Intel AX211 WLAN on new Z2 Tower G9 Workstation

[Corebash]

I need a bit of help unravelling what has become a tangled heap of conflicting information. I just purchased a new HP Z2 Tower G9 Workstation, part number 6H924UT#ABA. Primary specifications are as follows:

• Intel® Core™ i7 12700 (12th Generation)

• 16 GB RAM

• 512 GB SSD

• NVIDIA® Quadro® T600 (4 GB)

• Included: HP Wired Desktop 320K Keyboard & HP Wired 320M Mouse

I noticed that the specifications mentions the workstation has a M.2 2230 slot for WLAN, which was a good selling point. The location where I work does not have a wired network, so Wi-Fi is critical.

This is the third HP workstation that I’ve owned since 2011, and I’ve always been satisfied. However, a bit of doubt has since been creeping in. Researching the various supported components in the HP Z2 G9 Tower Workstation Desktop PC QuickSpecs manual (c08109687, version 13 from 1 November 2022), I came across the mention that the “Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 BT 5.2 M.2 WLAN” was factory configured but without an Option Kit Part Number. Furthermore, a note confirmed that “the Intel AX211 must be configured at time of purchase; not available as an After Market Option”.

Not only did I not know this before purchasing, I could not have even if I had. The Canadian HP products site (ca-en) only has fixed configurations, none of which indicating that they have the WLAN preinstalled.

So, am I reading this right? Can I not have the Wi-Fi intended for this machine? The Intel AX211 is not hard to find online, and neither are the external Wi-Fi 6E antennas. What would happen if I just installed one on the WLAN M.2 2230 slot and connected the antenna to it?

I do need a solution to this problem, as workstation that cannot be networked is useless.

Regards,

Bernard Michaud

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Bernard:

I would not recommend installing the AX211 because that will only work on PC's that originally came with one.

I suggest this alternative desktop kit which has the same specs as the AX 211 but should work in any model Intel PC with an M.2 slot.

WiFi 6E Desktop Kit for Intel AX210 Bluetooth 5.2 WiFi Card 3000Mbps 802.11ax Dual Band 2.4G/5Ghz AX...

It comes with external antennas.

[Corebash]

Hi Paul,

Thank you for the prompt response. It is much appreciated.

Now, as someone that has been dabbling in computers for over thirty years, I am intrigued; for a component that is seemingly installed in a standard M.2 2230 slot, what must be done to either the Intel AX211 or the PC to “bind” it to that particular computer that cannot be replicated later as an added accessory? As I’ve mentioned previously, I’ve found no suitable configurations for Z2 G9 workstations in Canada that come with the WLAN option, which is a serious problem for something that cannot be later upgraded. It seems to me to be a complete contradiction in a workstation with so many upgradable options.

Your proposed alternative is interesting, but what must be pointed out is that the AX210 is a Wi-Fi 6 dual-band component, 2.4 and 5, whereas the AX211 is a Wi-Fi 6E triple-band component, 2.4, 5 and 6, which does make a difference with the appropriate router. Still, it is a possible solution, but it does leave me disappointed with my choice of PC. And unfortunately, it is not the only such issue; the Thunderbolt component “HP Single TBT3 wType C and USB4 PCIe x4 Card” is also factory-installed with no Option Kit. Another disappointment. The fact that a PC can be dismantled down to its bare case leaves the issue of “factory installed” components baffling. Is it a software or firmware restriction? Is it a licensing requirement?

Regards,

Bernard Michaud

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You're very welcome, Benard.

The AX210 is also a Wifi-6e card just like the AX211.

Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX210

The difference between the two is this...

The AX211 is not a 'standalone' Wi-Fi adapter.  In order for it to work properly it uses other components in the PC such as the processor in order for the Wi-Fi to work.

This explains in broad strokes how it works.

What Are the Intel® Integrated Connectivity (CNVi) and Companion...

