Do Motherboards Have Bluetooth and Wifi? [Guide]

Most older-generation motherboard models support Bluetooth and WI-Fi. You must separately purchase a wireless network card. WiFi and Bluetooth are standard on newer, more expensive motherboards because they are considered add-on components that users can add as needed.

If you want to add WiFi and Bluetooth to your motherboard, then you will need to purchase an expansion card like a mini PCI-E wireless adapter or USB WiFi dongle.

Expansion cards are plug-in boards that connect to the motherboard through one of its slots. The most common slots are PCI, PCIe (PCI Express), and AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port). The most common types of expansion cards are graphics cards, network interface cards (NICs), sound cards, TV tuner cards, and other specialized hardware devices such as RAID controllers.

Do Motherboards Come With WIFI

Motherboards usually come with built-in WIFI adapters, but not all of them. You may have to buy a WIFI adapter separately if your motherboard doesn’t have one built-in.

Why Would You Need A Wifi Adapter?

If you are going to be connecting to WiFi, you need to be able to do so easily. If you don’t have WIFI built-in, you may have to go out and buy a WiFi adapter. Some WiFi adapters may come with your motherboard, and WIFI adapters may not come with your motherboard. If your motherboard does not include one, you will need to purchase one.

If your computer is not equipped with Wi-Fi, it should be equipped with Ethernet to enable you to connect to the internet.

Can you Add Bluetooth To Your Motherboard?

You can add Bluetooth adapters to a motherboard via a PCI-E expansion slot, etc. Some motherboard manufacturers also include a dedicated expansion card socket for Bluetooth. Ensure that the antenna for the Bluetooth adapter extends beyond the PC’s metal casing so that a strong signal can be received.

A Bluetooth-equipped motherboard can also connect to the Internet and can function as a wireless network access point. The device can even be used to send audio and video files over the Internet because it has Bluetooth.

Bluetooth is a great piece of technology, but not all new motherboards have it. Let’s take a look at why.

Bluetooth works by exchanging data over short distances using a low-powered radio frequency. The low-powered radiofrequency means that a Bluetooth-equipped device can operate in close proximity to a large number of other Bluetooth-equipped devices.

Related: When to Upgrade a Motherboard

Motherboard WIFI vs no WIFI

A motherboard without built-in WIFI will usually have a LAN port, to which you can connect an ethernet cable. A motherboard with WIFI won’t need any additional hardware to connect to a WIFI network.

Motherboard with WIFI and Bluetooth

It is quite annoying to buy a new PC just because your WIFI or Bluetooth dongle is not working with the new motherboard. There is a chance to find a new motherboard with built-in WIFI and Bluetooth, and it is quite cheap. Here is my list of the best motherboard with WIFI and Bluetooth in 2021 and in 2022

1. ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero

ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero is no doubt the best motherboard with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 6E and stable Wi-Fi performance. The motherboard also supports PCle Gen4 and has two onboard thunderbolts and 4 ports.

This motherboard is compatible with both 10th-generation Intel processors and 11th-generation processors but it is better to use it with 11th-generation processors for faster connectivity. It is also designed for extreme overclocking (it uses a 14+2 teamed power stage rated 90A) and for those building high-end PCs.

If you are a gamer, this motherboard has AI features that deliver the best performance for your gaming activities, VR, and content creation.

Pros
  • Supports WIFI 6EnExcellent build qualitynSix USB 3.2 Gen2 portsnThree addressable RGB headersnSupports BluetoothnFuture proof connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 and PCle Gen4n
Cons
  • PCle 4.0 is only available on 11th gen processors

2. Asus ROG Strix X570-E Gaming

Asus ROG Strix X570-E Gaming is a great motherboard for all power users looking for fast Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It offers lots of premium features, specs, and of course, new connectivity options at a pocket-friendly price.

This motherboard features the AM4 socket and AMD X570 chipset for both 2nd and 3rd AMD Ryzen processors and even 1st Gen Ryzen processors that come with Radeon Vega graphics. With this affordable motherboard, you can easily build a high-end gaming system with extreme overclocking features.

