ASUS
ASUS PCE-AC56 Dual-Band 2x2 AC1300 WiFi PCIe Adapter
Bottom line: The ASUS PCE-AC56 Dual-Band 2x2 AC1300 WiFi PCIe Adapter ($16.09 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz via 802.11ac chipset; main trade-off: 2x2 AC1300 class, not Wi-Fi 6 or 6E.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz via 802.11ac chipset
- ✓ TurboQAM lifts 2.4 GHz 802.11n to 400 Mbps, about 33% faster
- ✓ High-power design claims 150% greater coverage for dead zones
- ✓ Selectable dual-band, backwards-compatible with b/g/n routers
Cons
- ✗ 2x2 AC1300 class, not Wi-Fi 6 or 6E
- ✗ Listed OS support stops at Windows 8.1
- ✗ Needs a free PCIe slot, so no laptop or mini-PC use
- ✗ Legacy WEP options are insecure by modern standards
Manufacturer description
ASUS PCE-AC56 PCI wireless Express adapter. Disclaimer: Actual data throughput and WiFi coverage will vary from network conditions and environmental factors, including the volume of network traffic, building material and construction, and network overhead, result in lower actual data throughput and wireless coverage.
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored ASUS PCE-AC56 Dual-Band 2x2 AC1300 WiFi PCIe Adapter using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the networking category. ASUS's networking lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for networking of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the ASUS PCE-AC56 in real use?
It links at up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz 802.11ac and up to 400 Mbps on 2.4 GHz with TurboQAM. ASUS notes actual throughput is lower and varies with network traffic, building materials, and network overhead.
Does the PCE-AC56 work with Windows 10 or Windows 11?
The listed driver support covers Windows 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP in 32-bit and 64-bit. For newer Windows releases, check the ASUS support page for the current driver before buying.
Will it work with my older 2.4 GHz router?
Yes. The card offers selectable 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operation and is backwards-compatible with existing 802.11 a/b/g/n devices, so it connects to older routers at their supported rate.
What slot does this card need?
It is a PCIe card for desktop PCs, so you need a free PCIe slot inside the case. It is not compatible with laptops or systems without an open expansion slot.
What wireless security does it support?
WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, and WPS, plus legacy 64-bit and 128-bit WEP for older networks. WPA2-PSK is the setting to use on any modern router.
Key Features
- Provides an extensible design that enables Service prioritization for data. Network Standard : IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
- Design that delivers high availability, scalability, and for maximum flexibility and price/performance
- Instant 802.11ac Wi-Fi Upgrade for your desktop PC: no more messy Ethernet cables needed
- Next-generation 802.11ac chipset for super-fast connections up to 867 Mbps. Security 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP, WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WPS support
- OS Support-Windows 8.1 32bit/64bit, Windows 8 32bit/64bit,Windows 7 32bit/64bit,Windows Vista 2bit/64bit,Windows XP 32bit/64bit
- Instant 802.11ac Wi-Fi upgrade for your desktop PC: no more messy Ethernet cables needed
Full Specifications
| Brand | ASUS |
|---|---|
| Color | Multicolour |
| Connectivity | Wireless, WiFi, 2.4GHz |
| Model Number | PCE-AC56 |
| Compatibility | PC |
| Built-In Media | External magnetic antenna base, Low Profile Bracket, PCE-AC56, Support CD, Warranty card |
| Item Type Name | Asus Wireless AC1300 PCIe Adapter (PCE-AC56) |
| Connection Type | Wireless |
| Mfr Part Number | PCE-AC56 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Data Link Protocol | IEEE 802.11ac |
| Data Transfer Rate | 1300 megabits_per_second |
| Hardware Interface | PCI Express x1 |
| Warranty Description | 3 Years |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 4.72"L x 3.54"W x 7.09"H |
| External Testing Certification | CE, FCC, C-Tick, IC |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00809394253388, 00886227504763, 04716659504856, 04716659504863 |
Ready to buy?
ASUS PCE-AC56 Dual-Band 2x2 AC1300 WiFi PCIe Adapter is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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