Upgrade modem for my Pavillion 17 g153 us?

[ChuckGG]

Hi - I understand I can upgrade my modem to a L17365-005 RTL8821CE in order to get better speed when connect to my home network.  But it appears there are different versions of this(?).  Does anyone know what fits the Pavilion 17" g153us model?  I see references to a CB-71 and a CA73-713 and something called a PCI Express.  I'm kind of lost on this.  Any suggestions?  Thanks!

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The parts list for your notebook indicates it comes with a Broadcom BCM43142 802.11 b/g/n 1x1 Wi-Fi and BlueTooth 4.0 M.2 combination WLAN adapter.

HP PartSurfer

Have you opened up the notebook yet to see how many antenna wires are connected to the Broadcom Wi-Fi card?

If it has two antenna wires you can do better than the RTL8821CE.

Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 802.11 ac 2x2 Wi-Fi + BT 4.0 Combo Adapter (non vPro)   HP part # 784644-005

If it only has one antenna wire, then unless you want to take the entire notebook apart including the display panel to add the dual antenna wire kit, then you should be able to upgrade to the RTL8821CE.

Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11 ac 1x1 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Adapter (MU-MIMO supported) HP part # L17365-005.

Below is the link to the service manual:

c04655191.pdf (hp.com)

[ChuckGG]

Thanks, Paul!  I'll take a look at this.  For some reason, connected (wired) to the LAN I'm getting something like 80 or 90 down when the other computers are doing just shy of 600, so I'm not sure what's going on.  I figured as old as this laptop is, it must be the modem.  Switching it to WiFi does no better, even with my gigabit WiFi system.

So, I'm thinking an update is in order.

Thanks!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

I can explain why both network adapters aren't providing decent download speeds:

The ethernet adapter is just 10/100 not 10/100/1000, so if you are getting 80 - 90 down, you are doing good.

The BCM Wi-Fi card has a maximum throughput of 72 MBPS with an excellent signal strength.

The Realtek 8821CE card has a maximum throughput of 433 MBPS on the 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi band, but I don't know of anyone who has that card comes close to the advertised speed.

The Intel 7265 has a maximum throughput of 867 MBPS on the 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi band.

[ChuckGG]

Hi, Paul - Thanks again for the help!

I opened up the laptop - what a nightmare!  I got in there and saved all the screws and mostly didn't break anything.  I'm trying to match up the numbers with what you said, but I'm still a bit confused.  I have attached a photo of what I have.  

I never use Bluetooth with this and even if I ever had to, I could add one of the dongle things.  What I really want is RJ45 and WiFi speed.  Do you have a suggestion for the best unit to purchase?  Thanks!

Chuck
Inside my 17-g153us

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Since your notebook only has one antenna wire, here's your options:

The Realtek 8821CE card has a maximum throughput of 433 MBPS on the 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi band, and the card's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is fully functional with one antenna wire.  So, that would be the logical choice.

I checked the part number HP gave for the Intel 7265 and that was incorrect.  When I search on eBay, I get listings for the Intel 3160AC which has the equivalent specs of the RTL8821CE and the Bluetooth wouldn't work, so it makes no sense to install the 3160AC.

If you want to go 'out of the box' and experiment with a Wi-Fi 6 card, you can try this one:

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

The Bluetooth will not work without the second antenna wire, and I can't tell you if the Wi-Fi reception will be degraded and if so by how much?  Therein lies the question.

You should be able to find the RTL8821CE model Wi-Fi adapter on eBay by searching by the HP part number as, well as the Intel AX200.

Regarding the ethernet, you can buy a USB to RJ-45 gigabit ethernet adapter, plug it into one of your notebook's USB 3 ports and you should get much better download speeds than the current Realtek 10/100 ethernet adapter is giving you.

Something like this:

Amazon.com: TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter (UE306), Supports Nintendo Switch, Foldable USB 3.0 to G...

[ChuckGG]

Thanks, Paul!

I put in an order for this one:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/335502977955

Now, I notice it says "out of stock," but I'm not sure I got the last one or what.  I sent a message to the seller.   If it is truly out of stock, then I will order this one:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/295257355602

Thanks, again!

Chuck

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

When I click on the first link you posted, it indicates it's sold