laptop HP17-e048ca upgrade to 5GHz wi-fi.

[Seguro]

Hello, I own a laptop HP17-e048ca (with AMD Processor). I want to upgrade it to 5GHz wi-fi. Is there any wi-fi card that can be installed in my laptop?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Yes, there is.

You can install this model wifi adapter...

Broadcom BCM4352 802.11ac 2x2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.0 combo   HP part # 724935-001.

You should be able to find that model wifi card on Amazon or eBay.

Do your search by the HP part number, not the model of the wifi card.

[Seguro]

It looks like with fewer contacts on it. Although the dimensions are very similar.
In the description of this spare part is indicated only HP PAVILION 17-J166NR NOTEBOOK PC

[Paul_Tikkanen]

According to the parts list for your notebook, is the card your notebook has in it now...see the 2nd picture I posted.

It has two terminals and there should be two antenna cables connected to it.

The Broadcom card you need is thhis one picture I posted...same thing, same HMC form factor...two terminals, and needs two antenna cables.  The different number of contacts on the bottom of the card is of no consequence.

The card was not offered for your notebook's model series, which is why it is not listed in your notebook's service manual.

However, other forum members have installed this card, and it works just fine in any 15e or 17e notebook with an Intel or AMD processor.

[Seguro]

in technical support they advised me Intel Dual band wireless-AC 9260 802.11AC 2x2 WiFi + BT 5.0 Combo Adaptor (non-vPro)

[Paul_Tikkanen]

They couldn't be more wrong.

That card won't even fit in the wireless slot.

It is a totally different form factor, and I think the antenna terminals on the card are smaller than the antenna cable connectors in your notebook.

Take a look at a picture of the Intel 9260 and compare it to the Ralink wifi card you have now. 

It would be like putting a square peg in a round hole...trust me...I have given you the best card that will work in your model. 

No Intel card will work in your AMD notebook.

[Seguro]

Thank. Take advantage of your advice. And where can I get drivers for this card? After all, after that when I install the card, I need a driver, right?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

W10 should install the drivers for that card automatically, but here are the links to the latest W10 wifi and bluetooth drivers HP has for that model wifi card.

Wifi:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp78001-78500/sp78044.exe

BT:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp75001-75500/sp75330.exe

I guess you can download and save them now so you have them.

This is what I reccommend...when you get your new card, first uninstall the Ralink wifi and bluetooth devices in the device manager, and check the uninstall driver boxes.

If there is any Ralink bluetooth software listed in the Windows control panel>Programs, uninstall that too.

Then shut down the PC, unplug it, remove the battery and install the BCM wifi card.

[Seguro]

Unfortunately, I have Windows 8

[Seguro]

thank you. I will check this link after I buy the card