

Disadvantage: Connection Stability

Compared to wired connections, Wi-Fi is more susceptible to radio interference and can become unstable.

Especially in environments with many obstacles such as walls or furniture, radio waves can be blocked, resulting in slower communication speeds or disconnections.

Interference from other Wi-Fi devices or electronic devices nearby is also a problem.

For example, if there are other Wi-Fi routers or microwave ovens nearby, their signals can interfere and make the connection unstable.

Therefore, for uses that require a stable connection, such as online games or video conferences, Wi-Fi may cause stress.

Also, Wi-Fi signals weaken with distance, so placing the custom PC far from the router increases the risk of unstable connections.

Disadvantage: Lower Internet Speed

Wi-Fi connections are generally slower than wired connections.

This does not mean that Wi-Fi is unusable, but it is slower compared to wired connections.

However, if large amounts of data need to be transferred quickly, wireless may not be satisfactory.

Also, for uses that require fast and stable internet connections, such as online games, video conferences, or high-quality video streaming, a wired connection may be better than Wi-Fi.

For now, try Wi-Fi, and if it doesn’t work, switch to wired LAN.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Adding Bluetooth to a Custom PC

Next, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of using Bluetooth on a custom PC.

Advantage: Simplified Wiring, Tidy Desk Area

Adding Bluetooth to a custom PC reduces the number of cables.

By using Bluetooth-compatible mouse and keyboard, which are almost always used, two cables can be eliminated.

Furthermore, when using Bluetooth headsets or speakers, audio cables are also unnecessary.

If the monitor’s speakers are sufficient, no cable is needed, but if higher quality sound is desired, speakers will be used.

In that case, Bluetooth speakers can reduce cables as well.

This makes the desk area tidier and increases workspace.

In other words, there is no need to move cables out of the way when working.

Also, there is no worry about tangled cables, and cables between the custom PC interface and the desk are eliminated, making it look cleaner.

Advantage: Easier to Listen to Music with Bluetooth Earphones

With Bluetooth earphones, music and video audio can be enjoyed without being annoyed by cables.

With wired earphones, they are usually plugged into the monitor’s headphone jack or the front headphone jack of the custom PC.

However, if plugged into the monitor, the cable crosses over the keyboard, making it very inconvenient when typing.

Also, if plugged into the PC, the distance may be just barely enough.

It is still usable, but moving the head a little can make the cable taut or pull the earphones out, causing discomfort.

Both are based on my experience, but after switching to Bluetooth earphones, it became much more comfortable, so it is recommended for those who want to use earphones with their PC.

Advantage: Mouse Is Not Pulled by Cable

With a wired mouse, the cable can pull the mouse, causing it to move unintentionally or feel resistance, making it difficult to use.

This is especially common when using a light mouse or holding the mouse with fingertips.

With a Bluetooth mouse, there is no cable, so it is easier to use.

With Mouse bungee , fixing the cable can reduce resistance and pulling, but in that case, a Bluetooth mouse is more convenient.

However, for uses such as shooting games where even the risk of mouse delay or unstable connection is unacceptable, a wired mouse is better.

For everyday use, business, most games, and creative work, mouse delay is not a concern.

Disadvantage: Effects of Radio Interference

Like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth is more susceptible to radio interference than wired connections, which can make the connection unstable.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth both use the 2.4GHz frequency band, so they can interfere with each other.

Also, using other wireless devices or home appliances that use the 2.4GHz band (such as microwave ovens) can cause more interference.

When these devices are operating, Bluetooth connections may be interrupted or audio quality may deteriorate.

In my experience, in places like apartment buildings where many people gather and there are inevitably many Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals, interference can occur occasionally.

There were times when mouse or keyboard input was delayed by about 0.5 to 1 second.

Summary: Recommended for Those Who Find Wired LAN Setup Troublesome or Want to Reduce Cables!

This article explained four ways to add Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to a custom PC, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of adding these features.

The methods include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatible motherboards, expansion cards, USB adapters, and M.2 cards, so choose the one that suits individual needs.

Here is a summary of the key points.

By adding Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, the number of cables around the desk and custom PC interface is reduced, making the area tidier and increasing workspace.

Also, there is no need to set up the troublesome LAN cable for wired LAN, making things much easier.

I have added both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and it is very convenient, so I recommend it.

Basic knowledge, roles, performance, and compatibility of other PC parts are also explained, so please use them as a reference.

≫ Related Article: PC Parts List and Explanation of Each PC Part [A Must-Read for Custom PC Beginners]

あわせて読みたい

PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool

Automatically checks each component you need when selecting parts for a custom-built PC—perfect for beginners.