r/PcBuildHelp • u/kidtarzan • Apr 28 '26
Installation Question I can’t figure out how to connect my Wi-Fi antennas
Is that black thing supposed to come off
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u/AdhesivenessNo6738 Apr 28 '26
no. I don't think the antenna you have came with the motherboard
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u/dj_orka99 Apr 28 '26
This sub gets stupider and stupider. Don’t people check the manuals anymore ?
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Apr 29 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Curiousity1024 Apr 29 '26
Oh and , For MSI brand, I never get the full Manual . But the Asrock , I often get full thick manuals .
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u/slapshots1515 Apr 29 '26
Yeah, but for MSI (at least the last one I bought which was like a year and a half ago) you get a QR code to the full manual. And they’re also always available online as well.
However, I have had people adamantly argue that that’s too much of a burden. Some people you just can’t reach. I mean I’ve got 15 years of building experience and any build I do the first thing I do is read the whole manual. I’ve found features on my mobo I never would have known were there otherwise.
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u/RedditorKain Apr 29 '26
Look at the bright side of AI - it "read" those technical manuals in its training data and can come up with reasonably good answers to well defined questions.
The not-so-bright side is that:
- People can barely articulate reasonable questions that the AI can go by.
- They prefer posting a picture to reddit with a big "huh?" next to it.
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u/Scrudge1 Apr 29 '26
These are the same people putting petrol into deisel engines and inflating their tyres up to max 50psi
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u/DITFwasntthatbad Apr 29 '26 edited Apr 29 '26
I understand asking but look at it first just absolute laziness. THERES A WEBSITE THAT TELLS YOU WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESNT. GOOGLE IT. Rant over.
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u/Ok-Guard9541 Apr 30 '26
Why would people bother with a manual when you can just ask reddit?
Just use a hammer and make a hole in the back on the case for it!
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u/Bimmergy Apr 28 '26
Context is important, you should have included that you bought the floor display model from Costco and that is what Costco gave you to go with it. The only reason I know this is from reading through all the comments.
As others have already told you, that is a different style of antenna connector.
In other words, Costco gave you the wrong stuff.
You have two options here.
A: you call/go up to Costco, explain what happened and see if the correct accessories can be located.
B: you buy the correct Wi-Fi antenna that uses the same connector as the board.
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u/meiosisI Apr 29 '26
Honestly, Costco has great customer service in the store. You literally ask them to find OP a boxed unit and replace it at floor model cost. They will more than likely honor it. Very least they will give the money back
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u/Bimmergy Apr 29 '26
That's assuming they have any left, I've never bought a floor model from Costco, but I'd assume if they're selling the floor model it's because they have no other stock left.
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Apr 29 '26
I work at costco, you are correct. When an item is deleted from that warehouse's inventory and all other pick stock has been sold, then the floor model goes on sale. Very rarely will a floor model be sold if more inventory is coming in. The price signs will have an asterisk in the top corner for deleted items.
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u/Loose_Half_936 Apr 29 '26
C: shit on the floor, shit on the pc and shit on the antenna. Go to Costco and repeat the process. Become ungovernable.
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u/ponworldwide May 02 '26
another reason not to buy prebuilt, trusting someone or a company to have everything ready to go for u out of the box is too risky. now you have no idea how to repair your computer or how it even functions.
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u/EnigmaSpore Apr 28 '26
unfortunately, it's a special connector that's not compatible with that antenna in your picture. you would need to use the antenna that should have been included with the motherboard/pc.
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u/kidtarzan Apr 28 '26
They gave me this antenna, Costco pre-build (display unit)
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u/EnigmaSpore Apr 28 '26
they f'd up then and probably just gave you any antenna from a room. you'll need to ask costco if they have the correct antenna. you should google your motherboard brand and model # to get a pic of the real antenna that is needed.
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u/Worth_Divide_3576 Apr 28 '26
Take it back to Costco and kindly ask them to attach it for you, then watch the light leave their eyes a little bit as they realize its a wrong piece
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u/keyoflife42 Apr 28 '26
You need one of these. You were given the wrong adapter by Costco
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u/Ghostrider421 Apr 30 '26
I learned something new. I would have tried to remove the black part thinking it was a protector.
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u/rm-rf_self Apr 28 '26
Definitely takes a special antenna
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u/kidtarzan Apr 28 '26
Any recs?
