The WEIRDEST PC Parts we Found on AliExpress

Quick Overview

The video showcases the "WEIRDEST PC Parts" found on AliExpress, featuring a remote PC switch card, a PCI-E to SATA expansion card, and a USB 3.0 gigabit Ethernet adapter, with the team ultimately finding the Wi-Fi card to be the most universally useful.

Key Points: The team attempts to turn on a PC using a remote switch card, which works, but they find the setup to be overly complicated compared to modern solutions. They test a PCI-E to SATA expansion card, noting its low profile and multiple USB 3.0 ports, but its utility is limited by the lack of onboard audio or Wi-Fi. The most universally useful item is a Wi-Fi 6E card that also offers Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, providing a significant upgrade over older motherboard Wi-Fi. Linus points out that some motherboards lack audio ports or Wi-Fi, making these expansion cards potentially useful for users with older or budget motherboards. The team tests the Wi-Fi card's speed and finds it to be comparable to a direct Ethernet connection, highlighting its practical benefits. Despite initial skepticism, the team agrees that the Wi-Fi card is a genuinely useful upgrade, especially for older systems or for users who need better wireless connectivity. The video also briefly showcases a "PCI Multi I/O Controller Card" with USB 3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet, which is deemed less exciting but still functional.

Context: This video from Linus Tech Tips explores unusual and potentially "weird" computer components sourced from AliExpress. The team, including Linus, Luke, and James, tests several niche expansion cards to see if they offer any practical value or are simply novelty items. Their goal is to assess the usefulness and performance of these components in a modern PC build scenario.

Detailed Analysis

The video begins by introducing a "remote PC switch card" that allows users to turn their computer on and off remotely via an app. While functional, the team finds it overly complicated for modern standards. Next, they examine a PCI-E to SATA expansion card, noting its ability to add multiple SATA ports and USB 3.0 ports, but they point out its lack of onboard audio or Wi-Fi as a drawback. The highlight of the video is a "PCIe Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2 card" which the team finds to be a genuinely useful and practical upgrade, especially for users with older motherboards lacking modern wireless capabilities. They test its speed, which rivals Ethernet, and appreciate its modular design allowing for potential Wi-Fi module replacement. The team also briefly looks at a "PCI-E Multi I/O Controller Card" with USB 3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet, deeming it less exciting but still a functional addition for expanding connectivity. Ultimately, the Wi-Fi card is presented as the most compelling and useful item tested.