Notebook WLAN upgrade to WiFi6

[Juri4]

Hi, I'm looking to upgrade my current RTL8188EE 802.11bgn WLAN M.2 adapter to WiFi6.

Found multiple options on Amazon, for example:

Intel AX200: https://www.amazon.com/Intel-Network-AX200-NGWG-NV-AX2002230-Retail/dp/B07ZVYKRW9

Intel AX210: https://www.amazon.com/AX210-Tri-Band-5400Mbps-Internal-Wireless/dp/B09M2SRJ9P/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3HB7H...

Are they compatible with and have drivers support for my HP Pavilion Notebook - 15t-ab100 CTO(Energy Star) ?

Thank you in advance

Juri

[Huffer]

The ax210 has not worked for many who have reported here, but the ax200 generally does. Your big issue is going to be the single antenna provided for wifi from the factory. So unless you install a second wifi antenna you have very limited wifi upgrade options. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, @Juri4 

The only direct swap, hassle free Wi-Fi card upgrade you can do for your notebook is 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.

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

HP Pavilion Notebook (Intel)Star WarsTM Special Edition Notebook Maintenance and Service Guide

[Juri4 · Accepted solution]

Thank you Paul! 

Followed your advice, bought Wifi5 Realtek RTL8821CE on Amazon and it works fine.

Getting ~250 Mbps with WiFi 6 router, more than enough!

Also switching from 2.4 to 5 GHz helps a lot in my dense Wifi neighborhood.

Thanks again!

[Juri4]

Thank you Huffer! 

I decided to go with drop-in replacement Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11 ac to minimize risks with my outdated laptop model.

But anyway thank you for your fast response, that was very helpful!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.