Please identify this peripheral

[TimLo]

Please can someone identify the black oblong peripheral (circled in blue) connected to the back of my Z6 G5. It has wires connected to it from the inside of the crate.

 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Below is the link to the HP Quickspecs for your PC:

HP Z6 G5 Workstation

Page 3, item 8 identifies the component.

Chapter 1, page 4, item 9 of the service manual identifies the device as an antenna cover.

Maintenance and Service Guide (hp.com)

[TimLo]

Many thanks, my guess is it would be a WiFi antenna? If so, it clearly wasn't working on my crate. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Yes, that is an antenna cover for the Wi-Fi.

Does your PC have an internal M.2 Wi-Fi adapter?

Usually, the antenna wires are internal to the PC, but for better reception optional external antennas are offered.

The service manual mentions Wi-Fi but not how to install it or where it is located.

[TimLo]

Q: Does your PC have an internal M.2 Wi-Fi adapter?

A: No. 

I have been using a usb WiFi adapter for internet access. 

Thanks for clarifying what the device is. Presumably it doesn't function without a WiFi adapter? I attach a photo of the internal view of the antenna.

 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Where do the other ends of the antenna wires go to?

There is no indication that the PC has a M.2 2230 slot to support an internal Wi-Fi adapter.

The manual does not indicate anything, so I am baffled as to how you install an internal Wi-Fi adapter.

I use PCIe x1 internal Wi-Fi adapters and you connect the Bluetooth cable to an internal 9-pin USB header on the motherboard.

I also use dual band USB Wi-Fi adapters on some.

[TimLo]

Where do the other ends of the antenna wires go to?

They disappear under the system board. I can't see where or what they are connected to.

To be honest, I have found supporting documents for the workstation to be vague at best.

[TimLo]

A second Z6 G5 unit supplied does not have the antenna fitted. That's what drew my attention to the device on the first unit. 

The only M2 connections on the Z6 appear to be for drives. Just two that I can see. One is already occupied with the system drive.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You will probably have to contact HP to see how you connect an internal Wi-Fi adapter to the PC or continue to use a USB one.

I can't help you when the service manual doesn't provide any information about how to install a Wi-Fi adapter.

Or you can start a new post and hope someone has the same PC and can help you with that question.

[TimLo]

Thanks, your insight and advice has been much appreciated.  Tim