Replacing Realtek RTL8821CE Wifi card

[John_6285948]

Hi there, 

I'm using HP Pavilion 14ce0505sa and noticed that my wifi was dropping out every 30 seconds like clockwork. Only on this device. Literally every 30 seconds, it dropped for 1 second or so, making video calls torture with some applications that I have to use.  I have tried updated drivers from Realtek and HP websites, with neither of them making any difference, as well as trying various channels and frequencies with the router, nothing making any difference. 
I am told it's a faulty network card. So, I mean to replace it as my next step, but can't find a new realtek RTL8821CE card. Amazon has some cards that are sold as: RTL8821CE but they seem to be made by a third party. 
Would some kind soul please advise as to whether it would make any difference to buy one of the ones off of Amazon UK, or whether I should use the chance to upgrade the card? If so, what would fit/work?

Any advice appreciated. 

Thanks!

John

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, John:

Since your notebook only has one antenna connected to the RTL8821CE Wi-Fi adapter, any other dual band AC or AX Wi-Fi card would require two antenna wires for both the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to work properly.

Have you updated the Wi-Fi driver to the latest version to see if that helps?

The drivers HP has on your notebook's support page are out of date.

2024.0.10.226    12/24/2021

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp138501-139000/sp138818.exe 

You can find a replacement RTL8821CE card on eBay.

The part number for the model card in your notebook is L17365-005.

l17365-005: Search Result | eBay

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

Maintenance and Service Guide HP Pavilion 14 Laptop PCIMPORTANT! This document is intended for HP au...

[John_6285948]

Hello there, 

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond.

I have updated the driver using the link which you have sent. 

The result is that the WiFi download and upload still drops significantly every thirty seconds, but it no longer completely drops, just slows to an almost standstill.

I have ordered a replacement card and will update once the card is replaced.

It was a secondary hand one. So I realize it is a bit of a chance there. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Please post back and let us know if the replacement Wi-Fi card resolved the problem.