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Intel 8260 IEEE 802.11ac Wireless-AC Wi-Fi Adapter — main product image
Intel 8260 IEEE 802.11ac Wireless-AC Wi-Fi Adapter
Intel 8260 IEEE 802.11ac Wireless-AC Wi-Fi Adapter
Intel 8260 IEEE 802.11ac Wireless-AC Wi-Fi Adapter
Intel 8260 IEEE 802.11ac Wireless-AC Wi-Fi Adapter
Intel

Intel 8260 IEEE 802.11ac Wireless-AC Wi-Fi Adapter

★★★★★4.3 (321 reviews)
Bluetooth 4.2

A dual-band 802.11ac Mini PCIe Wi-Fi adapter with 2x2 MIMO, Bluetooth 4.2, and Intel vPro support.

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Overview

The Intel 8260 IEEE 802.11ac adapter is a dual-band wireless card that delivers up to 867 Mbit/s on the 5 GHz band through 2x2 MIMO antenna configuration, alongside standard connectivity on the 2.4 GHz ISM band. Its Mini PCIe low-profile form factor is designed for internal installation in laptops and compact desktops, providing both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 on a single module. This eliminates the need for a separate Bluetooth dongle and keeps the system's wireless hardware consolidated on one card. Intel's mature driver ecosystem means the 8260 works reliably across Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS with minimal configuration.

For enterprise environments, the adapter's vPro compatibility enables remote management features such as out-of-band access and hardware-level diagnostics, which are valuable for IT departments managing fleets of machines. The dual-band design lets users connect to 5 GHz networks for higher throughput and lower interference, or fall back to 2.4 GHz for broader range. While the 8260 predates Wi-Fi 6 and its maximum throughput falls short of newer adapters, it remains a capable and cost-effective upgrade for systems equipped with older wireless cards that lack 802.11ac or Bluetooth 4.2 support.

Key Features

Intel Ac 8260 Ieee 802.11ac Bluetooth 4.2 - Wi-fi/bluetooth Combo Adapter - Mini Pci Express - 867 Mbit/s - 2.40 Ghz Ism - 5 Ghz Unii - Internal - Low-profile

Specifications

Brand
Intel
Model
8260
Wireless Standard
IEEE 802.11ac
Frequency Bands
2.4 GHz ISM / 5 GHz UNII (Dual Band)
MIMO
2x2
Max Speed
867 Mbit/s
Bluetooth
4.2
vPro Support
Yes
Form Factor
Mini PCIe, Low-Profile, Internal

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Dual-band operation on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz provides flexibility to connect on less congested channels
  • Integrated Bluetooth 4.2 eliminates the need for a separate Bluetooth adapter
  • 2x2 MIMO delivers up to 867 Mbit/s throughput on 802.11ac networks
  • vPro support makes it suitable for enterprise deployments with remote management requirements

👎 Cons

  • 802.11ac standard is a generation behind current Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 adapters
  • Maximum speed of 867 Mbit/s may be insufficient for users with gigabit or faster internet plans
  • Mini PCIe form factor requires internal installation and is not compatible with all laptops or desktops
  • Bluetooth 4.2 lacks the range and throughput improvements introduced in Bluetooth 5.0 and later

Frequently Asked Questions

The adapter supports up to 867 Mbit/s on the 5 GHz band using 802.11ac with 2x2 MIMO, and standard 802.11n speeds on the 2.4 GHz band.
Yes, it includes integrated Bluetooth 4.2, so a single card provides both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity without needing a separate module.
It uses a Mini PCIe (M.2) low-profile form factor designed for internal installation in compatible laptops and desktops.
Yes, the Intel 8260 supports vPro technology, making it suitable for enterprise and managed IT environments that require remote management capabilities.

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