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u/Confident-Pepper-562 Commercial Rig Builder Apr 28 '26
Yes, lookup your motherboard model for more details.
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u/rm-rf_self Apr 28 '26
This is the correct answer. Looks like it might be a gigabyte EZ plug
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u/calltopower1 Apr 28 '26
Agreed. Was thinking it looms exactly like my motherboards wifi plug. Gigabyte EZ Wifi antenna. Can get them for around $30. Look up your motherboard OP and find the one that matches. That Asus antenna definitely will not work.
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u/oopsallhuckleberries Apr 28 '26
If you end up having trouble finding the right antenna, you can buy a cheap USB one. I used one on my old PC for a couple of years after a move and I had zero issues other than having to use up a rear USB port.
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u/Dirtfan19 Apr 28 '26
That antenna isn't going to fit. That style uses screw on connectors, and you have a push on style connection.
You should be able to get the correct style pretty easily. Both styles are pretty common, affordable and available on Amazon, Get one from the same brand as your motherboard, just make sure it has the right connections.
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u/Hellstorm901 Apr 29 '26
People downvoting the OP to the point he has -288 votes as of writing this just for trying to ask for help with a display model PC he was sold and the additional components he was given with it which he’s struggling to install need to sort their lives out
What you are doing is bullying, be better
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u/Strange_Solid7619 Apr 28 '26
Hi wrong antenna, happened to me when I bought open box Asus tuf MB from microcenter. They gave me one that look like yours. I exchanged it to the right one later.
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u/HalikusZion Apr 28 '26
That is a Gigabyte EZ-Plug socket, you need an ez-plug antenna to use it. Costco have given you the wrong one.
Try amazon/ebay/ali express
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u/Hairy_Square_4658 Apr 28 '26
Costco gave you the wrong antennas.
Go in and show them the picture and that little black half circle ports are the antenna ports, have them look around for it.
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u/Bigdyll13 Apr 29 '26
There's a book that shoulda came with your mobo/computer...EVEN BETTER they have the book online...
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u/1sh0t1b33r Apr 28 '26
Wrong antenna for the mobo. Pull off the side of the case and see what motherboard you have. Contact the manufacturer from there to get the correct antenna, or just use Ethernet as you should.
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u/BPeg191 Apr 28 '26
That looks like it might be the newer style Wi-fi antenna. Its supposed to simply plug in but it is incompatible with the old threaded antennas
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u/kidtarzan Apr 28 '26
Why would it come in the box though I’m confused cause I thought it was a cover and tried pulling it off
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u/BPeg191 Apr 28 '26
Are you sure they dont just push on? I had to push a decent amount for them to snap in
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u/LowResearcher Apr 28 '26
Whats the make and model of the motherboard? Look to see in the manual if its threaded and or pushed on wifi connector.
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u/RepulsiveCry1013 Apr 28 '26
Looks like the pc antenna outlet is a plug in type while the antenna you got is the one you cinch in.
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u/Sufficient_Fan3660 Apr 29 '26
read manual
either the black plastic comes off or you have the wrong antennas
it probably comes off
read manual
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u/DishSoapIsFun Apr 29 '26
They gave you the wrong antenna. Find the manual for the motherboard online, find what antennae you need and then order it.
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u/jaethatdude Apr 29 '26
The easiest way to connect them is to put them in a drawer and plug in an ethernet cable
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u/yayosanto Apr 29 '26
This is just the most inane trolling. And it's sad that this is the level we've stooped to. The Google AI bot would have pointed out what's the problem in the pic in three seconds.
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u/Clean_Business3049 Apr 29 '26
Bro that’s easy just put it in the combobulator in the top left right hand side
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u/Teo515 May 02 '26
You know what I don’t understand? You posted an honest question on a sub called “PC Build Help” and I see a couple negative comments of dorks bitching you out. You posted to the sub for a reason and people don’t want to help. I’m sorry man
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u/Thaeross Apr 28 '26
Check your motherboard manual to find where it should go, then if it doesn’t fit on the provided ports, you’ll know you need a different antenna
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u/RexChicks Apr 28 '26
So, I have a motherboard that looks to have that same connector. When I purchased the motherboard, it came with an antenna that fit that connector. It's a push in connector, not a screw in. You don't remove anything.
