Wi-Fi network card upgrade

[SuperMatico69]

Hello to all!

in the last year I upgraded my laptop from HDD to SSD, from 4Gb to 8Gb of RAM and from a DVD to a Blueray burner

Now, if it's possible, I would to get something powerful than my Broadcom Wi-Fi network card

I tryed with an Intel one but the laptop didin't boot up: it stops immediately stating "Incompatible hardware detected, please remove it and reboot" or similar

I suppose there is something hidden in the BIOS settings that don't let you to install some Brand (maybe for missing Commercial agreements?)

So, is there something better than my original Broadcom or I have to live with that?

Thanks in advance

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Which Broadcom wifi card does your notebook have?

The 4312 or the 4322?

If you have the 4322, that is the best you can do.

If you have the 4312, you should be able to replace it with the dual band 4322 AGN with the part number applicable to what country or region you live in.

See chapter 3 of the service manual, chapter 3, pages 3-5 and 3-6.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01859666

You must get a card with the HP part number on it, or it will not work.

I usually check eBay and do a search by the part number and then buy a card where I see an actual photograph of the card with the HP part number I need on it.

You are correct.  There is a BIOS whitelist with a table of only the supported wifi cards the BIOS will allow.

[SuperMatico69]

Hello mate, tks a lot for your fully exhaustive answer

Don't ask me why, but the original network Wi-Fi card I have in the system is a Broadcom 4357, and as you can note, it doesn't exist in that service manual you kindly provide to me

So, at this point, if I would to get I fully upgrade of the whole system, I think I should buy another, most recently, laptop! Isn't it?

Tks again!

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You're very welcome.

Yes, that is the problem with the service manuals.

They are not always correct.

So from what I can tell, that card is already a wireless N card.

You can't upgrade to a internal AC card, for example.

If you keep your notebook in one place, you may just want to buy a cheap USB AC adapter to use when you are at home.

Otherwise, yes...time for a new notebook, and you can transfer your SSD to the new one.