Upgrade from Realtek RTL8723BE 802.11 bgn to a 5G network adapter

[PeteJC]

Is my Desktop 550-126 compatible with 5G?  Can I upgrade my network adapter from my current  Realtek RTL8723BE 802.11 bgn to a 5G network adapter to a 5G compatible 5G network adapter card?  What is a good replacement?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

How many antenna wires are going to the Realtek wifi card?

The parts list seems to indicate that there is only one.

HP PartSurfer

812046-001

Antenna - WLAN/BT M.2 635mm Embedded

If that is the case, there is only one model dual band AC card you can easily upgrade to and that would be this one...

Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11 ac 1x1 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Adapter (MU-MIMO supported) HP part # L17365-005.

The card has a maximum throughput of 433 MBPS on the 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi band with an AC router and an excellent signal.

You can find this model on eBay, or Ali Express. 

I see some Intel 3165 cards listed on the eBay listings, so don't buy those.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=L17365-005&_sacat=0&_sop=15

RTL8821CE - Buy RTL8821CE with free shipping on AliExpress

On the Ali Express listings, make sure the card has the HP Part # of 915620-001.

[PeteJC]

Paul,  Thanks for taking the time to research and reply.  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Another option if your PC only has one antenna wire would be to buy a Wi-Fi AX desktop kit where you use the Wi-Fi card's M.2 slot for the replacement card and run two antenna wires to external antennas.

Something like this...

Amazon.com: AX210 WiFi 6E Card M.2 NGFF Mini Desktop kit Adapter Newest 6GHz BT5.2 Wireless 802.11ax...

[PeteJC]

It turns out that my PC has a 2 wire WI FI network adapter.  This is the one that I have currently installed.  

Realtek RTL8723BE 802.11bgn BT NGFF mini P/N 792204-001

https://www.ebay.com/itm/334395555071

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Yes, I know that the model Wi-Fi card your PC has is equipped with two terminals to connect antenna wires to, but does your PC actually have two antenna wires connected to the card?

Usually, they only have one antenna wire connected and if there is only one wire, a dual band card such as an Intel dual band Wi-Fi adapter will not have Bluetooth if you can only connect one antenna wire to it.

[PeteJC]

It does have 2 wires actually connected.  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

That's good news.

You should be able to upgrade to this model Wi-Fi AX card:

Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 ax 2×2 + Bluetooth 5.0 MU-MIMO M.2 2230 non-vPro   HP part # L35282-005

You can find this model Wi-Fi card on eBay.

Search by the HP part number, not the model of the Wi-Fi card.

l35282-005: Search Result | eBay