Can I upgrade my wireless card?

[FirstTimeHPer]

My wireless card, the Realtek RTL8723BE 802.11 b/g/n limits me to 72 mbps link speed, which effectively means that I am getting download speeds of only 20 mbps while in the next room from the router, while my son's laptop is getting 200+ a few feet from me. I'd like to know how hard it would be to upgrade and what would be a good choice in terms of a dual-band 2x2 card that is reasonably priced.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Yes, you can upgrade the RTL8723DE 802.11 b/g/n wifi card to this model, since your notebook only has one antenna wire.

Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11 ac 1x1 WiFi + 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 wifi 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.

Below is the link to the service manual, where you can find the wifi card removal and replacement procedure.

Maintenance and Service Guide HP 15 Laptop PC

[FirstTimeHPer]

Thank you so much!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.