Probably the most annoying thing for any computer geek is the lack of proper Wi-Fi connection. Whether we are gamers or casual computer users, having seamless Internet is always a priority. However, we may not be blessed with this all the time, and that’s when we’ll need a M.2 WiFi card to help us out.
The Lenovo Y700 comes with a new wireless card inside, which is the Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260. This upgraded adapter utilizes the M.2 form factor and is the latest iteration of Intel’s lineup of wireless adapters. Intel cards have tended to be reliable, but not the fastest card out there, at least on the models that we’ve tested. Downloads for Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260. Operating system. Any Operating System; Windows 10, 64-bit. Windows 8.1, 64-bit. Windows 7, 32-bit. Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 not working on two OSes Hello, in October I bought a new laptop that came with Windows 10. The Wi-Fi cut out very frequently and wouldn't come back on for minutes at a time, forcing me to stop what I was doing every instant it turned off and manually turn it back on.
To make the purchase process easier, we have compiled a list of the best M.2 WiFi cards that are available today. Let’s take a look:
Best M.2 WiFi Card
1. Intel 7260NGW Dual Band Wireless
One of the most popular M.2 wireless cards on Amazon, this one is known for being in the affordable range and providing the best experience. It supports Windows 7, Windows 8, and Linux.
Its features are as follows:
- It is fast and provides more coverage than average competitors
- Its capacity is more as well at 802.11ac
- It is Bluetooth 4.0 smart ready
- It has an optimized power saving mode, which helps save battery life when the card is inactive
- It allows roaming among access points
Be sure to check compatibility of your laptop before making a purchase. Also, one thing you should remember is that even though it is compatible with Linux, you may not be able to enjoy all the features.
2. Intel 8265 Generic, 2230, 2×2 AC+BT (8265NGWMG)
This one seems to be fairly popular among users as well as it brings with it 3x faster WiFi speed in comparison to 802.11n and is comfortably in the affordable range.
A few of its best features are as follows:
- You can enjoy up to 3x bandwidth per stream
- It has no antennas
- Users have repeatedly said that this is a much better replacement for Killer adapters that Dell devices usually come with
- It is easy to install and comes with a pictorial instruction guide to help you through the process With this M.2 WiFi card, all your disconnection and slow connection problems are bound to be solved.
3. Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 802.11ac
This WiFi card is known for its 3x faster speed when compared to 802.11n, 433 Mbps bandwidth (Which is also higher in comparison) and more capacity.
Let’s take a look at a few more features:
- It offers broader coverage
- The battery life is also better because of data transmit efficiencies, which ensure that power consumption is minimal
- Network connectivity remains intact even with low power consumption. Thus, updates to social networks, emails, et cetera continue even when the device is in stand-by mode.
- The card is optimized for devices with thin and light design
- It works well on multiple platforms thanks to its multiple form factors
- It connects easily through Bluetooth 4.0 not just with other Bluetooth products but also with keyboards, mice, headsets, et cetera.
4. M.2 (NGFF) Wireless Card, Wireless Card M.2 (NGFF)
Fairly popular among users, this M.2 WiFi card is slightly more expensive than its aforementioned counterparts. It is a passive adapter that works on PCs that convert NGFF( Half-size mini-card) to the standard PCI-Express 1X slot or USB 9-pin header.
Below are some of its main features:
- It easily works with USB interfaces such as Bluetooth Mini Card, WiMAX, GPS, HSPA, WWAN, CDMA, and 3G
- It is a PCI Express mini card to PCI Express adapter
- It can be used without any software drivers
- It comes with two 6DB antennas
5. Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 NGFF Wi-Fi Card
This Wi-Fi card is 3rd generation 802.11ac, dual band. It allows a speed of up to 867 Mbps and comes with higher capacity than usual.
Let’s take a look at some of its features:
- It promises much better speed than 2×2 802.11 n
- It has 3x more data capacity
- It comes with WiDi support so that you experience seamless connection even on the big screen
- This Wi-Fi card has a Bluetooth 4.2 Smart Ready through which connecting to Bluetooth, and similar devices is a breeze.
