Wi-Fi Connection Unbearably Weak, Need Compatible Adapter

[SliceTech]

Hi,

I'm getting 1MB wireless download speed on my HP 410-120, which is obviously a major problem.  I have another desktop literally 5 feet away from it, and it gets 20MB per second.  I'm not sure why, but I did to go and buy an external wireless networ adapter (with an antenna) to either assist or override the internal wireless card (I'm not sure that works, if it overrides or just adds to).

So now I'm just trying to find one that's compatible with this desktop.  Or, are they all pretty much universal and any one I go and buy from the store will work?

Thanks.  Just trying to save a little possible frustration if there are only certain ones that will plug into this computer.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

You have to make sure the PC is connecting to the external usb wifi adapter you bought.

Most likely it is still connected to the internal one, unless you selected 'forget this network'

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/forget-wireless-network-profiles-windows-10

Otherwise, anytime you start the PC, it will automatically connect to the original wifi adapter.

The adapters work independently of each other.

When you are connected to the one you bought, make sure you check the automatically connect to this network' box.

[SliceTech]

Thank you for the help.  I will use that info once I've bought a new external adapter.  However, I've yet to buy one.  I was trying to determine which one I should buy for this specific computer.  Are the USB ones universal?  I assume so.  But for whatever reason, I thought that purchasing an adapter that actually plugged into the motherboard would be a superior option.  That said, I'm not even sure there's a slot to plug one into this motherboard.  There is a PCI-Express x 16 slot, but it doesn't seem to line up with the dock slot on the back of the PC in order to let the adapter antennas be on the exterior.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Sorry that I misunderstood you.

To replace the internal wifi card with a better one, your PC will need to have two antenna cables connected to the wifi card in there now.

So, shut down and unplug the PC, open up the PC, and let me know how many antenna cables you see connected to the wifi card.  Below is the link to the service manual.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04883380

The card your PC has is the Realtek 8188EE M.2 form factor wifi card.  It will be lying flat on the motherboard, and the card itself looks like this.

If there is only one antenna, then I recommend you purchase an external usb dual band wifi adapter of your choosing.

Any model should work.  I would pick one with the best online user reviews.

[SliceTech]

I have the PC open and I see the card you're referencing.  There is currently one antenna connected.  There appears to be, as seen in your picture as well, that there's another nodule to connect a second antenna.

Based on your comments, it appears in this scenario I should go ahead and get a USB dual band wi-fi adapter.  Correct?

A few follow-up questions that don't necessarily need answered - I'm just thinking out loud here:

1. Why would they use such a poor wifi-card from the factory?  One that is almost unusable?

2. Is there even an option to purchase a PCI-Express wireless adapter card to plug into the motherboard?  Or is the USB just as good and much easier to install?

Thanks again for all the help.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

The same manufacturer does make a dual band AC wifi adapter that will work with only one antenna, but I would be a bit leery of using it if the current reception you are getting is poor.  If you are getting a strong signal, then you may want to give it a try.

Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11 ac 1x1 WiFi + Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Adapter (MU-MIMO supported)    HP Part # L17365-005

The only place I have been able to find that card for sale is on eBay.   Do your search by the part number, not the model of the wifi card.

I do not see an expansion slot to add an internal PCIe x1 wifi card, so your only other option would be to go the USB route.

Not sure if a PCIe x1 card will work in the PCIe x16 graphics card slot.