As wireless technology continues to advance, the MSI HERALD-BE NCM865 Wi-Fi 7 Wireless Adapter stands out with its impressive set of features designed to enhance your network experience. From blazing speeds to advanced modulation schemes, this adapter promises to push the boundaries of wireless performance. Here’s a comprehensive review of the NCM865, including insights from our testing and its compatibility with various systems.
Unleash Blazing Fast 5.8 Gbps Transfer Speeds
The MSI HERALD-BE NCM865 is engineered to deliver exceptional data transfer speeds of up to 5.8 Gbps. This leap in speed makes it an ideal choice for activities that demand high bandwidth, such as streaming ultra-high-definition content, competitive gaming, and transferring large files. The adapter’s high-speed capabilities ensure minimal latency and an overall enhanced performance.
Experience Broad 320 MHz Channel Widths (on 6GHz)
A notable feature of the NCM865 is its support for 320 MHz channel widths on the 6 GHz band. This expanded channel width allows for greater bandwidth, enabling more data to be transmitted simultaneously. This reduction in network congestion results in improved stability and efficiency, particularly in environments with high wireless traffic.
Improve the Modulation Scheme from 1024-QAM to 4096-QAM
The HERALD-BE NCM865 enhances data transmission with an upgrade from 1024-QAM to 4096-QAM. This advancement allows for a higher density of data encoding within each signal, boosting both speed and signal quality. As a result, users experience a more efficient and high-performing network, with smoother and more reliable connectivity.
Supports Bluetooth 5.4
In addition to its Wi-Fi capabilities, the NCM865 includes support for Bluetooth 5.4. This latest Bluetooth standard provides improved range, speed, and connectivity for various wireless devices. Whether you’re connecting peripherals like wireless headphones or keyboards, Bluetooth 5.4 ensures a stable and efficient connection that complements the adapter’s high-speed Wi-Fi performance.
Compatibility with AMD and Intel Based Motherboards
The Qualcomm NCM865 is designed to be versatile and compatible with a range of systems. It works seamlessly with both AMD and Intel-based motherboards, ensuring broad compatibility across various platforms. Whether you’re building a new PC or upgrading an existing system, the NCM865 integrates easily, making it a flexible choice for a wide array of users.
An Upgrade Worth It if Paired with a Wi-Fi 7 Router and 2.5 or 10 Gbps Fiber Broadband
To fully harness the capabilities of the MSI HERALD-BE NCM865, pairing it with a Wi-Fi 7 router and connecting to a high-speed 2.5 or 10 Gbps fiber broadband network is highly recommended. This combination maximizes the adapter’s performance, delivering unparalleled speeds and network capacity. For users with access to such advanced infrastructure, the NCM865 is a valuable upgrade that future-proofs your connectivity setup.
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Real-World Testing: Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 7
In our testing, we installed the card on our Gigabyte X570 motherboard on it’s PCIe 4.0 x 1 slot. The THe wifi is connected to our TP-Link dual band 802.11be router connected to the 2.5 Gbps Fibre Broadband. Comparing the onboard Wi-Fi 6 on a motherboard with the HERALD-BE NCM865 Wi-Fi 7 adapter, we observed notable performance differences. When the adapter was in close proximity to the wireless router, the Wi-Fi 7 adapter demonstrated a significant boost in speed and network responsiveness. However, as the distance from the router increased, the performance gap between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 became less pronounced.
The chart below shows the results of two set of results :
Line 1 & 2 : Speedtest results using on board WIFI 6 adaptor testing it against CTCSCI followed by UNI5G server.
Line 3 & 4 : Speedtest results using the MSI HERALD-BE WIFI 7 PCIe adaptor.
Line 5 & 6 : Speedtest results when the PC is connected directly to the TP-Link WIFI 7 router.
Test results when PC is move 5 Metres away from the Wireless Router.
Line 1 & 2 : Speedtest results using on board WIFI 6 adaptor testing it against CTCSCI followed by UNI5G server.
Line 3 & 4 : Speedtest results using the MSI HERALD-BE WIFI 7 PCIe adaptor.
It is very clear that WIFI 7 does give an advantage of speed against WIFI 6. Although the results will tend to be very similar when we move away from the wireless router, WIFI 7 in a sense gives you better overall network performance, coverage and range.
Conclusion
The MSI HERALD-BE NCM865 Wi-Fi 7 Wireless Adapter is a powerful upgrade for anyone looking to enhance their wireless network. With its impressive 5.8 Gbps transfer speeds, broad 320 MHz channel widths, advanced 4096-QAM modulation, and support for Bluetooth 5.4, this adapter offers a comprehensive solution for modern connectivity needs.
When paired with a Wi-Fi 7 router and a 2.5 or 10 Gbps fiber broadband connection, the NCM865 delivers a top-tier network experience that is both fast and reliable. While the performance improvements are most noticeable at closer range, the HERALD-BE NCM865 remains a valuable investment for those seeking the cutting edge of wireless technology. Its compatibility with both AMD and Intel-based motherboards further adds to its appeal, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of users.
Pricing Info : S$89 on Shopee.sg