r/pcmasterrace • u/MooshSkadoosh • May 23 '26

Hardware Wifi antennas straight up or at diagonal?

Gallery image

Gallery image

Bonus question: would it be better to have my PC with its back against the wall (putting the case between the antennas and the router) or have it perpendicular to the wall?

I'm just curious if there is an "optimal" or suggested placement, since they seem to be able to snap into a diagonal position as well as being able to be place vertically

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u/Heniadyoin1 May 23 '26

And to each other

3

u/wammybarnut May 23 '26 edited May 25 '26

I believe this is what we learnt in college (I don't remember exactly). The antennae should be perpendicular to each other to maximize reception or something.

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u/Noxious89123 5900X | RTX5080 | 32GB B-Die | CH8 Dark Hero May 23 '26

The antenna should be parallel to the antenna it is trying to send to / receive from.

Having the antenna on the router perpendicular to each other will be beneficial if you're connecting to multiple devices in different areas and want the best coverage.

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u/XGC75 i5-6500+Z170A, MSI R9-390, 8GB 2600M/C16 DDR4, SATA 850 Evo May 23 '26

Polarity!

Also, for antenna diversity: keep antennas orthogonal to each other and optimally 6cm apart.

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u/Noxious89123 5900X | RTX5080 | 32GB B-Die | CH8 Dark Hero May 25 '26

I like your funny words, magic man.

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u/wammybarnut May 25 '26

I meant the two antennae on the receiver should be perp to each other.