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Abit AirPace 54Mbps Wi-Fi PCI-E Card |
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Written by Mikhail Ivanenkov
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Monday, 06 August 2007 |
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Page 3 of 3
The final tab is disabled unless you click on the top icon on the left side, switching the adapter from client mode to AP (Access Point) mode. The first tab then changes to a configuration panel, allowing you to set your own network ID and security settings so other computers can connect to the network.
The fourth tab under AP mode displays a couple more configurable options.
Finally, the last tab will show you which computers are connected to the access point. You can always switch back to client mode by clicking the top left icon again. As far as testing goes, it's a bit subjective when seeing how well a wireless adapter performs. Since Wi-Fi connections are generally established for using the internet (rather than intranet usage between home networked computers), a typical high speed connection will be the limiting factor as far as data transfer is concerned. Furthermore, variables like the time of day, network provider traffic, and destination inbound/outgoing traffic all influence transfer rates. So how do you test it? By using it for every day tasks and seeing if it has any problems.
I've had this adapter installed for about a week now as a replacement for my Buffalo Wireless-G USB adapter. Pages load just as fast, the average ping in CS:S on my preferred server remains at the same 35ms, not once has it randomly disconnected, and overall it's been a fast, worry free experience. Not to mention that it frees up a USB port and costs half as much. The only instance where a PCI card might be better would be if you had two extremely hot cards in SLI (or Crossfire) and your only available PCI-E x1 slot was directly under the last x16 slot, but even then it shouldn't pose much of a problem due to the adapter being so small.
Pros
- Complete kit
- Easy installation
- Intuitive utility software
- Solid performance
- Cheap! ($20)
- Frees up USB port
- Optional AP mode
Cons
Abit's AirPace Wi-Fi PCI-E adapter is a great solution for anyone looking to add wireless capabilities to their desktop system without sacrificing a USB port. It's small, installs easily, uses a PCI-E x1 slot that's most likely free anyway (thereby freeing up a USB port), and it works great. The optional AP mode is just icing on the cake. All for $20 - much less than what a typical USB wireless adapter would run. There's really nothing wrong with it. For these reasons it receives our Editor's Choice Award. If interested, you can get yours here. Feel free to comment on this review here. Thanks for reading and enjoy the site!
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Last Updated ( Monday, 06 August 2007 )
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