Does my laptop support the 5G network band?

[John2900]

Does my laptop support the 5G network band?

If so, how can I switch to that from 2.4?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Below is the link to the parts list for your notebook:

HP PartSurfer

It comes with a Realtek RTL8723DE Wi-Fi adapter, which is a single band (2.4 GHz only) Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapter.

You have two options to upgrade to a dual band Wi-Fi adapter:

Easy:

Purchase a dual band USB Wi-Fi adapter.

Advanced:

Replace the RTL8723DE Wi-Fi adapter with this model which is dual band:

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

The card has a maximum throughput of 433 MBPS on the 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi band with an AC router and an excellent signal.

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.

Below is the link to the service manual, where you can find the Wi-Fi card removal and replacement procedure.

Maintenance and Service Guide HP 15 Laptop PC

[John2900]

Thank you so much, Paul - you've been super helpful!

[John2900]

Your reply was so very generous!

[John2900]

Do you know if going to a dual band Wi-Fi adapter would speed up my laptop internet reception? I now have 300 Mbps internet service from AT&T but I'm only getting 50 or so Mbps on my laptop. As an experiment, I've ordered the connectors I need to do a wired connection from my modem / router to the laptop but don't know if that will help.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

It should when you use the 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi band.

Your notebook's current Wi-Fi card's maximum throughput is 72 MBPS and that would be with an excellent signal strength close to the router.

If you are generally getting 50 MBPS download speeds that's not too bad out of that card.

If you connect via ethernet cable that should provide very good download speeds.

[John2900]

Thanks again, Paul. You're a prince!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime. 

Glad to have been of assistance. 

[John2900]

One last time - I think and hope. What do you guess would be the download speed for the ethernet cable vs the 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi band card?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

I don't see from the specs that your notebook came with an ethernet port.

HP Spectre x360 - 15-df0013dx Product Specifications | HP® Customer Support

If you bought a USB 3.0 to RJ-45 Gigabit ethernet adapter, and plug it into your notebook's USB 3 port, you should get close to the 300 MBPS download speeds you are paying for.