Wi-Fi 7 is here, and gamers can already benefit from the cutting-edge technology thanks to Intel’s latest Killer Wi-Fi modules. This new standard not only offers faster transfer rates and increased bandwidth, but it also greatly reduces latency, which is essential for activities like remote gaming. Moreover, users will experience a more reliable connection even when multiple devices are connected to the same network. This stability is particularly useful for video streaming when others are gaming or downloading content.
Advancements Over Previous Standards
Wi-Fi 7 represents a significant upgrade from Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. While it retains some fundamental features from earlier versions, such as frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz), almost all other aspects see improvements. Although the addition of 6 GHz in Wi-Fi 6E did not enhance maximum transfer speeds, Wi-Fi 7 boasts theoretical speeds reaching up to 5.8 Gbps. This increase in speed is due to two main factors: the channel bandwidth has been doubled from 160 to 320 MHz, and the data density has risen from 1024 to 4096 QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation), allowing each symbol to carry 12 bits instead of 10.
Connectivity Enhancements
An important feature of the new Wi-Fi 7 is its Multi Link Operation (MLO). In earlier standards, devices could only connect to the router using a single frequency—either 2.4, 5, or 6 GHz. With Wi-Fi 7, devices can connect through two frequencies at once. For instance, if you move around your home, the connection can switch frequencies without dropping the connection.
For our evaluation, we used the MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio A1V laptop, which has the Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1750x (BE200NGW) module and the associated Killer Intelligence Center software. The Wi-Fi 7 router we tested was the Asus Rapture GT-BE98, currently available online for about 620 Euros.
Performance Testing
Our standardized Wi-Fi tests, which we consistently use for reviews, showed a performance increase to 2.9-3.0 Gbps for downloads and even around 3.9 Gbps for uploads. In contrast, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E max out at 1.8-1.9 Gbps, marking a substantial enhancement.
Intel's Killer Wi-Fi module includes the Killer Intelligence Center software, which provides an overview of all available networks and suggests optimizations for network settings or faster networks to connect to. It also features two presets, Multimedia and Creative, each with a distinct priority order for applications. We will explore some of these features in more detail.
Prioritizing Applications
The Killer Prioritization Engine allows users to prioritize specific applications, with online gaming being set as the highest priority by default. This setup ensures a smooth gaming experience, even if other applications like streaming or downloads are running in the background. Users can customize the priority list and set bandwidth limits for individual apps.
An example is Steam Remote Play, which streams a game from a host PC to another device on the same network. We tested it with Grand Theft Auto V while simultaneously downloading multiple files to stress our connection. As shown in the accompanying screenshots with the Steam latency tracker, the streaming latency remained stable at around 30 ms with the Prioritization Engine activated. However, once we deactivated it, we noticed significant latency spikes (80-160 ms) and a marked decline in gaming quality.
Smart Network Recommendations
The Killer Intelligence Engine analyzes the network environment and suggests better networks when available. For instance, when using our standard cable router, the software recommended switching to the superior Wi-Fi 7 connection provided by the Asus Rapture GT-BE98.
This functionality is further enhanced by Smart AP Selection, which not only assesses signal strength but also evaluates the quality of the Wi-Fi connection. If another connection offers a better signal, the access point can be switched automatically.
The Killer Engine leverages one of Wi-Fi 7's advantages by establishing two simultaneous connections. This is particularly beneficial for online gaming, as it requires both stable connections and low latency for an optimal experience. If one connection becomes congested, the Killer Engine can seamlessly switch frequencies to maintain low latency, ensuring your gaming is uninterrupted. This capability is effectively demonstrated in the provided video.
Enhanced Network Performance
The Killer Doubleshot 2.0 feature can boost network performance by utilizing all available network adapters at once. This is especially useful for gaming laptops that typically have both wired and wireless connectivity. For the MSI Stealth, the Wi-Fi 7 connection can be combined with the Ethernet adapter (2.5 Gbps), allowing high-priority applications to be automatically routed to the best connection.
The new Wi-Fi 7 technology brings numerous benefits to users and represents a significant enhancement over Wi-Fi 6E. With a compatible Wi-Fi 7 router, transfer rates can nearly double compared to Wi-Fi 6, and the ability to use two connections simultaneously greatly enhances the online experience.
Conclusion
With higher transfer rates, reduced latency, and improved stability, the combination of Wi-Fi 7 and Intel's Killer Engine delivers an excellent gaming experience and greater convenience for everyday use.
Intel's Killer Wi-Fi 7 modules take full advantage of the new technology, allowing users to tailor their online experience to their preferences. The Killer Intelligence Center software is user-friendly, providing recommendations based on the current network situation. All features are easily accessible, and once activated, the software automatically handles prioritization and the selection of the best available network. Gamers can enjoy their gaming sessions without worrying about network competition from other family members.
