The WEIRDEST PC Parts we Found on AliExpress

The podcast hosts evaluate and debate the utility and bizarre nature of various obscure PC parts found on AliExpress, ranging from a remote PC switch to a 5.1 sound card and a Wi-Fi 6E card.

• AliExpress offers surprisingly functional, albeit sometimes bizarre, PC components.

• A remote PC power switch and a modern Wi-Fi 6E card proved to be the most practical finds.

• Many niche PC parts exist that address specific, often outdated, connectivity needs affordably.

A group of writers is challenged to select and advocate for the 'best' of two weird PC parts sourced from AliExpress, presenting their chosen components to the group. The cards discussed include a remote PC power switch, a multi-IO controller with USB 3.0 and gigabit Ethernet, a 5.1 sound card, and a Wi-Fi 6E card. The discussion highlights the questionable practicality, niche applications, and varying levels of scam potential or actual utility of these budget-friendly and sometimes hilariously outdated components.

Remote PC Power Switch Card

• 00:01:38 One participant pitches a 'PC remote switch card timer switch card' which essentially acts as a remote power button for a computer. Priced at $22.78, this PCIe 1x card allows a PC to be turned on or off via a phone app, boasting 'strong wall penetration' for extended range. While criticized for relying solely on a phone app, its functionality is demonstrated successfully, showing it can power on and perform a force shutdown remotely, even from a distance.

• 00:06:41 Another participant presents a 'PC multi-IO controller card' featuring three USB 3.0 ports and a gigabit Ethernet LAN port. The card is said to support older Windows versions, but the host points out the incompatibility with PCIe slots on those systems, suggesting a scam. A unique feature claimed is the ability to make USB drives appear as internal system drives, which is perceived as 'pretty sweet' for specific uses like installing core utilities, despite its $50 price tag and questionable driver support for USB storage on Windows versions it is compatible with.

• 00:09:02 A '5.1 multi-channel audio sound card' is introduced, intended to add 5.1 surround sound capabilities to a PC, costing $19. This card is humorously described as the 'world's sloppiest sound card' due to its unshielded design, in contrast to high-fidelity sound cards. Its utility is debated against modern solutions like HDMI, though it's acknowledged as a practical, cheap option for specific niche scenarios, such as making older Logitech surround speakers work, or enabling multi-channel audio without HDMI setup complexities.

• 00:12:09 The final component showcased is a 'Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.2 card,' a PCIe adapter that allows for swapping out the Wi-Fi card module. Despite initial skepticism about its legitimacy, the card is found to be a surprisingly up-to-date 'Enitel' (Intel) chip, supporting Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Priced at $67, it's deemed a useful and potentially upgradeable solution for adding modern wireless connectivity to a PC, especially given its performance when tested, achieving decent speeds and robust signal strength.

• 00:14:44 After testing and presenting all the peculiar PC parts, the participants vote on which card is the 'best,' considering factors like utility and novelty for a 'tech-themed Christmas party.' The Wi-Fi 6E card and the remote PC on/off switch card emerge as the top contenders, tied in votes, while the sound card and the multi-IO card receive less favorable reception. The Wi-Fi 6E card ultimately wins the tie-breaker for its genuine usefulness and modern capabilities, proving to be the most practical and least 'weird' of the bunch, despite its higher cost.