Upgrade Wireless in 13-ac010

[fognl]

Looking at upgrading the wireless card in this notebook to support Wifi6.  The laptop currently has 8265NGW (PN G86C0007J610) and I'm looking at putting in something like AX210NGW card in it to replace it.  In the past I've come across issues upgrading laptop wireless due to "whitelist" implemented in the firmware.  Is there such a thing with HP Spectre laptops, or am I free to just do a drop-in replacement.  Wanted to check before picking up the card.  Thanks!

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Unfortunately, no one will be able to give you a definite answer to your question regarding whether or not your notebook has a BIOS whitelist.

It probably doesn't since it was made after 2013 and HP removed the BIOS whitelist block from most of their notebooks in 2014 and later.

So, you can try one and see if it will work.

You must get the non-vPro version of the Intel AX210 or any Intel card you may consider.

It cannot be any of these cards listed at the link below, that I can guarantee.

What Are the Intel® Integrated Connectivity (CNVi) and Companion...

Another alternative might be this card, but you may as well try the AX210 non-vPro first.

Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 ax 2×2 + Bluetooth 5.0 MU-MIMO M.2 2230 non-vPro   HP part # L35282-005

[fognl]

Thanks for your input and information, I'll look into these options.  Thanks!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

Please post back and let us know how your notebook's wifi adapter upgrade project went. 

[fognl]

Hi Paul, sorry to bother you again, but I did have a question about your response.

You noted that the card cannot be any of the cards you linked to, but one of the cards in that link is actually the AX210.  So, should I seek out something different?  I'll need to order a card online anyways as nothing is available locally to me.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

The list of cards that are on that Intel link I posted does not include the AX210, so it could possibly work.

This is the list of cards that absolutely will not work in your notebook:

• Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX411
• Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211
• Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX203
• Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX201
• Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX101
• Intel® Wireless-AC 9560
• Intel® Wireless-AC 9462
• Intel® Wireless-AC 9461

[fognl]

Sorry, you are absolutely correct. I obviously mis-read AX201 as AX210.  Sorry to bother you again.  I'll report back my findings.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

No problem.

Hopefully, the AX210 will work fine for you.

[fognl]

Reporting back finally as I received the wrong wireless card first and had to wait for the right one.

I can confirm that the AX210NGW wireless card works fine in my notebook.  Worked immediately with no need to seek out drivers in Pop OS.  Completely seamless process.

Thanks again!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime. 

Glad to have been of assistance, and thanks for letting us know that the Intel AX210 works fine in your notebook.