Wireless module upgrade to 5GHz for my HP 15-ac131nd

[MayHeb]

I tried to upgrade my wireless module from 2.4GHz only to 2.4 & 5GHz with bluetooth with several modules.

But none will work.

I tried Intel 8265NGW, Intel 8260NGW and the Intel 3165NGW

but so far, no luck... 😞

Wondering if it's even possible to change from the Realtek 8188EE module to something else.

Hope someone can make me happy.. 🙂

Jacques

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

it is highly unlikely you can.

The only one that has any chance of working is this one...BIOS revision F.1A added support for a new wifi adapter, but it doesn't say which one...Clearly, it wasn't any of the ones you tried.

Version: F.1A Rev.A

Fixed in this release: - Provides support for a new wireless card module.

Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11 ac 1x1 WiFi + Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Adapter (MU-MIMO supported) HP part # L17365-005.

This card works with only one antenna.

The only place I have been able to find this model is on eBay.

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

The Realtek 8821CE wifi card will have a maximum throughput of 433 MBPS on the 5.0 GHz wifi band with an AC router.

[MayHeb]

Many Thanks for this super fast reply.

I will look for the module and try it.

I will return here when i have one and give you (and anyone else that cares.. 🙂 ) the results

Thanx again !!

Jacques

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Jacques.

It worked in the HP 250 G4 business notebook which shares the same BIOS and service manual as your model.

See this discussion...

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Wireless-and-Networking/Replacing-WiFi-Bluetooth-Adapter/m-p/...

[MayHeb]

Ordered the card on Ebay.de

11 euro's...  lol..  that worth a shot i think

I also read the discussion for the HP 250 G4.

Unfortunately the bt driver is no longer availeble on the server.

Will have to look for it when i get my card and bt isn't working/ installed by windows 10 itself

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You don't want those drivers anymore.

They are ancient history.

Here are the links to the latest ones...

Wifi:   2024.0.10.216      Jun 22, 2020

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp104001-104500/sp104413.exe

Bluetooth:  1.8.1027.3000     May 21, 2020

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp104001-104500/sp104078.exe

Yeah, for 11 Euro's, it's not like you are going to go broke or anything.

I've lost more money on scratch off lottery tickets.  LOL!

[MayHeb]

Hello Paul,

I received the wifi module already today.

Installed it in my laptop.. and gues what... It's working...  

Dam nice !!

Connection speed on 5GHz between 325 and 390Mbps (happy with that)

Thanks again Paul for your help !!

Greetings

Jacques

btw.. windows 10 installed drivers on it's own.

Better to install the ones you provided or will these be good enough ?

Wifi driver: 2023.79.619.2018 date 19-6-2018 (from MS)

Realtel BT driver: 1.7.1021.3000 date 19-11-2019 (from Realtek)

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

That's great news, Jacques.

Thanks for letting us know the 8821CE works in the HP 15-acxxx model series.

If the WiFi is working fine with the current drivers, you may as well leave things be.

[MayHeb]

 one last question,

Is there maybe a list that tells me, wich wireless modules work on what laptop ?

I come across a lot of old (hp) laptops i revieve for a second life..

but a lot of them hold old 2.4 GHz modules. 

wondering if there's a list so i can upgrade them with the right 5GHz module 

Hoping you also have the answer for that... 🙂

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

There is no list.

There is just trial and error and feedback reports from folks like you.

I can give you some basic information...

Most HP notebooks made in 2013 or later have no BIOS whitelists, but as you found out the 15-ac series does and I can tell you that the 15-ae series does.

Some notebooks made in 2012 do not have BIOS whitelists, but very few models can be upgraded.

All notebooks made in 2011 and earlier have BIOS whitelists, so upgrading the internal wifi card is problematic at best.

HP does not publish any information as to which notebooks do or do not have BIOS whitelists.

I would be happy to give you my opinion of the upgrade potential on any HP notebook in the future, if you want to ask me about a specific model number.