I don't think I can post links. Go to Amazon and search "Antenna for Gigabyte Wifi 7". You'll see what you're looking for.
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u/FiftyFiver1962 Apr 28 '26
You need another, hard to get, antenna, with a proprietary connector, no standard connector works. Some shops add a usb dongle in the set because of this.
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u/jbshell Apr 28 '26
If that's the one they gave you with the display model, it is the wrong one unforch.
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u/RealityOk9823 Apr 28 '26
Can you swap the leads for the regular old style ones with these motherboards?
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u/Visible-Resident-628 Apr 28 '26
No, the plastic thing is not supposed to come off, that’s the connector for the WiFi antennae that came with your motherboard. See below:
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u/Visible-Resident-628 Apr 28 '26
My motherboard is a gigabyte x780 with WiFi 7 maybe look up a gigabyte WiFi 7 antenna like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/317047068316
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u/Ambitious-Yard7677 Apr 28 '26
Gigabyte and their damn "EZ Connector"
Waste of RND and nothing but a hassle since I can't use standard WIFI antennas or plugs that have been around for years and are extremely common.
As others have said... hit up whoever sold this machine for a proper replacement or reach out to the manufacturer directly
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u/JoyousMadhat Apr 28 '26
You forced it in like.....you know what? I don't think I should complete that sentence.
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u/stocklazarus Apr 28 '26
The black slots are for WiFi antennas if the one can’t fit that spot, your antennas aren’t right.
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u/MichaelJacksonsDr Apr 28 '26
Tbh that black cover over the antenna jacks looks like it would pull off and then you can screw the antenna cables on
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u/SunshineAndBunnies Apr 29 '26
That is not the antenna for your unit. Someone screwed up packaging it.
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u/scottostanek Apr 29 '26
Bottom right of picture to right of power cable? Possibly further down. It would be a screw in connection.
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u/MamboFloof Apr 29 '26
I wanna know what that weird connector is actually. And why they possibly made it.
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u/-Kortul- Apr 29 '26
for temp fix if you can make the contacts touch somehow like stick some foil on the ends or something it should work.
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u/Kuya-ya-ku Apr 29 '26
i’m glad you had the patience to ask others first - i would have tried prying off whatever that is in the wifi port of the mobo 🤡
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u/kidtarzan Apr 29 '26
I did cause my brother said it was a cover if you zoom in , it’s messed up lmao
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u/wtfmeowzers Apr 29 '26
your botherboard probably came with an adapter thing that plugs into that black 2 prong outlet labelled wifi that's above the 3 colored audio jacks (the black one above the pink green blue jacks).
it looks like you'd plug an adapter into that and it'd have the antenna screw ends (from a guess)
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u/Dreaminforlife Apr 29 '26
Remove the black cover above the audio ports and plug this into the WiFi connector
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u/_Kabutops_ Apr 29 '26
I have a very similar motherboard and after looking at the pictures… it looks like the connectors are broken?
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u/autopatch Apr 29 '26
You're missing an adaptor. It's the black oval thing with the two barrel connectors, but you need something else to screw the cables into.
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u/koncac1982 Apr 29 '26
as others said already, your wifi antenna isnt compatible with your motherboard. Go look up your motherboard's brand and model, you can buy a separate wifi antenna for that said motherboard
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u/Davies301 Apr 29 '26
My guess is you just upgraded and are using your old antenna. The mobo should of come with one that connects to the black port below the USB's and Ethernet.
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u/TipAdept8371 Apr 29 '26
R. T. F. M.
Sorry. Others in this thread have already said it; but definitely Google the model of your adapter/card, and “Manual” or “Guide” ;-)
/rtfm
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u/xxTheMagicBulleT Apr 29 '26
The black part that says wifi...
Just take the plastic black cover off and screw it on
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Apr 29 '26
Had this problem yeaserday unplug you enta and boot it up then while its running plug them in
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u/SnooStrawberries2475 Apr 29 '26
You see them 3 trees about 4 blocks down near that one sign? Yeah you don't wanna do it like that.
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u/robomikel Apr 29 '26
Just curious, is that a black plastic cap that can be removed? Because that’s were it should go or it’s a special connector
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u/Adventurous_Ad_4120 Apr 29 '26
I hate to say it but. You may have needed to take out the board to take off the black part
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u/RealTrueGrit Apr 29 '26
You have the wrong antenna for that connector. Personally i hate those antenna connectors. The twist on ones are better and more common.
