Network card compatibility

[lallen309]

My Broadcom network card repeatedly fails and subsequently locks up the computer.  I have circumvented this by using a USB wireless adapter for the meantime. After checking hp's website, I see that the "Parts Shopper" listed an Intel Dual Band card.  So,  I am trying to order a 710662-005 Intel Dual band card.  On the first attempt to order I requested the -005 card, but they wanted to substitute a -001 card.  I queried the supplier, and they said "It should work - try it"  With that, I decided no, I wasn't .

So the question is:  Can a -001 card be used in place of a -005?  If not, any recommendations on a source?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The first thing you need to know before upgrading to a dual band wifi adapter is to determine how many antenna cables are connected to the Broadcom card in there now.

If there is only one antenna cable, a dual band wifi card will not work, or work poorly, or part of it won't work, such as the wifi part or the bluetooth part.

A dual band wifi card must have two antenna cables connected to it in order to work properly, regardless of the part number.

[lallen309]

Thanks Paul.  I have the two antenna configuration.  My question was whether a -001 will work as a replacement for the Broadcom card or will the hp BIOS whitelist prevent operation.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Does your notebook have an Intel core processor or an AMD processor?

Your notebook should not have a BIOS whitelist, and I would opt for this card, which has twice the throughput, if your notebook has an Intel core processor...

Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 802.11 ac 2x2 WiFi + BT 4.0    HP Part # 710661-001

The card is readily available on eBay or Amazon, and doesn't cost very much at all.

Search by the HP part number, not by the model number of the wireless card.

If it has an AMD processor, go with the Broadcom Broadcom BCM 4352 AC card listed in the service manual.

[lallen309]

Thanks again.  My notebook has Intel processor.  Based on information from an hp search of my notebook part/serial number, I was assuming that mine had the half PCI card with two antenna leads, but with your suggestion and further investigation I am going to open it up and verify the card configuration before I order.  I'll follow up after I look, oder and install.  I'm feeling better about not worrying over the whitelist.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Yes, your model came out around the time HP started only including/attaching one antenna to the single band wifi cards.

What I do when I want to check the form factor of the wifi card, is to enter the part number on eBay.

When I did that for the BCM wifi card your notebook has, it shows that the card is a HMC form factor, not the newer M.2.

So, if your notebook has two antennas, the Intel card I posted will work fine.

[lallen309]

I was reluctant to tear down the laptop twice, so based on HP's description of my model, I made the assumption that it it had an HMC form card with two antennas.  I was half right.  After I recieved the new card I tore into the computer, finding the HMC card had only one antenna lead.  I proceeded anyway (the old BCM card had two antenna connectors with only one active entenna).

In short, it all worked out.  I haven't tried the Bluetooth (which I don't use on this anyway) but the WiFi works just fine with both bands, and I seem to have a strnger indicated signal throughout the house.

The primary issue was the BCM module was causing a total lockup of the computer on a more and more frequent basis, and that seems to be resolved.  
Thanks for the help and support.  Yes, the whitelist scare  was unfounded, and I'm more confident in tearing this down again should the need ever arise.  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Glad to know that you are able to get a good signal/wifi performance with only one antenna attached.