How Do I Install a Wireless Adapter inside a Small Form Factor PC?

cannedhams on 20/06/2020 - 19:03

Hey all,

I bought a HP Prodesk 600 G2 recently, one of those slimline, ex-government PCs. I thought it would be a simple matter of installing a PCI-E wireless adapter but apparently not. The slot on the motherboard is a regular PCIE slot but the bay on the back of the case for it to fit into is obviously too small for a regular sized card.

I googled around a bit but couldnt find a card (apart from the official HP oem part) which was a guaranteed fit.

Not sure how others have tackled this. I suppose I could just buy a regular card and cut the metal strip down with a hacksaw until it fits?

Computing

Comments

  • p1 ama on 20/06/2020 - 19:19
    +4

    You can get a low-profile card or use a USB one.

  • Heaps for Cheaps on 20/06/2020 - 19:22
    +1

    Take 2:
    https://www.tp-link.com/au/home-networking/adapter/archer-t2…

    How about a USB-based solution like the TP Link Archer T2U Nano

    I have one and it works great

  • Boioioioi on 20/06/2020 - 19:36
    +1

    Probably a low profile one required. Just go USB for surety

  • dcep on 20/06/2020 - 20:04
    +1

    some pcie wifi card came with half height low profile bracket

    • cannedhams on 20/06/2020 - 23:05

      Thanks! Ended up going with this option.

  • dscott85 on 20/06/2020 - 21:01
    +1

    I’ve been pretty happy with my Netgear nighthawk USB adapter, which I purchased when my new TP-Link network card couldn’t even find the signal. So yeah I’d say try a USB adapter, you don’t want to end up with a hp branded card which fits, but can’t reach your signal from another room.

    • cannedhams on 20/06/2020 - 23:05

      Yes, that is probably the safe bet, but this is a kids machine, and I guess it feels a bit naff having pcie slots but not being able to use them.

  • FW190 on 20/06/2020 - 21:11
    +2

    according to this link:

    https://support.hp.com/au-en/document/c04819833

    your PC should supports a M.2 wifi card, so that might be another option.

    otherwise, the quick and easy and no messing around option would be USB like others have suggested.

    • cannedhams on 20/06/2020 - 23:06

      Thanks for the info! Yes, never installed one of those before, looks promising but unfamiliar territory to me.

      • FW190 on 21/06/2020 - 15:24

        I never done it before either, but seems to be simple enough, slot it in, and screw on.

        probably best to open up your case to confirm 1) it does indeed have that slot 2) it is easily accessible

  • KSMLJ on 20/06/2020 - 22:41
    +1

    Some cards come with both brackets.

    Or just go USB for less fuss.

  • cannedhams on 20/06/2020 - 23:06

    Thanks to all, always amazes me just how much info you can get from people here and how promptly.

  • bazingaa on 21/06/2020 - 00:14

    You need a half height (low profile) bracket with a suitable card.
    Easiest way is to use a USB dongle like this https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07X847FW2/

  • loropy9 on 21/06/2020 - 00:41

    Get tplink with low profile bracket. I have put them in ex gov HP desktops no issues

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