Connect to 5gz bandwidth... wifi card replacement?

[ikehu]

Hi there!

I recently moved into an apartment where my wifi connection has been pretty awful, and I am unable to establish a wired connection. My newer iOS devices get a good connection, and after research, I realized my current wifi card does not have the ability to connect to the 5GHz bandwidth, just the 2.4GHz.

As far as my options, I know upgrades can be made to the wifi card to allow for a connection with the 5GHz bandwidth, but I don't know where to begin to start. I don't know how to find a compatible replacement, nor am I confident with my knowledge and ability with computer hardware to replace it without screwing something up. So I guess my questions would be 

a.) is a wifi card replacement my best option? if so, what card should I get? if not, what other solutions do I have?

and 

b.) if a wifi card replacement is my best option, would I be able to replace it with a bit of research and youtube video watching? 

Thanks so much for your help!

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

You can upgrade the wifi card to this model...

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 Intel 3165 cards listed at the top of 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

Below is the link to the service manual where you can find removal and replacement procedure.

Maintenance and Service Guide HP 15 Laptop PC

Your other option would be to purchase a dual band USB wifi adapter.

[ikehu]

Thank you so much! I just placed my order and hope the installation goes well!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Here are the links to the latest wifi and bluetooth drivers for the TRL8821CE...

Wifi:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp121001-121500/sp121426.exe

Bluetooth:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp113001-113500/sp113256.exe