The AX210 is a traditional Wi-Fi adapter that needs nothing but the M.2 slot and a pair of antenna wires to work regardless of the chipset or processor the PC comes with.

Now, I can't say that the AX211 is guaranteed not to work in your PC but based on reading dozens of posts where folks have installed the AX201, AX211 etc., in their notebook and desktop PC's that did not originally come with one, there was a 100% 'didn't work' rate.

Even when someone decided to upgrade an AX201 to an AX211 where I would have bet a week's pay it would have worked, nope.

The card doesn't even show up in the device manager.

Unfortunately, I don't know the answer to your other questions.

Regarding the Wi-Fi, I would play it safe and go with the AX210 universal kit since the specs are exactly the same.

[Corebash]

Many thanks yet again Paul. You definitely set a high standard for perfectly answering a technical question, not only providing key bits of information but also a link with a more detailed explanation. I wasn’t aware that Intel processors had been co-opted with wireless networking duties. I’ve read elsewhere that it is a controversial Intel-centric technology, considered temperamental and needlessly over-engineered, the classic solution in search of a problem. The main takeaway is that it “can only be used with select Intel processors/chipsets on systems/motherboards that is specifically designed to support it”, which completely answers my question on why it has to be factory installed.

With no discernible way to know whether any particular motherboard or processor supports CNVi, you’re entirely right that it would be a hit-and-miss proposition at best. Therefore, I support your recommendation for the AX210 instead, and consider your proposed solution as accepted.

Kind regards,

Bernard Michaud

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime, Bernard.

Glad to have been of assistance.

Yes, that CNVi technology really complicates what should be a fairly simple process...installing a Wi-Fi card.

Please post back and let us know how your wireless conversion project went.

Cheers,

Paul

[Corebash]

Hello again Paul,

A bit of a stumble on my way to installing Wi-Fi on my workstation. The seller of that AX210 kit for which you provided the Amazon link, Teday Global Store, sent me the following message:

“This item is compatible with motherboards having a M.2 2230 Key E slot for wifi card. It does not support M.2 CNVI slot and M.2 Key M for SSD.”

Now, the Z2 Tower G9 Workstation M.2 Wi-Fi slot is actually intended for CNVi Wi-Fi cards, the AX211 being one of those, even with the proviso that it be factory installed. We know that the AX211 probably won’t work on a motherboard/processor/chipset combination not factory-enabled for it, but the question is now whether the AX210 will work in the Wi-Fi slot intended for the AX211. Can you confirm this? If so, I will confirm the AX210 order.

Many thanks once more.

Bernard

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Bernard:

I found this discussion which supports my recommendation...

Solved: need a compatible wireless network card/adapter for my Z2 G9... - HP Support Community - 847...

I've never heard of a specific M.2 CNVi slot.

There are many contact pins on the card and in the slot, and most likely CNVi cards use certain pins/contacts and the others use different ones.

My opinion is that the Intel AX cards ending in a '0' will work in any PC.

Now, if you want to install the AX211, maybe it will work but I have my doubts.

Paul

[Corebash]

Hello Paul,

Believe me Paul, I’m not doubting your assertions at all, and the fact that the online store sells Wi-Fi cards does not make them experts on any one of them. I may just be overly cautious and I’m more concerned about causing issues with my new PC than anything else. Based on information that you provided and other sites have corroborated, it is less likely that the AX211 will work in the workstation than the AX210. Their warning did sound ominous however, but again you’ve been a reassuring influence with the fact that the AX210 has been successfully installed on the Z2 workstation.

Again, many thanks, and I will confirm the AX210 order.

Regards,

Bernard

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Bernard.

I understand your concerns.

My concern is not to see folks waste their money and dealing with the hassles of returning parts.

I don't have all the answers, but the info I provide is usually based on actual results.

As you saw from the discussion I posted, the very same kit worked in the very same model PC as yours.

It was nice of the person to report back and even show pictures of the installation.

Looks like the antenna wires are just long enough to reach the back of the PC.

Cheers,

Paul