[Solved] Upgrading Envy 15-J052NR wireless card

[ETphoneHome789]

How do I determine if I can upgrade to a dual band wireless AC card?  I’ve been reading for about 10-15 hours, along with endless whitelist threads but I’m still unsure.

I checked my manual (page 45) and it lists my current 1x1 card: Ralink RT3290 802.11bgn.

Can I install an Intel Wireless-ac 7260 7260hmw 802.11 AC?

I know the PCI-e half-mini is correct but don’t’ understand if the ‘chipset’ is compatable.

Sellers on Amazon and Ebay specifically say the card will not work in HP.  Are the sellers making blanketed statements?

https://www.amazon.com/Bplus-7260-HMWG-Wireless-AC-Bluetooth-HMCPartner/dp/B00HJCBV64

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Wireless-AC-7260-7260HMW-802-11AC-Dual-Band-BT4-0-PCIe-Half-Mini-Wifi-...

The seller below specifically lists HP part numbers: 710661-001, 756753-001, and 784639-005.  They are not listed in my manual so I'm not sure if it will work?

https://www.amazon.com/710661-001-Intel-Wireless-ac-7260-Pci-express/dp/B00PDLCFL8

I’m planning to download the drivers directly from Intel.

I have a port available for a USB adaptor but I’d like to avoid it if possible.

Laptop:  HP Envy 15 TS 15-J052NR

Windows 8.1 64 bit

I've read some amazing info in these forums.  Thanks for sharing all the knowledge.

[banhien]

Hi,

Your machine was built long way before mid 2014 therefore the chance to upgrade wifi card is very slim to none. It is safe to use the following list

• Atheros AR9485 802.11b/g/n WiFi Adapter for use on all computer models part # 675794-001
• Mediatek MT7630E 802.11bgn Wi-Fi Adapter and Mediatek Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter for use on all computer models part # 710418-001
• Ralink RT3290LE 802.11b/g/n 1×1 WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 Combo Adapter for use on all computer models part #
  690020-001
• Realtek RTL8188EE 802.11bgn Wi-Fi Adapter for use on all computer models part # 709848-001
• Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2230 Combo Adapter for use only on computer models equipped with an Intel processor
  part # 670290-001

CAUTION: To prevent an unresponsive system, replace the wireless module only with a wireless module authorized for use in the computer by the governmental agency that regulates wireless devices in your country or region. If you replace the module and then receive a warning message, remove the module to restore device functionality, and then contact technical support.

Regards

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Lots of folks have installed whatever wireless cards they wanted on their Intel based 15t/17t-jxxx notebooks. 

There are no BIOS restrictions for wireless cards for that model series.

Do a search on the forum for other related posts regarding this subject.

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/upgrande-wireless-card/m-p/5615...

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/HP-BIOS-Whitelists/m-p/5716994/...

I would go on eBay, and google this part number, and see if you can pick up a used/new tested and working AC card.

Before you buy anything, ensure that there are two antennas currently connected to the present wlan card.

Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 802.11 ac 2x2 WiFi + BT 4.0                HP Part # 710661-001

If you want the dual band N card, get this one...

Intel Dual Band Wireless-N 7260AN 802.11 a/b/g/n 2x2 WiFi + BT4.0   HP Part # 717381-001

[ETphoneHome789]

Thank you Paul!

Now I won't worry about the BIOS.

I didn't think to search via part number.  There are lots of cheaper options.

Now I'll make sure to ask if the sellers accept 30 day returns and/or charge a restocking fee.

Happy Holidays

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Please let us know how your wireless card upgrade went.

Happy Holidays to you too!

[ETphoneHome789]

I ordered a used HP card from Ebay and it worked perfect.  Thanks for your help Paul!

I read another post of yours which recommended not detaching the antennas from the old card until you first make sure the new card is seen in Device Manager.  The antenna are too fragile to be changed often.  I simply dismount the card, mount the new wireless card, and confirmed the card was visible in Device Manager.  It was so I proceeded with the antenna attachment.  The only hitch was a soldering connection broke off the old wireless card!  Luckily it was the black AUX which I read was not necessary.  In the end I was able to remove the small broken piece from the antenna and get it properly attached to the new card.  I didn't mess with drivers b/c they worked automatically.  I see my bluetooth and from what I understand that is the most significant reason for driver issues. When I have time I'll do some research to learn about bluetooth.  My wireless mouse signal is always weak so maybe it's still on 2.4ghz? My download speeds are 10 times better on 5ghz so I'm a happy camper.

Thanks again for all you guys do here.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.

That is good news regarding the upgraded card working and I'm glad you were able to pry the broken piece out of the antenna connection.

With a dual band card you need the aux antenna or either the card won't pick up any signals or it will only work on one frequency, or the bluetooth won't work.

The PC picked up a generic bluetooth adapter probably.

Go to the device manager and click to expand the bluetooth radios icon.

If the proper driver is installed, you will see an Intel bluetooth adapter listed.

The driver that Microsoft windows automatically installed will be probably  listed as a generic bluetooth adapter.

Wireless bluetooth mouse...doesn't that work with a USB dongle you plug into a usb port? 

That's how my BT mouse works, and that would have nothing to do with the wireless card you changed out.

[ETphoneHome789]

Yes I see the Intel bluetooth in DM so that's good news.

Thanks for clearing up the difference between wireless card bluetooth and USB.

Sounds like I dogged a bullet with the antenna!

The more I tinker with computers the more I realized hardware is the true bear.  Software can easily be removed/reinstalled/updated etc.  But hardware must physically fit properly and it has specific specs that must be compatable.

Earlier ithis year I upgraded to a solid state drive.  I saw I had an open mSATA slot so I purchased that type of drive.  As you probably know that slot was only meant for a 24GB cache and it cannot hold an operating system.  Shipped back to newegg with a 15% restocking fee!  So much to learn!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Yes, you're good to go!

I don't know much about those mSata SSD's. 

I removed the mechanical hard drive from my HP 350 G1 notebook, and put an Intel 535 240 GB 7.0mm SATA III SSD in its place.  Definitely made an improvement.

I have one of those mSata slots in my 350 G1 too, and don't plan on adding a drive to it.