HP Z2 G5 Mini - WLAN/BT module missing

[Vraginho]

Hello! I have purchased a HP Z2 Mini G5 12M10EA#ABD Workstation. Before purchase, I was given the information from the reseller that it DOES contain a built-in WLAN/BT module.

After X hours lost, updating the firmware, bios, etc. - and talking to support, we have confirmed that the said model DOES not contain the said module (so if it had been known I would not have purchased it in the first place).

The reseller offers to send a USB dongle with said functions. My questions on a M2 card have been ignored. But I have a Mini/SFF and would prefer to have as many components built in. As can be seen (picture, slot on the right, blue-ish, rectangular (says WLAN)), it is a M2 card that is missing. Can I order anywhere the said WLAN/BT card? If yes, any info would be appreciated (exact model, site to buy it on, etc.) - I am in Europe, Austria.

I would prefer not to return the workstation as it has increased in price 10% since I purchased, and would like to have all functionality, without USB dongles and other things protruding. any help/advice is appreciated? Thanks in advance.

[DGroves]

these units used the  Intel 9560  M.2 2230 Wireless module, (with vPro) or the newer win 10 only  Wi-Fi 6 standard

Intel AX201NGW

note that the above cards are available with different feature sets depending on the last 4 digits (NGW NGFF) so make sure you are ordering the correct one

other 2230 formfactor cards will work

https://www.mouser.com/new/intel/intel-wi-fi-6-ax200-ax201-modules/

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Intel/9560NGWG?qs=rkhjVJ6%2F3EK98xxJYRlhSA%3D%3D

note that if your unit came without wireless it may not have the antenna wires so this also would need to be installed and this is a pain to do as it requires a bit of time

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-IPEX-Internal-Antenna-M-2/dp/B07QDTXGGJ

[Vraginho]

Thank you for the reply - it is a great summary and it seems I can proceed to order and try to install them. I have checked the links and text you sent, and if you know/can provide the feedback on the following it would be great:

1. the part about ordering the correct module with last 4 digits being important - I am not sure about the right one, but I guess the one you put in the link (9560.NGWG.NV) is the one that would be ok (I just need general Wifi and BT connectivity, no special purposes, but not aware if there are some incompatibilities). Also, this one does not have vPro - I tried looking for that what it means and why would I need that (possibly), but did not find anything usable - I guess if I do not know about it, probably I also do not need it. Please correct me if any of these thoughts are wrong.

2. Re: antenna - I did some reading and saw that there are not that many internal ones and the main issue seems to be snapping the connector at the right angle to the card. I am only checking: do I need 1 or 2 of those antennas (given there are two round connector point on the card? I see on some graphics they choose just one, but it is not consistent.

3. Thank you for the links - most helpful. I have been able to map those to German Amazon as otherwise shipping and handling and customs is just all too much/long. If you could confirm that the following would be appropriate, it would be appreciated (or suggest an alternative):

Module: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Intel-Wireless-AC-9560-Network-adapter/dp/B07FDZDKMK/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&...

 Antenna(s):

x https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B06XK19H5J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

or this one 2x https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Antenna-MHF4-IPX-Connector-Reception-Unlocked/dp/B074TVS9YX/ref=sr_1_13?d...

(I was unable to find the antenna that you suggested and still do not know whether I would need one or two)

also, any tips on placing the free end of antenna(s) in the housing?

Thank you for providing help, best regards, Hrvoje

[DGroves · Accepted solution]

intel vPro is used on business systems mostly

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/architecture-and-technology/vpro/what-is-vpro.html

your wireless card selection is fine

you must use antenna that are "tuned" to 2.4/5 Ghz  and bluetooth for proper performance/range

card has two antenna connections so two antenna are needed and must be placed in the system where they will not be blocked by metal note that older wireless cards used a larger antenna connection than newer cards which use a very small connection (MHF4-IPX-Connector) see link below for size difference

https://www.ebay.com/itm/172552570831?hash=item282cef47cf:g:ds4AAOSw32lYtDEg

This will work:

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Antenna-MHF4-IPX-Connector-Reception-Unlocked/dp/B074TVS9YX/ref=sr_1_13?d...

should work:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/373502509905?hash=item56f67c0351:g:-~AAAOSwA8FgUl2g

[Vraginho]

Hello once again and thank you for reply and helpful tips! I will order those and try if this works! Best regards, Hrvoje

[bee1907]

Hi I recently purchased the Z2 G5 Mini and didn't realise it didn't come with a Wifi LAN module.
Contacting the tech support, they told me that it cannot be added later on as it needs to be configured in the factory. However, this is far from the truth, they don't know what they are talking about.

The previous replies to this thread helped me a lot to find the correct part, and I found the original parts from HP Parts Store too so I wanted to add this to this thread.

Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201NGW Module Part Number: L89761-001

I found the module on Mouser for much cheaper though and bought it from Mouser:
https://www.mouser.co.uk/ProductDetail/intel/ax201ngwgnvw/?qs=OlC7AqGiEDleMyzin7oIFA==&countrycode=G...

My workstation came with the antennas already installed. However, if yours don't then you can buy them from Amazon: 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07QDTXGGJ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1WYUU9KFUWGG9&psc=1

Once installed, you need to download the necessary drivers from intel:
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/product/130293/Intel-Wi-Fi-6-AX201-Gig- 

I hope this helps anyone who faces the same situation. The best option is to configure the workstation to have the module in it when ordering and avoid this hassle.