Wireless issues with Windows 8.1

I have a Inspiron 17R.  I have a TP-Link Dual Band router.  My Inspiron 17R will connect at 150, and holds a solid connection.  When I install a TP-Link TL-WDN3200 USB Dual Band wireless N600, I get very intermittent connectivity, sometimes dropping to as slow as single digits.  I have tried using the TP link driver, and the Windows 8.1/64 driver.  No matter what I try, connectivity is unusable.  

I remove the TPLink and stick in it my Vista Business Inspiron 1525, and it connects at a solid 300.  No issues in that laptop.  Put it in my Win8.1 Inspiron 17R....performance is unusable. 

Google shows a ton of folks claiming issues with Win 8.1 wireless.  No solution that seems to permanently correct the problem. 

Is there a DELL internal 300 card I can upgrade too that is 8.1 certified?  An EXTERNAL USB adapter that is Win 8.1 certified?  I'm getting a fraction of my possible internet speed and it's very frustrating.

Same issue occurs, on same adapter, on  my Desktop Inspiron 660.  It will only run at 150 no matter what adapter I have (I have tried TPLink and an Airlink adapter).  Help please.