Upgrading Wireless Network Card from Realtek RTL8723BE to modern cards

[KeshahseK]

Hi, I own a 6 year old HP Pavilion Notebook 15 Laptop (Product No. HP 15-ab252ne).

These are its current specifications, including various upgrades I have done over the years.

CPU: Intel i7-6500U
GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GT 940M 4GB
RAM: DDR3L 4 + 8 (12) GB 1600MHz So-DIMM
Storage : 1TB Ant Esports SATA SSD

Wifi Network Card: RealTek RTL8723BE bgn (1x1, Single Antenna, A+E Key, Wifi 4, BT. 4.0)

My problem is, abysmal wifi speeds, stability and same for bluetooth connections ever since I've bought this laptop. I'm looking to upgrade to a modern card. I have read multiple community forums and posts regarding the same card, but I couldn't make up my mind and find the right card/additional MHF4 internal antenna/e I need if I were to upgrade to a 2x2 card. Kindly provide assistance, please.

Yours faithfully,

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

I would just do a direct swap to this dual band A/C card because you are looking at a considerable amount of work to take the notebook apart to properly install a second antenna wire.

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

The above card only needs one antenna wire to work.

If you are bound and determined to install a 2x2 card this one should work but unless you install a second antenna wire, you will not have Bluetooth reception.

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

You can download the service manual from the link below.

The dual antenna kit part number can be found in chapter 3 on page 30.

HP Pavilion 15-ab200 | Maintenance and Service Guide