Upgrading WLAN module

[justinlee90]

I have 100mbps fibre internet at home and since this laptop is equiped with Broadcom BCM43142 802.11b/g/n Wireless Network Adapter, i usually get 40-50mbps, which is not allowing me to fully utilize my internet speed due to the wifi n standard.

So I was wondering if this model(d045tu) can be upgraded to a wifi ac WLAN module. And if so, which model is compatible?

Thanks!!

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Yes your laptop is very new so there is no problem with the HP whitelist which existed until about 3 years ago. You can install this alternate wi-fi card:

Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 802.11 ac 2×2 WiFi + Bluetooth 4.0 Combo Adapter 793840-005

You could actually install any wireless card of the right form factor but the Intel 7265ac alternate HP part is probably the best wireless adapter on the market in that form factor. 

https://www.amazon.com/Intel-7265NGW-Wireless-Bluetooth-Interface/dp/B00TKO47XI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&q...

The above part has a different HP Part number but is the same device. The actual 793840-005 part number is $60 through amazon.com and this one is $24.

Here is the Service Manual:

Manual

See p. 31 for "how-to". You have to remove the back cover. This does place the warranty in jeopardy. Post back with any more questions.

If this is "the Answer" please click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it. 

[justinlee90]

Thank you for your swift reply.

Currently with Broadcom BCM43142 802.11b/g/n i'm able to connect to wifi 2.4Ghz but not wifi 5Ghz. So if i do replace to Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 802.11 ac 2×2 WiFi + Bluetooth 4.0 Combo Adapter 793840-005, will I be able to connect to wifi 5Ghz and enjoy the 100mbps internet speed?

And another question, is this model(Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265) a hp specific model? im asking this because i'm currently residing outside US so I won't be able to purhase from the amazon link that you have provided. Im just worried if there are different variations of Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265.

Thanks!

[Huffer]

I can say you will definitely be able to connect at 5ghz since 802.11ac by definition includes the 5ghz band. Whether you will get 100mbps internet speed I cannot say. That is going to depend on network conditions, etc. If you have connected another 5ghz capable laptop and gotten those speeds then I would say yours will too after the upgrade. 

The device I linked is an HP part numbered version of the AC 7265 which means it was produced for HP but you can use any version of the same form factor (M.2) device. It could be a Dell or Toshiba or unbranded as long as it is an Intel AC 7265. What country do you live in?

[justinlee90]

I currently live in Korea. But I was able to search for "Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265" in Korean internet shopping websites such as the one linked below. http://www.11st.co.kr/product/SellerProductDetail.tmall?method=getSellerProductDetail&prdNo=14601307...

To add on, I do have other deivces such as my smartphone that is equipped with wifi ac standards enjoying 100mbps internet speed.