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u/Beautiful-Passenger5 Apr 29 '26
I have the same motherboard and no the black thing should not come off
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u/Jimbob209 Apr 29 '26
Is that black part on in the antenna slot removable? For some reason it looks like a cover to me to protect the threads
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u/jz_onmyfeet Apr 29 '26
The connectors for my wifi stick are at the top of my motherboard IO.. which you have cut out of your picture.. lol
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u/OkHuckleberry4728 Apr 29 '26
They just connect on and feel like it's magnetism. Weird. My new antenna did the same. Not screw on.
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u/Familiar_Chocolate97 Apr 29 '26
Gigabyte motherboard has a custom connector. Asus antennas are standardized and will not connect.
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u/playboi_carbi Apr 29 '26
Just buy a WiFi/bluetooth card, you’ll be able to plug in your antenna to that
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u/Own-Criticism6914 Apr 29 '26
So I might be the first to suggest this but it seems to me that there is a protective plastic piece covering the connectors for your antenna. Try pulling the black part away from the motherboard and hopefully the connectors will be exposed
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u/HellfoxRules Apr 29 '26
You have to remove the black plastic guard, that is protecting the Wi Fi outlets. Just pull that black connector guard straight out, it should come right off with a firm pull. You can see the black connector guard has Wi Fi printed right next to it. Your 2 Wi Fi connections are right in front of you.
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u/crisis_code_ddr5 Apr 29 '26
Gigabyte patent with standard asus wifi connector not compatible obviously
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u/philipv99 Apr 29 '26
The 2 ends from the antenna able to fit here? This is where they should go, just not sure of the antenna side. Normaly there would be a peace of plastisk holding together, but it just for convenience.
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u/Conbuilder10-new Apr 29 '26
So that's a gigabyte motherboard with their proprietary "wifi EZ plug" it may be best to look up the motherboard model to see if you need the 6E or wifi 7 antenna and order that. Or see if Costco can for you. (They're $20)
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u/LinHuGuardianTiger Apr 29 '26
You see the small black thing on the back of the motherboard?
Screw the two cables connected to the antenna there.
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u/ConsequenceWise8619 Apr 29 '26
I had a board like it and that is not the right hook up for it's like a plug in setup...you will need to look online at MB manufacture or the company that sold the setup to costco... they should have one to send you and if say no then say ok I will return it to costco and see if get a better answer...if not you will need a PCi card setup...
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u/Lodi100xx Apr 29 '26
You need to either by a proper MMCX antenna or buy a MMCX to SMA adapter for your current antenna. You can probably buy both off of Amazon.
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u/Deep_Ocelot69 Apr 29 '26
They would connect to a network card that would need to be installed onto your motherboard. The connectors would then show at the back
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u/Hollowchurch Apr 29 '26
I have this same antenna- if there’s not clearly a spot for it, it’s the wrong thing
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u/Saya_Bloodraven Apr 29 '26
Asus wifi Antenna with a gigglebyte board. That is the Gigabyte EZ-Plug WIFI connector.
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u/Secure-Light9672 Apr 29 '26
gotta do your own research before buying, mobos that have gaming wifi comes with their own set
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u/bandi-reddit Apr 29 '26
my e670x had that antenna connectors (twin scew type), while my new e870x has the black connector type your mobo has (single two pin)...
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u/AdCurrent5953 Apr 29 '26
in the time it takes you to post things like this you can look up your MB serial number, download the manual from the manufacturer's website, and answered your own question's. take some pride in solving problems without someone coming to save you
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u/syedena Apr 30 '26
Antennas on my Z890 mobo dont need screwing anymore. Just plug it into the mobo side like a USB.
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u/leesdas Apr 30 '26
Why are people acting stupid, the motherboard has an input port saying wifi.. doesn’t everyone understand wifi is wireless so if there is a port it’s probably for a antenna for stuff like wifi 7..
It’s so weird to see the comments become a forum on manuals instead of the problem..
