Upgrade for Qualcomm Atheros AR9485 802.11b/g/n WiFi Adapter

[Dinoman1983000]

Is it possible to upgrade the slow Qualcomm Atheros AR9485 802.11b/g/n WiFi Adapter?

I use a Virgin Media connection, 200MB, HUB 3(the latest generation of router), which support WiFi 5 (802.11ac).

So basically my wifi card is not able to access to the speed provided by virgin media.

If an upgrade is possible, which would be the best option? 

Also, given the coronavirus situation, I would like to buy the part online and upgrade myself, but I have never done such a thing and It would be great to get some step by step instruction, as I have no idea. Is a driver needed? where and how to get it?

Many thanks,

Dino

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi, Dino:

You can upgrade to one of these two Broadcom wifi adapters...

Dual band AC:

Broadcom BCM4352 802.11ac 2x2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.0 combo HP Part # 724935-001

Dual band N:

Broadcom BCM943228HMB 802.11abgn 2×2 Wi-Fi Adapter, Broadcom Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter   HP part # 730668-001

You can try amazon for these cards, but I'm thinking you will probably only be able to get one on eBay in used but tested and working condition.

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

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

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04439615

Windows 10 should automatically install the drivers for either model wifi card.

[Dinoman1983000]

To the point and informative, thanks a lot!

I have found on Ebay the dual band AC:

As you suggested I have searched for the product number, but I am still not sure this is the part i need.

Would you mind having a quick look at it? I would really appreciate it! Of course, no responsibilities/blame.

Here is the link, is that the part I  am looking for? should I buy anything else to "complement" the upgrade?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HP-EliteBook-725-745-BCM94352HMB-WiFi-BT-4-0-867-Mbps-802-1ac-724935-001/...

Many many thanks!

Dino

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Dino.

That one should work just fine.

You won't need anything else.

[Dinoman1983000]

Top man! thanks for your advice!😉

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.

Please post back and let us know how your wifi card upgrade project went.

[Dinoman1983000]

Of course Paul, I will certainly let you know how it goes, delivery in n2 weeks time. Exiting!:-)

On a similar note, Will I have to install any driver or anything else software-wise? any settings? or will it just be screw-out, screw-in, done?

Many thanks for your help,

Dino

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Dino:

Here are the drivers you need for the card you bought.

Wifi:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp78001-78500/sp78044.exe

Bluetooth:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp75001-75500/sp75330.exe

After you are connnected to the internet, W10 will install a slightly newer wifi driver than the one I posted above.

HP doesn't have the driver.

One thing I recommend you do before installing the new card.

When you have the card and you are ready to install it, go to the device manager, click to expand the Network Adapters device manager category.

Right click on the Atheros wifi adapter, select Uninstall and check the uninstall driver box.

Shut down the PC and install your BCM wifi card.

Nothing else should be necessary.

[Dinoman1983000]

Thanks a lot Paul, Finger crossed:) D