Replace WLAN card for my HP ProBook 4520s

[TrondSvendsen]

I have a HP ProBook 4520s, where the manual states Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6200 as an optional WLAN module (for the already installed Ralink RT3090BC4). I've read good things about the successor, Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 WLAN module, but was not sure if this would be compatible with my laptop? The 6300 is a 3 antenna card, but the laptop only has 2 antennas integrated into the monitor. Will this be a problem?

[Huffer]

Yes it will. First, it is very hard to replace wi-fi cards in an HP because of the BIOS whitelist. Any card you install MUST be an actual HP version of the card. You need to get an actual HP-tattooed card with an HP Part number and it has to be one of the specific types compatible with your model and BIOS. In order to get any benefit out of a 3-antenna card you have to have 3 antenna cables. It will work with 2 antennas, but will be crippled as far as performance.

Here is the Manual. Possible wi-fi cards with HP Part Number are on pages 25-28.

Your Service Manual

You can string a third antenna cable but it is not an easy task.

[TrondSvendsen]

Thank you, do you happen to know if there are any HP tatooed WLAN cards out there with two antennas, that supports 5 GHz, or is that a three antenna feature? The current one only operates on 2.4 Ghz and gives med 135 Mbps maximum. I also believe that this card has Bluetooth, which I don't use, and have deactivated.

[Huffer]

The only "N" cards with 2 antennae are Broadcom cards and they are in the 2.4 spectrum. I believe all 5 ghz spectrum cards have 3 leads.

[TrondSvendsen]

Where can I buy Broadcom cards with HP part numbers? And how can I make sure that the Broadcom card is the HP version?

[MrQ_]

So, how about if we want to change to a card that is not on the whitelist? Is that possible with a biosupdate?