Pros
  • Optimized for water coolingnWIFI 6 and Bluetooth 5nMore USB3 Gen2 portsnAddressable RGB for epic gamingnExcellent overclocking with stable power deliverynPremium specs for low-priced motherboard
Cons
  • Need to take off GPU to access the other M.2 slotnCompetitors offer M.2 slots

3. ASUS ROG Maximus XII Formula

If you are looking for the best motherboard with Bluetooth and WIFI for 10th Gen Intel processors, ASUS ROG Maximus XII Formula is the best. It is the ultimate motherboard for enthusiasts and overclockers. It features cool modern specs such as three M.2 slots, Bluetooth 5.1, WIFI 6, and 10Gb Ethernet.

With its hybrid heatsinks and 16-phase power delivery, it can cope with demanding Intel Comet Lake CPUs. In fact, this motherboard has a 2-inch OLED display that shows vital information during booth time and normal operations like fan speeds, temperature, and CPU frequency.

Pros
  • 16-phase power stagesnGreat design with amazing aestheticsnWIFI 6 and Bluetooth 5.1nReliable cooling and water coolingn10GbE networkingnCustomizable RGB lightingnUSB-C and Thunderbolt 3 header
Cons
  • Has no front panel Type-C port

4. MSI MPG Z490M Gaming Edge WIFI

MSI MPG Z490M Gaming Edge WIFI is an amazing Micro-ATX motherboard that features both WIFI and Bluetooth. This motherboard comes with outstanding WIFI 6, Bluetooth 5.1, Z490 chipset, and 2.5G LAN, all of which support 10th gen Core processors.

The motherboard brings modern and advanced specs better than its Z290 predecessor. With it, you can use the latest Comet Lake processor and enjoy lightning-wired and wireless networking for high-end performance for editing, gaming, and everyday use.

Pros
  • 12-phase power deliverynSupports 10th Gen Intel processorsnCustomized for water coolingnFront panel USB-C portnFast connectivity with WIFI6, 2,5G Ethernet and Bluetooth 5.1
Cons
  • Some budget motherboards offer SATA portsnJust one heatsinked M.2 slot

5. ASUS Prime B550M-A WIFI

If you build small form factors and compact PCs, this motherboard is one of the best motherboards for you. It is an AMD motherboard that comes with both Bluetooth and WIFI. It offers a Micro ATX form factor for those building small, portable PCs. It also offers PCle slots for more functionality.

The motherboard supports both PCle 4.0 and WIFI 6, which is great considering the price. It is also compatible with 3rd, 4th and 5th Gen AMD desktop processors. This motherboard offers an addressable RGB header.

Pros
  • Supports WIFI 6 and Bluetooth 5.1nCheap and affordablenSix USB-A PortsnSupports PCle 4.0
Cons
  • Thermal design not the best

What Is A WIFI Motherboard

A WIFI motherboard is a motherboard that has a WIFI modem built-in. If you have a WIFImotherboard, you do not need to buy a separate WIFI card to connect your computer to the internet.

When you use a WIFI motherboard, it is easy to connect to the internet. All you need to do is ensure that the Windows and the software CD are loaded. Type in the WIFI password and your computer will automatically be connected.

Related: Can Motherboard Turn On Without CPU

How To Tell If Your Motherboard Supports WIFI?

One of the best ways to quickly tell if your motherboard supports Wi-Fi is to look at the I/O panel that can be found at the back of your computer tower, where you plug in the peripherals. If you can see the antenna connector at the back of your PC, then it has a provision for Wi-Fi.

Another way to check if your motherboard has built-in WIFI is to check the motherboard’s specs sheet. You need to check and know its model number to do this.

You could check if you have an open PCI slot. If you have one, you can purchase a PCI WIFI card and insert it into the empty PCI slot.

Motherboard WIFI speed

Your motherboard WIFI speed depends on the type of motherboard you have. The type of motherboard you have will tell the speed of your WIFI. So, if you want a faster WIFI, get a motherboard that comes with a fast WIFI.

Conclusion

In conclusion, motherboards come with WIFI and Bluetooth but not all motherboards. If you want a motherboard that has WIFI and Bluetooth built-in, you need to look for the right motherboard.

When it comes to motherboards, it is important to know what you are looking for so that you can choose the motherboard that allows you the features you want and need.

Whether you’re looking to use them for home or business-related tasks, having Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built into your motherboard can be a big time-saver. However, as we saw above, not all motherboards do come with these features, so check before you buy!

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