Title: Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Performance Issues While Gaming: A Case Study with Intel AX211 and Valorant
In the realm of online gaming, achieving stable internet connections is crucial for an optimal experience. However, some users encounter persistent connectivity issues that can significantly hinder gameplay and general internet use. This article explores a common yet complex problem: how a built-in Wi-Fi adapter, specifically the Intel AX211, can adversely affect Wi-Fi speeds and introduce high latency spikes when running demanding applications like Valorant.
Understanding the Problem
Many gamers rely on high-speed Wi-Fi connections to minimize latency and latency-related disruptions. The user in this case built a desktop system featuring an Intel AX211 Wi-Fi card with external antennas. Under normal circumstances, the network delivers approximately 400 Mbps download and upload speeds. However, launching Valorant causes the connection to deteriorate dramatically, with speeds plummeting to 8-20 Mbps and ping times spiking unpredictably. The inconsistency significantly hampers gameplay and overall user experience.
Systematic Troubleshooting Attempts
To resolve these issues, a comprehensive series of troubleshooting steps was undertaken:
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Driver Management: Drivers were manually updated directly from Intel’s official website rather than relying on Windows Update, aiming to ensure the latest and most compatible firmware.
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Device Reinstallation: The Wi-Fi adapter was fully uninstalled and then reinstalled to eliminate potential driver corruption or misconfiguration.
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Network Stack Reset: Windows network components were reset using commands like
netsh winsock resetto clear potential network stack corruption. -
Device Mode Adjustments: The Wi-Fi mode was switched from Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) to Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) in Device Manager, attempting to bypass possible Wi-Fi 6-related issues.
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Band and Channel Settings: Preference was set to 5GHz, and channel width was set to automatic or 20MHz, aiming to optimize connectivity stability.
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Power and Performance Tweaks: Features like U-APSD and aggressive roaming were disabled; transmit power was maximized, and “Allow the computer to turn off this device” was unchecked to prevent power-saving disruptions.
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Application Priorities: Valorant was assigned high process priority, while Vanguard (the anti-cheat system) was given low priority, to ensure minimal interference.
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QoS and Smart Bandwidth Features: Quality of Service (QoS) and other bandwidth management features were disabled where possible.
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