Conclusion

...the 2x2 chip offers full support for 802.11ac Wave 2 and can achieve transfer speeds that aren't a million miles from Gigabit Ethernet.

The Wireless-AC 1550 is Killer's fastest WiFi module to date. Manufactured in collaboration with Intel, the 2x2 chip offers full support for 802.11ac Wave 2 and can achieve transfer speeds that aren't a million miles from Gigabit Ethernet.

Impressive speeds make the adapter a noteworthy upgrade for, say, an ageing laptop, though the partnership with Intel does result in a choice of two paths. For those attracted to just the sheer speed, the Intel Wireless-AC 9260 costs less and ought to be every bit as fast. But there is merit to Killer's alternative, as the likes of Advanced Stream Detect, DoubleShot Pro and Wireless xTend could prove beneficial in the right scenario, and none of the optional extras are mandatory.

Many consumers looking to upgrade their laptop are oftentimes wowed by faster and bigger SSDs and more memory. All worthwhile upgrades, but the savvy user ought to also consider upgrading the wireless capability; speed increases between old and new are considerable enough to be noticed.

Bottom line: need fast performance without running cables? The Killer Wireless-AC 1550 proves that the gap between wired and wireless is narrower than ever before.

The Good		The Bad
Ultra-fast wireless performance Prioritisation of latency-sensitive data Integrated Bluetooth 5 Simple slot-in upgrade		Theoretical 1.73Gbps is exactly that

Killer Wireless-AC 1550

HEXUS.where2buy*

The Killer Wireless-AC 1550 M.2 network adapter is available to purchase from Scan Computers.

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At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.

*UK-based HEXUS community members are eligible for free delivery and priority customer service through the SCAN.care@HEXUS forum.

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Is there any adapters I can use since my PC doesn't have an m.2 port?

Usernamist
Is there any adapters I can use since my PC doesn't have an m.2 port?

Usernamist, your best bet would probably be a PCI carrier board that supports an M.2 WiFi module. I've not used one myself so don't have a recommendation as such, however I can confirm that Killer is considering making the Wireless-AC 1550 available in a PCIe form factor.

Parm
Usernamist
Is there any adapters I can use since my PC doesn't have an m.2 port?
I can confirm that Killer is considering making the Wireless-AC 1550 available in a PCIe form factor.

That's good news. Hopefully they'll be coming sooner than later. Been waiting close to a year and a half now for a wifi+bt5 module

Thanks for the review, these are useful to keep reminded where wifi sits in relation to Ethernet. Vast improvements, but I'd still stick to wires if I'm playing games - or transferring data. Although it certainly seems very usable for both.

I assume there is no difference in between latencies and throughput compared to stock Intel providing there is no congestion on the line (e.g. you're not downloading at the same time as gaming).

It'd be interesting to have benches Vs the Intel chip it's based on to see if Killers secret sauce really boosts anything except the RRP.