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Can I upgrade my wifi card?

  • 11-02-2016 02:02PM
    #1
    on_my_oe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 991 ✭✭✭


    Ive got two laptops, both the Aspire range and I'm having issues with the internet. One laptop has 750gb and 8gb, the other 500gb and 4gb but both have the Qualcomm Atheros AR5B125 Wireless Network Adapter 2.4ghz cards.

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Aspire-2-53GHz-Windows-Premium/dp/B007NHP3PU

    I've opened both, and the Wifi cards are single cables (e.g. I can only see one fine cable with a cap screw). http://imgur.com/PJa9RMV

    I want to change them to a 5Ghz adaptor as we are having lots of issues with Wifi on our iPhones and iPads as well as the xBox. I've changed the modem over to 5ghz, and they zip along quite well, but it leaves the laptops useless. Unfortunately the budget doesnt allow for laptop upgrades at present.

    How do I figure out if its possible, and any recommendations on suppliers?


Comments

  • #2
    ZENER
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,167 ✭✭✭ZENER


    You can replace them ok, they normally use a Mini-PCI WiFi card in an internal slot. The only issue you might have it that you have a 2.4GHz antenna in the laptop with no 5GHz one - you say there's only one cable to it ?

    Here's a link to Dabs showing one. (just for illustration, it's not a 5GHz card.)

    Here are some that may be 5GHz or dual band on amazon.

    A better option might be to buy an external N or AC USB adapter.

    Ken


  • #3
    on_my_oe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 991 ✭✭✭on_my_oe


    its a thin little cable that twirled around on itself before clipping onto the adaptor, but definitely there was only one.

    Is there any way I can check and see if there is a 5ghz antenna in the laptop? If I buy the external USB plugin thing, will it work if there is a 5ghz antenna in the laptop?


  • #4
    on_my_oe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 991 ✭✭✭on_my_oe


    ,


  • #5
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 18,160 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    On some laptops you can't, especially HP. Although you can physically put another card in, the BIOS prevents the system from booting if the card is one it doesn't recognise. Supposedly to do with regulatory clearance but it's a load of crap.


  • #6
    ZENER
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,167 ✭✭✭ZENER


    on_my_oe wrote: »
    its a thin little cable that twirled around on itself before clipping onto the adaptor, but definitely there was only one.

    Is there any way I can check and see if there is a 5ghz antenna in the laptop? If I buy the external USB plugin thing, will it work if there is a 5ghz antenna in the laptop?

    An external USB adapter will have it's own antenna built in. If you opt for this be sure to either disable the internal card by using whatever key combination or external switch is installed or by removing it.

    Ken


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