Question Changing Internal WIFI Card on my Acer Aspire 5733z-4851

[dwaindebathtub]

I have a question about upgrading the internal wifi card on my laptop. Right now it has an Atheros 2.4GHz wifi card with a single black wire attached. Is it possible to update this to a dual band wifi card so I can get the system running wifi at 5G instead of just 2G? I know I can just add a USB wireless dongle but would rather have it internal. The system is only USB 2.0 so I'm not sure if adding an external 5G device would help.

 

[COLGeek]

Are there extra antenna leads in the laptop that your current card simply doesn't use?

 

[dwaindebathtub]

I don't think so or at least I didn't see a "white" lead while I was upgrading the processor. Would the second lead be needed to convert the system to dual band?

 

[COLGeek]

Yes, you'll need the second lead. Look around, when not used, they are often folded/tucked away for neatness.

Without the antenna lead, your range will be dismal.

 

[dwaindebathtub]

Ok, I understand that but you really didn't answer the original question. Can this system be internally upgraded to a dual band adapter card? Would the system recognize the new card or would it need to be reconfigured?

 

[COLGeek]

Yes, as long as you get a compatible (slot and size-wise), you can change the wi-fi adapter. That is a fairly straight forward process.

 

[dwaindebathtub]

Ok, after doing some research I've found that some laptop vendors such as HP, IBM and Dell use what is called a BIOS "whitelist" that limits the types of peripherals that can be installed on their systems. Others, like MSI and Acer apparently don't use these white lists so I found and ordered an Intel 7260 mini wifi dual band card with bluetooth capability and an antenna set for about $35.00. I'm going to try this and see if it works.

 

[COLGeek]

As long as it is the proper format device, it should work. Do you know the exact model of the device you are replacing?

 

[gggplaya]

Make sure you buy an intel wifi adapter, they seem to have the best compatibility. I've upgraded several older laptops to wireless AC a few years ago. I used Intel adapter, the 8260 if memory serves me.

 

[dwaindebathtub]

I got the Intel 7260 and an additional antenna kit to go with it off Amazon for about $32 for everything. Will this one work? I watched a You Tube video and this is the one they used.

 

[COLGeek]

What is the exact model of the device you are replacing? The intent is to determine the physical format of that device and to match it to what you ordered.