Understanding M.2 PCIe WiFi Adapter in ASUS Prime H770-PLUS D4 Mobo


  1. Posts : 108
    Windows 7 and 10
       #1

    Understanding M.2 PCIe WiFi Adapter in ASUS Prime H770-PLUS D4 Mobo


    I am working with an ASUS Prime H770-PLUS D4 motherboard, on a system running a recent version of Windows 10. That installation is presently upgradeable to Windows 11, and I would like to retain that option.

    This motherboard offers something like a PCIe slot for addition of a Wi-Fi card and its external antennas. I am not sure I understand what sort of card I need for that slot.

    This photo shows the slot in question - really, just a little socket - at upper right:

    Understanding M.2 PCIe WiFi Adapter in ASUS Prime H770-PLUS D4 Mobo-m.2-slot.png

    The print on the motherboard, adjacent to that slot, says "M.2 (WIFI)." That wording appears consistent with the motherboard's manual, which says, "The vertical M.2 slot (Key E) allows you to install an M.2 Wi-Fi module."

    That wording seems to imply that an M.2 Key E module, such as the Ubit AX3000E, should be right for this slot. But answers to my question, on that Amazon webpage, seem to indicate that M.2 Key E is not the same as PCIe, and that the Ubit device is PCIe, not M.2.

    I have written up a blog post detailing the process and purpose of this inquiry. My conclusion there was that I would probably go ahead with a Bluetooth dongle instead, primarily because I could use that on other computers that might lack this M.2 slot. But I may still decide to use the M.2 slot after all, and thus would like to clarify whether the Amazon answers that I've received so far are mistaken.
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  2. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #2

    Understanding M.2 PCIe WiFi Adapter in ASUS Prime H770-PLUS D4 Mobo-capture4b.jpg

    What goes in that small slot is a mini-pcie WiFi card. You will still need to figure out how to connect antennas to it.

    Personally, I would just use one of the full size PCIE expansion slots with the type of WiFi card that you had the link too. Probably a lot easier to connect antennas that way.
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  3. Posts : 108
    Windows 7 and 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    So you're saying PCIe is the same as M.2 Key E?
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  4. Posts : 1,191
    Windows 10
       #4

    no they are not saying that as long as what ever you buy says mini PCI-E or just PCI-E then its the right connector type.

    You should be able to find one that slots onto mini PCI-E that is full din that way it plugs like a full size card and the antenna would come out the back plate like normal as the other person is saying that it could be less desirable with just a mini card like in the pictures.

    - - - Updated - - -

    like this
    https://www.ebay.com.au/p/27043928639?iid=255409655994
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  5. Posts : 2,730
    Windows 10
       #5

    If you wanted to use that M.2 Wireless Card slot you would have to locate the ASUS module which would be in a shielded box with 2/3 coax aerial connection sockets on the back which poke out of the usual I/O panel. You would also need the aerials to connect.

    On the MOBO models with WiFi these are of course supplied. Bluetooth usually included.

    As alternatives.

    1) You can use a standard PCI-E Wireless Card, Bluetooth usually included. Your Amazon reference is one of these.
    2) USB wireless dongle, again Bluetooth usually included.

    Your blog has complicated things to the Nth degree.

    The Mini PCI-E cards are of no use at all, they are typically used in older Laptops, newer Laptops use M.2 wireless cards with coax connections for internal aerials.
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  6. Posts : 64
    win 11 Home
       #6

    Wireless


    If you have enough usb ports do the easy thing and buy a usb wireless with both wireless and Bluetooth.
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  7. Posts : 6,378
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP - Lubuntu
       #7

    raywood said:
    So you're saying PCIe is the same as M.2 Key E?
    PCIe is a data bus. All PCIe slots (16, 8, 4 or 1) are connected to the PCIe data bus.
    The M.2 slot is also connected to the PCIe data bus.
    My suggestion is that you use a PCIe card connected to a PCIe 1x slot
    https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?d=wireless+wifi+pcie+card
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  8. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #8

    Posts #2, 4 and 7 suggested going with the standard full size PCIe network adapter card. Just saying it might be something to consider.

    Understanding M.2 PCIe WiFi Adapter in ASUS Prime H770-PLUS D4 Mobo-capture4b.jpg
    Last edited by NavyLCDR; 27 Apr 2023 at 11:41.
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