How to connect dell optiplex 9020 to wifi

It has an open PCIe x16 slot so I could add an internal WiFi adapter card if you think that’s the best way to go, but I’d rather use a USB WiFi adapter if that’ll work just as good.

What’s your opinion about that? (Which one would you use if this was your computer?)

And can you give me a recommendation for the best device to buy? I’m really more interested in reliability than speed since my DLS connection is capped at 20Mbps.

Rick’s answer: Taylor, if you had asked me this question just a few years ago I would have recommended that you go with an internal WiFi adapter card because the USB WiFi adapters of the day were a notoriously unreliable.

However, that has now changed. Most of the USB WiFi adapters being sold today are just as reliable as their internal counterparts, and they are much easier to install and replace if a replacement ever becomes necessary.

Literally all you have to do is plug it in to an empty USB port!

One thing I would caution you about is selecting the right USB port to plug the device into.

Your OptiPlex 9020-SFF has both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports on it. Make sure you plug the WiFi adapter into an open USB 3.0 port (preferably on the rear of the machine instead of the front).

Note: The USB 3.0 ports are the ones with the blue connectors.

Now that we have the first question out of the way, you also asked me to recommend a specific device for you to buy.

Well, I really like this one. I’ve been recommending this adapter for a couple of years now and I’ve always received nothing but positive feedback about it.

It’s truly an outstanding device, and as you can see it’s quite inexpensive. I believe it’ll do a great job for you.

I hope this helps, Taylor. Good luck!

Bonus tip: This post offers 9 practical tips for extending the range, speed and security of your wireless WiFi network.

nobody on earth (yet) tests all 10,000 3rd party PCI-express cards in every PC made not even this PC.

frankly any card will work, get the AC card, with BT.

any, for express slot. make sure it actual fits in the silly tiny SFF, painful box. (USE A RULER)

The case is 79mm low profile and only those fit, so in Newegg, on the left side click, low profile, and win.

here are the cards, no USB needed, period. the slot does it all, external antenna RULE.

the cards best come with 2 brackets sold as short card with  79mm and 129mm J-brackets.

buy with due, care that and it will fit and work if your SFF , can do this at all (fit wise)

the  SFF has only 2 slots, one is x16 blue for GPU and one is x1/X4 slot. 

your dell data sheet states and I quote.

1 half height    PCIe x161   half height PCIe x16 (wired x 4)

note that Newegg has a filter for USA< ship,  left side bottom,.  A BIG WIN THERE< no? no 2 month ship delays.

onch some card only fit (USB custom port) there makers mobo,  now that is painful for Bluetooth

ouch #2 some cards are missing the wifi mini card sold for $10 cheap, and  arrives dead, lacking that.

this seems a BINGO

fenvi FV-AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Dual Band AX3000 PCI Express Wireless Adapter, Up to 2400Mbps(5Ghz) + 574Mbps(2.4Ghz), Bluetooth 5.0, IEEE 802.11ax/ac, Intel AX200 Card, MU-MIMO, Windows 10*64bit, MU-MIMO

I know it seems odd but yes, I'm positive there is no wifi card! I agree a USB wifi dongle would be easier but in my application, I'm afraid it would be more of a problem. 

I found an Intel 7260 PCI Express combo card for a decent price. The only thing missing is part of the mount. The two nut plates on the motherboard are farther away from the card and so it looks like Dell used a metal plate to bridge the gap. I have a creative solution in mind for that. :)

Also, according to research, the 7260 driver is cooked into the Win 7 install.

Thanks for the input RoHe, it confirmed that I'm on the right track here. I'll update the forum once I get the card and try it.

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