- You must remember to check compatibility before you purchase this Wi-Fi card. It works only on Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. Also, it only works with certain devices. For example, you can’t use it with Thinkpad, IBM, or Lenovo.
6. Intel 7265 IEEE Bluetooth 4.0 – Wi-Fi Combo Adapter M.2 2230, 1216
Affordable and easy to use, the Intel 7265 IEEE Wi-Fi and Bluetooth card come with M.2 2230 and M.2 1216 form factors. It also has Microsoft InstantGo Support, which means that connectivity is untouched even with low power consumption.
Here are some of its features:
- When compared to 802.11n, the connectivity and Wi-Fi speed is much higher
- The bandwidth is also higher in comparison
- It works with a white list very well
- Even with distance, the connectivity and performance are noticeably good
- Dropped connections are fewer than before, as the user’s state
- It consumes less power and offers a long battery life.
You may need to find the right antennas for this M.2 WiFi card because many users have reported that the antennas that are suggested don’t really work with the device.
7. Intel 7260.HMWG.R Dual Band Wireless Network Adapter
Many users have sworn that this is the best M.2 WiFi card they have come across because it promises better Internet speed and great connectivity. The connection is stable, and the product truly lives up to the name of Intel.
Its features are below:
- It is Bluetooth 4.0 smart ready
- It comes with Intel Smart Connect technology
- It has WiFi hotspot assistant
- It has the larger capacity than the rest of its kind
- Offers Intel wireless display
- You may need to spend some time figuring out the setup and installation, but once that is done, it is a great find.
What is the M2 Expansion Slot? Definition and Benefits
For the replacement of the mSATA specification standard for the mounted internal expansion boards in the computing machines, in 2013, the M.2 came into the market. It was previously known as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF).
The Mini PCIe also a good standard to improve the usage of the internal expansion in computer boards. But, to create a better environment regarding performance and space, a standard like M.2 was needed.
It has a different physical structure than the Mini PCIe which means that you cannot install the mSATA drives or other bigger wireless network cards in the M.2 slot. You cannot attach the incompatible device to it thanks to its different key structure.
M.2 has various versions which allow it to take advantage of USB, Audio, PCIe, Display, SATA and I2C buses. The specifications on the M.2 slot defines which kind of card (single or multiple keyed) can be used with it.
After getting a brief knowledge about M.2 and its working, let’s have a look at the advantages of it.
Benefits of using M.2 WiFi card expansion slot
- The M.2 slot allows having more flexible and faster storage and expansion. For example, by using the M.2 SSD, the data transfer speed can be increased up to 30 GB/S which is almost 5 times higher than the traditional SSD.
- It comes in different sizes like smaller or larger and thinner or thicker, so depending on the space that is available in your system, you can pick up the right length of the slot.
- It helps to take advantages of both the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) and NVME (Non-Volatile Memory Express) command modes to make an easier interface structure.
- The M.2 expansion slot allows using the feature called as ‘DevSleep.’ This feature reduces the power consumption that the M.2 SSD uses to keep some background service on for quick recovery when the system goes into the sleep mode.
Requirements for using an M.2 WiFi card
Two main conditions need to be fulfilled to use the M.2 WiFi card in your system; space and key. The system should have a separate space for the M.2 slot in which the M.2 networking card will be inserted. The connector you are using also needs to be having the same type of key types as on the M.2 expansion slot.
Who can use this M.2 expansion slot?
Intel Dual Band Ac 8260 Driver
If you have a modern computer system, then most probably it should have the M.2 expansion slot. It’s not possible for the advanced laptop users as such machines nowadays come with compact designs that are not suitable for the haphazard expansions. For the desktop PC users, it will be easier to have such expansion slot on your compatible motherboard. Check your motherboard manufacturer site for checking the compatibility.
Intel Dual Band Wireless Ac 8260 Drivers
There you go! We hope this list really helped you pick the right WiFi card for your device. If we missed anything here or if you have any cards that you think can make a list, please let us know!