Installing an Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX211 M2 adapter in new Z2 Mini G9

[Craig-B]

I recently received a new HP Z2 mini G9 that, despite purchasing with a wireless keyboard/mouse combo, did not come with WiFi or Bluetooth capability (apparently I needed to select this as an option). I ordered an Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX211 + Bluetooth® 5.2 M2 adapter from Amazon and installed it into the Z2 mini and while it appears to recognize the adapter, neither Wifi or Bluetooth work. Any suggestions? Scratching my head as to how a $5k computer can arrive without Wifi or bluetooth. 

Thanks. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Yes, it is hard to believe that these brand new HP business class mini-PC's do not come standard with wifi yet.

Do the models that come without Wi-Fi have the required antenna wires needed for reception?

I didn't think that any of the HP desktop mini-PC's that did not come with Wi-Fi from the factory had the antenna wires present.

No antenna wires = no reception.

[Craig-B]

Thanks for the reply. I don't know, all I did was install the AX211 M2 and no joy. But you bring up a good point, simply installing the AX211 may not do anything for me if there are no WiFi or BT antennas present. 

I waiting almost a month for this custom Z2 mini G9 and even ordered it with a wireless keyboard and mouse...how in the world can HP sell me a $5,000 computer (as configured) with a wireless keyboard and mouse with no capability to use it? I am guessing this will probably have to be returned. Really is unbelievable. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

You would have known if you connected antenna wires to the card because the wires are very thin and delicate and somewhat difficult to snap on those tiny antenna terminals.

If you look at the illustration of the card you bought, those two round terminals on the upper right side need antenna wires connected to them.

WiFi 6E Wireless Card Intel AX211 NGW M.2: CNVio2, Bluetooth 5.3, Tri-Band 54... 756166576926 | eBay

If you can return the PC, I recommend you do that because it is very hard to find the antenna kit you need to install.

Otherwise, your best option would be to purchase a dual band USB Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapter.

I have been looking into various HP desktop mini-PC's in used condition on eBay, but I have limited my search to those that specifically indicate they come with built in Wi-Fi.

[Craig-B]

So, I have been going back and forth with HP who are now saying they will charge a 15% restocking fee if I return the machine as it was customized. The entire buying experience has been a nightmare (e.g., monitor shipped to wrong address, no WiFi & Bluetooth despite including a wireless keyboard/mouse, support telling me I purchased a laptop, etc). That said, I did some research and poking around and discovered the the external antenna (long one) is already installed in the machine, missing the shorter main antenna. I identified the relevant HP parts: N09330-001 - SPS Antenna, 09329-001- Antenna cover, and N09610-001 - misc kit cover screw. Browsing the service manual, the already installed long/external antenna requires a substantial amount of work, but with it already installed, this should be easy once I receive the parts (ordered today). To play it safe, I also ordered an HP OEM AX211M.2 card (part # M53366-002). 

Hopefully this all works, it's a shame I have spend considerably more than the $28 HP wants for all of this as an customizable "add on", but not much choice in the matter. Still mind boggling a business class workstation (albeit a "Mini"), does not include wifi or bluetooth by default. 

Will post my results once installed. Hopefully the part #s help others. 

[uptheirons82]

I'm in the same boat, so I look forward to your findings and reply. Did you order all the parts through HP? I'm showing only one of those items in stock.  SPS-Cover Antenna Z2 G9 Mini. It's hard to tell which is which. I only need the WLAN #2 antenna that sits under the black case cover in the rear. 

[uptheirons82]

edited to reply to OP