Question 1

What exactly does the usb(to motherboard) connection do? It is not explained in the directions/instructions

Accepted Answer

As a mini PCIe card, the slot it uses can only support one device.  Since this card has two - a Wifi and a Bluetooth - it needs the USB to support one of them.  Since the lower end model with only the wifi uses only the PCIe, I expect the USB to be for the Bluetooth.

Question 2

Does this require an external power source other than the PCI-E port?

Accepted Answer

No, that other port is a connector for the internal USB header

Question 3

does this come with a small form figure case bracket?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  The card does come with a small case bracket.

Question 4

How long is the cable that connects the PCIe to the antenna?

Accepted Answer

Antenna cable is 30 inches.  We have it sitting on top of the desk and it gets a strong signal from our D-Link DIR-880L Router which is 60ft distant from the computer which is around the corner in a bedroom. (No line of sight, has to go through 2 walls)

Question 5

Does anyone use this with Linux?

Accepted Answer

I am using this with Linux Mint 18.3 with no problems. The OS picked it up and installed the drivers automatically.

Question 6

Can I use this to connect my blue-tooth devices (wireless headphones, wireless keyboards, etc) ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this compact PCIe board uses the same Intel WiFi chip and design found in many laptops.  It incorporates a dual band Intel AC 8260 802.11 abgn(AC) transceiver plus a Bluetooth transceiver (BT 4.2 compliant).  Both are recognized and have HAL drivers available for Windows 7, 8 and up from MS update and HAL repository.

Installation is easy for just WiFi. Works when plugged into a PCIe slot, recognized and drivers load.  You will need a network connection or use the default driver on the CD.  Once connected a newer driver will download.  I suggest you explicitly ask to do the driver update after installation.

Bluetooth is a separate function with more complex negotiation and is controlled via a USB connection.  A 14" cable with USB header connectors comes in the box.  One header attaches to the polarized plug on the WiFi board.  The other is routed to a free USB header on the motherboard.  The Bluetooth drivers then control the transceiver and hook it into the BT software "stack".

Devices used require the standard Bluetooth pairing operation, searching for and accepting handshakes with all the devices you want to use, mouse, keyboard, speakers and phones etc.  If you pair a phone with it, you can do BT file sharing, printing and use the phone as an authentication device to unlock the computer when nearby.

Works fine for me under Win 7 and Win 10.  I suspect Linux default drivers will work with the board as well.  Not sure if the Bluetooth is equally supported, and I have not tested that.  However, Intel reference designs are the basis for many laptops and Linux support for them is pretty universal.  If you are using Linux you might ask further on the forums about additional repositories or required packages.   Typically anything you need is just a $> Sudo apt install "xxxxx" away.

Question 7

Compatible with AM4 MOBOs? I'm looking into the ASRock AB350m PRO4 specifically, if it's by case basis.

Accepted Answer

The only compatibility restriction on these types of cards is the interface. I did install mine in an ASRock Z170M Extreme4 motherboard, but again, there isn't compatibility issues with these things. It's an Intel 8260 series and installs the native Intel drivers for that series, nothing else is required to make this work. It would be the same if the interface was over USB, if that helps answer your question. The range with the provided external antenna seems to work for my needs, but you can always use better antenna, the connectors are very standard.

Question 8

can i use a mobile hotpot?

Accepted Answer

The hardware doesn't have or come with a mobile chip slot or USB dongle connection option BUT Windows 10 has a hot spot option if you want to share your ADSL.

Question 9

Does the Bluetooth support headphones?

Accepted Answer

You should be able to hookup headphones through the normal windows interface once this is installed and driver installed. I currently use it for an Xbox game controller with Bluetooth with no issues.

Question 10

Can I create a wireless network with the card?  I have a wired connection but would like to set up wifi for my phone and other devices.

Accepted Answer

This card is installed inside your computer to add wireless capability to a PC that does not have wireless. To connect this card and your other devices together you will need to setup a wireless network. To setup a network you will need a wireless router/switch. A PC with this card installed can be used as an ad-hoc router but you wouldn't be happy with it.

Questions & Answers