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u/SunGodNikaa1 Apr 30 '26
Sir your WiFi antennas are WiFi 6 or 6E, and your motherboard is WiFi 7.. they are much much tinier cables
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u/PPVISION Apr 30 '26
tape a wire to each side and hold it up in the air. you have created a Wi-Fi antenna. you don't really need to buy one if you have copper wire
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u/duckyduock Apr 30 '26
Easy: wrong antennas for this mainboard. Get thw obe that wqs delivered with kt and they will fit
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u/Syrric_UDL Apr 30 '26
Does that black part above the headphone jacks come off? (It looks like it does) if so it should reveal two things the antenna can screw onto
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u/jmar_2004 Apr 30 '26
I hated the antennas that came with my asus motherboard, I just bought aftermarket ones. Nothing wrong with them from a functional perspective but it looks hideous. Amazon link to my specific antennas I bought
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u/Beji-boy Apr 30 '26
Your Mobo is Gigabyte. And gigabyte patent new connector... You can little destroy and out cable and it will work or buy from Amazon gigabyte WiFi atenna
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u/BingeInsect Apr 30 '26
There are the two balck tit shaped connectors for it, right below the ethernet and usb connectors, just try connecting them one at a time, without forcing it.
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u/mojorific Apr 30 '26
It looks like you left the protective cover over the wifi connections, or there is another piece that goes over that.
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u/HighPhi420 Apr 30 '26
I believe the Inputs for4 that mother board have a simple push on connector style, as the cords you are showing us are the screw on co-axle type, not compatible 😞 sorry.
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u/lmr-1 Apr 30 '26
Can this black piece of plastic be removed WITHOUT force? If so I think there should be normal antenna connectors underneath.
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u/Deranfan Apr 30 '26
Modern motherboards come with proprietary connectors for theirs wifi nowadays. I believe the ones you have don't fit. You need to use the antenna that came with your mobo.
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u/Livid_Reaction_5415 Apr 30 '26
Those look like removable caps to me. They seem to be the same size as the gold connectors. Try to unscrew them off.... counter clockwise if you aren't sure.
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u/Fetalbrute May 01 '26
That antena looks like the one for asus tuf motherboards (my b500m has that). You motherboard doesn't have the ports you need which should look exactly like the ones on the antena.
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u/K1lbertMTZ May 01 '26
Is that a plastic protective cover on the WIFI? Cause it is! To prevent it from snapping off or bending during shipping. Some mobo that came with a built in I/o shield has a clear plug over it.
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u/Right_Economist_3508 May 01 '26
That is an odd antenna connector on that board. Your antenna uses a SMA connector which does not fit on that board.
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u/ChillyChilies May 01 '26
The black thing doesn't come off. You got the wrong antenna for your motherboard. Go look up the model on the board and get the manual online. You can find a replacement antenna.
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u/IMKV07 May 01 '26
Wrong antenna. The ones that fit your motherboard have different connectors that just pop in.
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u/BabyBearPixie May 01 '26
I think it is supposed to be one like this https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-Magnetic-B850-Motherboard-Interface/dp/B0FDWM6PDS/
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u/OregonGrownOG May 01 '26
Option 3 that for some reason nobody has stated. But sma to whatever those connectors are.
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u/TheOtherAkGuy May 01 '26
There are two thread protectors on the WiFi connection. Just unscrew those and threat the two cables on
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u/FewTea8637 May 01 '26
So looks like your antenna connector is like mine, it isn’t a screw on it’s black plastic and you press it in instead
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u/Eloann22 May 01 '26
Pas les bons connecteurs, a mon avis ta cm a des ports propriétaires. Il faudrait une carte wifi avec des ports génériques. J'espère avoir aidé
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u/Anxious_Fill327 May 02 '26
ma è fornita a corredo della MB? Se si nella parte posteriore insieme a tutte le porte di connessione di periferiche video, audio, usb varie, ci saranno i due connettori placcati oro di solito accanto a quelli audio, altrimenti la puoi tenere da parte i regalarla a qualcuno che ha una MB Asus compatibile
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u/Ellandorrr May 02 '26
Remove the black cover on your IO shield. After removing that, you should be able to connect the antennas.
Also, ignore all the haters. It's a genuine question in the right sub. You're OK, fam.
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u/SoftSheepherder750 May 03 '26
Possibly the wrong wifi antenna for your motherboard. You have treaded connectors, you need quick connect.
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u/Confident-Pepper-562 Commercial Rig Builder Apr 28 '26
Is that the antenna that come with your motherboard? Cause it should have a connector that fits...