Upgrade Wifi on i7-x173dx to use 5ghz connection?

[wildh]

Upgrade Wifi on i7-x173dx to use 5ghz connection? I would like to be able to use dual band connection if possible. If not dual band capable then single 5ghz connection would be fine. Thanks

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Here's the problem. If your laptop did not come with the Intel Dual Band wireless it only has a single antenna. No dual band or any other card that can send/receive in the 5ghz band can operate right on a single antenna. So your upgrade options with an internal card are limited. You cab add an atenna but this requires complete disassembly. Or, you can look at 802.11ac usb adapter. Not the most elegant, I know, but they work well and are so small now they do not stick out of the side of the laptop much. 

Service Manual

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[wildh]

I am familiar with disassembling other laptops in the past. How would I replace the antenna? What tools are necessary besides a Phillips head screwdriver? Thanks for your time!

[Huffer]

That is why I gave you the Manual. The antenna cable runs around the screen, down through a hinge and across the motherboard. Just follow the Manual, open it up, remove the single antenna and replace it with a matched pair. Run the second antenna on the opposite side of the screen and then pair them at the hinge and follow the same track as the original single antenna. There will be channels and hooks in the chassis. Pay attention to how the original is strung and maybe even take a picture of it. 

https://www.amazon.com/PORJET-Wireless-PCI-Bluetooth-Internal/dp/B01E211DLW/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1...

When you have done that you can install a dual band card. 

https://www.amazon.com/HP-EliteBook-combination-BlueTooth-710663-001/dp/B0748N9L3C/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF...

[wildh]

Awesome!! I really appreciate you sharing your expertise with me and I look forward to learning more as well. Would a 802.11ac usb adapter gives equal results connecting with 5ghz or is it not as efficient as a 5ghz connection from a internal antenna built into laptop. I expect it would be somewhat less dependable using the adapter to gain 5ghz connection. 🙂

[Huffer]

USBs are actually very good as far as reception but the internal is just more elegant. Still I frequently tell people to use a usb when they only have 1 antenna or for some other reason can't use internal.