I have an HP dv6408nr laptop and i want to upgrade the built in wireless PCIeMini adapter to an N300

[pyro42]

I have an HP dv6408nr laptop and i want to upgrade the built in wireless PCIeMini adapter to an N300 or ideally an N300 Dual Band.  My home network has outgrown the G's 54mbs and the laptop drags down my entire wireless network when its used.  What part would i purchase to upgrade the wireless adapter in my laptop?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Below is the link to the service manual for your PC. Chapter 3 lists the supported internal wireless network adapters with corresponding part numbers.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01035677.pdf

Unfortunately, I do not see any wireless N 150 or 300 adapters listed. This means you do not have that option for your notebook.

HP puts a BIOS lock on all unsupported WLAN cards one might attempt to install. The PC will halt on boot until the unsupported card is removed.

The only two options I see for you is to purchase one of those small USB wireless N 300 adapters, or purchase a new notebook with the features you want.

Paul

[pyro42]

Unfortunately, thats just not acceptable.  Does the manual take into account any additional wlan cards that might have been added via bios update, or is HP not that fond of supporting existing customers?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Yes, the service manual lists all supported WLAN cards. None were added. There are no BIOS updates for your notebook that add additional support for new WLAN cards.

I don't work for HP. I am an end user like you, so I can't provide an answer for the last part of your question, if it was not rhetorical.

I'm sorry I can't tell you what you want to hear.

Paul

[pyro42]

Well after a bit of googling, turns out there is a solution revolving around modified bios.  I understand all the risks associated with bios flashing, especially with unofficial bios flashing, but i am disappointed to learn this is my only option for what should be a simple fix from HP.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Yes, you can take the risk if you are knowledgable enough to do it. I knew you can do this, but I never advise folks to take the chance.

So, now that you know it can be done , if you want to read this link from one of our knowledgable forum members who has successfully modified the BIOS on his HP notebook to accept unsupported cards, here it is:

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Wireless-Internet-and-home/Wireless-Card-upgrade/m-p/373355#M10368

You can also read why HP puts a BIOS lock in unsupported cards in my reply to the original poster in the above thread.

I'm sure there is also a monetary reason too. If you are free to upgrade your notebook to your satisfaction, then HP will sell fewer new notebooks, and that would hurt their business.

Paul