Should I upgrade WiFi module from Realtek RTL8821CE to Intel 9461? (both 1x1)

[jackt8]

At first I was excited to find that the service manual for my laptop lists the Intel 9560, a 2x2 wifi module, as an option requiring just 1 antenna. On page 4 of the service manual:

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c06248869

But upon further reading, it seems to be an error in the manual. On page 66 it says that the 9560 2x2 uses 2 antennae.

My laptop is arriving tomorrow, and I believe that it comes with 1 antenna as the wifi card it comes with is the Realtek RTL8821CE 1x1. Specs for my laptop:

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c06316780

Question:

Would it be worthwhile to install the Intel Wireless ac 9461 NGW 1×1 M.2 NV + Bluetooth 5.0? That is listed as an option in the service manual.

I'm not overly concerned about speed, as my home internet connection is only 100mbps, so 1x1 over 5GHz is sufficient. But I would like to ensure consistent & reliable connections as much as possible, for all use cases. For example WiFi + bluetooth both connected, while on battery power, without frequent drops, super slow speed, or other issues. I noticed there are a lot of posts discussing problems with the the Realtek RTL8821CE.

Experts please opine/advise. Thanks in advance.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Yes, the RTL8821CE has been a problematic wifi card for many forum members.

You may or may not have issues with it.

After your notebook does its updates and whatnot, update the wifi and Bluetooth drivers to the latest versions.

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp98501-99000/sp98918.exe

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp98001-98500/sp98266.exe

Now as far as updating to the 9461...here is the problem...

I have recommended that card to a couple of forum members and it didn't work.

The 9560 and 9461 are not traditional standalone wifi adapters. 

They work in conjunction with other components such as the processor to be a 'complete' wifi/Bluetooth adapter.   They are called Companion RF (CRF) adapters.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/wireless-products/dual-band-wireless-ac-9461-brief.html

I'm thinking those cards only work in certain notebook models in that series that they originally came with.

So, if you wanted to experiment with one, that would be the only other option you could try with only one antenna.

I just don't know of anyone on this forum that replaced the 8821 or one of the other single antenna wifi cards with the 9461, and had it work. It has only been 2 or 3 folks that have done this.

With an Intel 8th generation processor, it should work, but I think someone tried it with one, and it didn't.

So, the jury is still out on that option.

Would need more risk-takers out there to step up and report the outcome of doing such a swap.