Wireless Card Choice: Killer or Intel

Hey guys,

I am likely to change my current order (P150EM) from XoticPC to a Special Edition due to a shortage of the 7970M GPUs. Its a better deal to get the Special Edition if I am to switch to the 680M.

My question is with the Special Edition, I get any choice of wireless card free of charge. I can choose between any of the following:

Sager - Bigfoot Networks Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 (3x3) (SKU - S8S056)
Sager - Intel® Ultimate-N 6300 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module (SKU - S8S112) ( + 0 )
Sager - Intel® Advanced-N 6235 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module + Bluetooth™ 4.0 (SKU - S8S111) ( + 0 )
Sager - Bigfoot Networks Killer™ Wireless-N 1202 + Bluetooth™ 4.0 (Dual Band) (SKU – S8S008) ( + 0 )

From my understanding, the Killer cards do better at close proximity to the router, while the Intel ones do better at range. Also, I have heard that the Killer cards have various driver issues.

Here is how I use my wireless. If I am in the same room as the router, I will most likely run a LAN cable. Thus, the only reason I would use the WIFI is if the router is a few walls and possibly a floor away. I would also use the WIFI if I am on a university/work network.

What would you guys recommend?

 

i'd say always go for intel wireless modules since they are widi capable but it's just me. It's a fun tech to try even if u don't need it right now.

 

I heard that the Killer modules got a new driver which resolves the problem. I'd go for them. I'm playing with an Intel Advanced-N6235 and the Ping increases extremely for some seconds again and again.

 

The Killer card has definitely better ping but the other tangible quality is that it also sustains a more consistent ping with less latency spikes. However, I don't think it can quite match the obstructed efficiency of the Intel 6000 series. It entirely depends on your usage, I virtually never game over wifi so ranged performance (and cost effectiveness) was more important so I went with the intel 6300.

 

Also it depends at what bandwidth you will be connecting to. 5Ghz is better served by the Atheros chipset ("bigfoot").

 

I have the Intel 6300 WLAN in my notebook; it has been problem free since I purchased the notebook in 2010. The signal strength is excellent in no small part due to the 6300's three antennas. Windows 7 says 4/5 bars connectivity for me through one floor and two walls.

The potential issue is that the 6300 does NOT have Bluetooth built-in; check if the notebook offers other Bluetooth options if you need it. Otherwise you can't go wrong with the 6300.

 

Intel for reliability and stability.

Bigfoot for performance.

The Bigfoot cards have firmware optimized for gaming, and have really good range. Despite some of the driver hiccups, they're good cards. We get far fewer cases for Intel cards to be fair, so there's a small trade off. If you get a Bigfoot card and load Windows 7 on your prospect laptop, I think you'll be happy, so long as it isn't a lemon. Windows 8 driver for it seems to be the problem child more than the Win 7 drivers.

Feel free to check out a review and benchmark scores here.