New Dell Desktop but Frustrating Internet Connection

Lsim777 on 12/12/2017 - 23:00
Last edited 12/12/2017 - 23:14 by 1 other user

Good afternoon Ozbargainers,

I recently bought the Dell Ryzen 5 desktop deal advertised on Ozbargain.

Everything with the computer has been running smoothly however I seem to be having issues with it connecting to my home wifi internet. The desktop computer is placed under my desk and almost always only gets 1 bar of wi-fi signal whereas my previous laptop gets full bars consistently (in the same location). Even when on some occasions the desktop gets 2 bars of wi-fi the internet is very slow and web pages frequently stop loading ( although the little icon says 'internet connectivity').

Is my new desktop having issues due to interference from surrounding wi-fi signals? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Computing

Comments

  • dheywood on 12/12/2017 - 23:25
    +4

    You use your laptop under your desk?

    Also, it is prob a cheap crappy wifi card, so I'm not surprised it is getting crappy signal.
    If you haven't already, try downloading updated drivers for wifi NIC and chipset.

    • sim777 on 12/12/2017 - 23:28
      +1

      No ofcourse I use my laptop ontop of my desk but I wanted to double check that I was getting the same strong signal on my laptop underneath the desk. I read that it was supposed to be a decent card.. thanks for your recommendation I will try look for some updates.

      • Richardc on 13/12/2017 - 01:54

        try put the tower on the table as this should get u a better signal, also easier access to rear port, if still not solve the problem, contact DELL.

      • Presence on 13/12/2017 - 07:38

        Move the desktop to next to your router. If you don't get a perfect signal then you know something is wrong.

  • Diji1 on 12/12/2017 - 23:50
    +1

    If possible connect your computer and router/modem with ethernet cable.

    • sim777 on 12/12/2017 - 23:55

      I'm in the process of installing the latest driver for the wireless card. If this still doesnt work then I will connect using an ethernet cable..(but since the internet works so well on my old laptop I would have to assume its a hardware/software issue on my new dekstop??)

  • airal3rt on 13/12/2017 - 00:05
    +1

    The desktop computer is placed under my desk and almost always only gets 1 bar of wi-fi signal whereas my previous laptop gets full bars consistently (in the same location).

    OP crawling under their desk where they use their laptop

  • Adster01 on 13/12/2017 - 06:48
    +4

    Did you attach the external antenna to the wireless card?

    • sim777 on 13/12/2017 - 08:55

      Do I need to purchase this separately? Are the antenna wireless card-specific or just any from MSY (for example) should suffice? (Don't think an external antenna was supplied with the desktop

      • ESEMCE on 13/12/2017 - 09:00
        +2

        If there's no external antenna then I think we've solved your problem.
        Have a scrounge through the box and if there's nothing there, contact Dell for a replacement.
        If you have an old wireless card or even an old unused Modem/router, try unscrewing the antenna and attaching it to the WiFi card of the desktop. Most are interchangeable.

        • sim777 on 13/12/2017 - 09:09

          Wow thank you so much, Will have a look inside the box for one and if not will have a look around the house for an older router! Its been such a headache for me and hopefully this solves the issue!

        • ESEMCE on 13/12/2017 - 09:10

          @sim777:
          Some modem/routers do not have removeable antennas, but many do.

  • Sage on 13/12/2017 - 07:53

    There's the option of upgrading the network card, they're fairly inexpensive too.
    Above comment is good too, make sure the antenna is set up.

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