Changing the network card to get 5ghz

[TimH77]

The network card in my HP Notebook 15-bw550sa is currently a Realtek RTL8732DE 902.11b/g/n PCle adaptor and therefore max internet speed is70mps. Will the Realtek RTL 8821ce adaptor which provides 5ghz be a comparable replacement and how easy is it to do? Thanks

[banhien]

@TimH77 

Your machine supports

• Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 802.11AC 2x2 WiFi + BT 4.2 Combo Adapter (non-vPro) part # 901229-855
• Realtek RTL8723DE 802.11 bgn 1x1 WiFi + BT 4.2 Combo Adapter part # 927230-855
• Realtek RTL 8188EE 802.11 bgn 1x1 WiFi Adapter part #  927235-855
• Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3168 802.11 ac 1x1 WiFi + BT 4.2 Combo Adapter part # 863934-855

You can use the red adapters.

Regards.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi, @TimH77 

Yes, that would be the card you need...

Since your notebook only has one antenna cable, you can only upgrade to this model wifi card...

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

This card works with only one antenna.

You may be able to get it at the HP part store...

https://parts.hp.com/hpparts/default.aspx

You can also find this model is on eBay.

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

The Realtek 8821CE wifi card will have a maximum throughput of 433 MBPS on the 5.0 GHz wifi band with an AC router.

Below is the link to the service manual...you can look at the manual and decide if you want to replace the card yourself.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05493256

Here is a representative video on how to replace the wifi card...it would be similar after opening your notebook.

https://www.supportvideos.ext.hp.com/detail/video/5976309731001/how-to-replace-the-wireless-module-f...

[TimH77]

Thanks very much - very helpful.

[TimH77]

Thanks very much, very helpful.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.