Broadcom BCM43142 Replacement

[jackjeff]

Hi, I have a laptop (15-ak000nx) with the Broadcom BCM43142 wifi card. I've had issues with reliability and speed with this laptop for years now, and from doing some quick searching around, it looks like this card has a pretty poor reputation. I would like to replace the card with a more reliable alternative. I was reading this thread (https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Wireless-and-Networking/Switch-from-Broadcom-BCM43142-802-11-...) and saw the reccomendation given was the Reaktek RTL8821CE. I decided to read through the service manual for my machine and saw the following listed as a replacement part: Realtek RTL8723BE. My question is, should I purchase the 8723 as written in the manual, or is there some reason that the 8821 is the better choice?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Do you know how many antenna wires are connected to the Broadcom card in there now?

If there is only one, then I recommend you buy this model wifi card...you may as well upgrade to dual band AC.

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

You can find this model on eBay, or Ali Express. 

I see some Intel 3165 cards listed on the eBay listings, so don't buy those.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=L17365-005&_sacat=0&_sop=15

RTL8821CE - Buy RTL8821CE with free shipping on AliExpress

On the Ali Express listings, make sure the card has the HP Part # of 915620-001.

If your notebook has two wifi antenna wires connected to the Broadcom card, go with the Intel card listed in the service manual...

Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165 802.11 ac 1x1 WiFi + BT 4.0 Combo Adapter   HP Part # 806723-005

[jackjeff]

Hi Paul, 

I don't know how I missed the fact that that card is dual band. I thought they were both just b/g/n cards somehow lol. Anyway, I haven't opened up the machine and would prefer to wait until I have the new part to do so, I guess the CE card is the better option. My only other question is I have been reading about BIOS whitelisting which HP apparently takes part of, will this card pass that with my machine or is it a case of me having to just try and find out?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Unfortunately, HP does not publish any info on what model series have whitelists.

What I have learned over the many years I have been a member of the HP support forum is this...

All notebooks made in 2011 or earlier have BIOS whitelists.

80% - 90% of those made in 2012 have BIOS whitelists

50% - 50% made in 2013 have BIOS whitelists

80% - 90% of those made in 2014 or later do not have BIOS whitelists.

I cannot find any posts where anyone has upgraded the wifi adapter in your notebooks model series, so you would have to experiment.

I think the RTL8821CE has a decent chance of working.

The thing is if your notebook has two antenna wires, the Intel 3165 AC is a better quality card.

It is not faster, but seems to have less issues than the RTL8821CE.

I personally have two notebooks that came with the RTL8821CE card and they both work fine with it.

[jackjeff]

Hi Paul,

I decided to look up the 8821CE and did see multiple posts concerning reliability issues with the card, which is my main problem right now with this Broadcom chip. I'm now wondering if it is possible/advisable for me to just get the Intel wifi chip, and use it with only one antenna? Or is there a reason this would not work? Thanks again

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Yes, if there is only one wifi antenna wire in your notebook, you can still use the Intel card.

You can experiment with which terminal to place the single antenna on.

Normally the single antenna would go on the 'Main' terminal on the wifi card.

However, the Bluetooth may not get good enough reception to work properly.

The Bluetooth works off the 'Aux' terminal, and with no antenna wire connected to it, you may not be able to pair any devices.

So, if that is important to you, you can try placing the antenna wire on the Aux terminal, and hope the wifi gets good reception.

There is no antenna diversity when you only have one wifi antenna wire.

If Bluetooth is not essential to you, attach the single antenna to the Main terminal.

If your notebook has two antenna wires, then you should be good to go with no problems.