Wireless card upgrade

[JRivera001]

I have a HP 15-BS038DX (See specs below). I would like to upgrade the "Wireless card" to something with at least "5G" capabilities. Right now, it has a Realtek RTL8723BE 802.11b/g/n (1x1) Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® 4.0 combo" in it. I do not have a computer shop near me, nor I can find some sort of "hardware wizard" to help me figure out what's compatible and what's not. Whatever I upgrade too I need to keep the Bluetooth® connectivity, since I use it with my hearing aid.

Thank for your assistance.

Product number 2DV75UA

Intel® Core™ i7-7500U (2.7 GHz base frequency, up to 3.5 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 4 MB cache, 2 cores)

802.11b/g/n (1x1) Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® 4.0 combo

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Since your notebook only has one Wi-Fi antenna wire connected to the RTL8723BE Wi-Fi adapter, there is only one model dual band Wi-Fi AC adapter that you can install where both the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will work with one antenna wire as it does now:

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.

HP 15 Laptop PC (Intel)HP 15g Laptop PCHP 15q Laptop PC Maintenance and Service Guide

[JRivera001]

Thank you very much. I did exactly what you suggested and it worked like a charm. Thank you again. Now I can continue my appointments with the VA.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

In case you need them, here are the links to the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers for the RTL8821CE:

Wi-Fi:

2024.0.10.227

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp142001-142500/sp142005.exe 

Bluetooth:

1.9.1051.3003

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp142501-143000/sp142852.exe