Install tp-link AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 PCIe adapter

[nikost74]

I only have one PCIe x16 slot available to plug in external cards on this motherboard, which is a Tampa2 motherboard. System BIOS version is F.53.

I tried to install this adapter, tp-link ax3000 wi-fi 6 and cannot get it to work.

It is recognized by the operating system, but the card itself is not activated.

What can I do to fix this or is it not possible to install a PCIe x1 adapter card on this PCIe x16 slot?

[TheOldMan]

Assuming you are speaking of this device and not the router using the same name

https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/pci-adapter/archer-tx3000e/#specifications

Did you go to the support page and follow the information there and install the appropriate driver from that page?

https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/download/archer-tx3000e/

[nikost74]

Yes, it's in the subject as well that this is a PCIe adapter that you insert in a shorter PCIe slot, whereas the Tampa2 motherboard only have two PCIe x16 long slots.

I already tested the drivers from the manufacturer with no luck.

Link to the adapter:

https://www.tp-link.com/se/home-networking/pci-adapter/archer-tx50e/

[TheOldMan]

I cannot find any documentation indicating anything about the second PCIx16 slot.  Typically the second PCIx slot will accept a shorter PCIx card unless that slot is sharing a processing lane with something else, which I cannot find anything on that, either.

A retail board would supply that information.

[nikost74]

I have tried many different things, even contacted tp-link directly and they say that this card supports PCIe x16, x1 etc.

What I can see in the device manager is that i receive Code 10 error.

PS. I have tried with an older PCIe card with an Atheros AR938x chip and that card workds OOB!

What else can I try out?

[TheOldMan]

I would try that card in a different PC to verify that it does in fact work.  If that proves out, then try it in the other PCIx16 slot that is on the motherboard.

Other than that , no other ideas at this time.

[nikost74]

I have tried the tp-link card on another motherboard and it works OOB.

I'd say that there are probably compatibility issues between the Targa2 motherboard and the tp-link PCIe card.

Hopefully HP could have a look at this and add it to a future BIOS fix.

[TheOldMan]

You did not mention if you tried this card using the other PCIx16 slot.  If there is a hardware conflict on the second PCIx16 slot, it might work OK in the first slot.  With just the OMEN by HP Desktop PC 880-p1xx model number I cannot tell if your PC has a video card installed or not.  There should be numbers numbers to replace the "xx" 's or you might find a model number similar to this "2HJ46AA#ABA", for example.

[nikost74]

I cannot do this since my graphics card takes up too much space, so it must be suited in position 1.

However how do you explain that the other PCIe x1 card which also is a wi-fi adapter works?

I'd say HP must have a look into this and add it to the compatibility list.

As it is right now this tp-link adapter card is not compatible with the Targa2 motherboard.

[TheOldMan]

Yes, big graphics cards can be a problem.  Without the model number being complete, I cannot tell for sure, but many of the newer CPU's have graphics capabilities, so you could temporarily remove the graphics card, use the integrated graphics, either from the motherboard or CPU, just for testing purposes and then try the add-on card in the first slot.  That would tell you if there is a compatibility problem with that card or with the other slot.

Either way, then you will know.

I don't know about that motherboard, but since there are two PCIx16 slots, it would seem logical that the second slot should be compatible with anything that can use a PCIx slot, even a second graphics card.  I would be interested in you doing this little experiment, however.  Just so any other users that come across this thread on later dates will know.