Just want to make sure this WLAN card is compatible with my laptop

[IvanGonzalez]

I own a HP Pavilion x360 Convertible 14-ba008la with Realtek RTL8723DE 802.11bgn 1×1 WiFi + Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Adapter. I am reading the service manual and it says:

For use on all computer models:

• Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 802.11ac 2×2 WiFi + Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Adapter (non-vPro) 901229-855
• Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3168 802.11ac 1×1 WiFi + Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Adapter (non-vPro) 863934-855
• Realtek RTL8723DE 802.11bgn 1×1 WiFi + Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Adapter 927230-855

I'm thinking of buying this one from newegg: https://www.newegg.com/intel-7265/p/N82E16833106276?Item=N82E16833106276

Is it compatible? Will it be a big upgrade? Do you have any suggestions?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Your notebook only has one WIFI antenna connected to the Realtek RTL8723DE, and the Intel cards require two antenna cables for both the WIFI and Bluetooth to work.

While it is not listed in the manual, this dual band AC card with Bluetooth works with one antenna cable.

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,

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

The card will have the same throughput as the 8723DE on the 2.4 GHz wifi band, but on the 5.0 GHz wifi band, it will have a max throughput of 433 MBPS when you have an AC router with an excellent wifi signal strength.

[IvanGonzalez]

Thank you! It was a good idea to ask for help before buying anything.

So, is the 8821 the best possible upgrade for my laptop? I want to upgrade because I'm getting speeds of no more than 40 Mbps, while on my phone I get a speed close to 300 Mbps.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Yes, that is the best you can do when your notebook only comes with one antenna wire.

It would be a huge project to properly add a second antenna wire.

You would have to take the whole notebook apart including the display panel area to run the second cable.

If you get a good signal on the 5.0 GHz wifi band, you should get at least 150 - 250 MBPS download speeds with that 8821CE

40 MP/S is pretty normal for the 8723 on the 2.4 Ghz wifi band.  The card can only connect at a max of 72 MB/S.