m.2 3.3v power is not enough for wi-fi, usb 5v better?

[mdmitrii]

intel m.2  and  alfa awus usb 

[Max3Aj]

Hello @mdmitrii, and welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your question. I'm here to help you get things back on track.

From your message, it sounds like you're experiencing issues with your Intel M.2 Wi-Fi card, possibly due to insufficient 3.3V power delivery from the M.2 slot on your HP Notebook. You're considering switching to a USB Wi-Fi adapter, such as the Alfa AWUS series, which uses 5V from USB and may offer better stability or performance.

Here's a breakdown and some steps to help:

Understanding the Issue:

M.2 Wi-Fi cards (like Intel AX200/AX210) typically use 3.3V supplied by the motherboard. If the power delivery is unstable or insufficient, it can cause:

• Intermittent connectivity
• Device not detected
• Driver errors

USB Wi-Fi adapters (like Alfa AWUS036ACH) draw 5V from USB ports, which are generally more robust and consistent in power delivery, especially on laptops.

Recommended Steps:

Check BIOS Settings:

• Ensure Wireless LAN is enabled in BIOS.
• Update BIOS to the latest version from HP Support: Official HP® Support

Update Wi-Fi Drivers:

• Use HP Support Assistant or manually install the latest Intel Wi-Fi drivers:
  • Intel Wireless Drivers

Test USB Adapter:

• Plug in your Alfa AWUS USB adapter.
• Install drivers from Alfa’s website or use Windows Update.
• Disable the internal M.2 Wi-Fi card in Device Manager to avoid conflicts.

Power Management Settings:

• Go to Device Manager > Network Adapters > Intel Wi-Fi > Properties > Power Management tab.
• Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”

Consider Using Powered USB Hub (if using high-power USB adapters):

• Alfa adapters with external antennas may draw more power. A powered USB hub ensures stable 5V delivery.

Additional Notes:

• If your notebook consistently fails to power the M.2 card, it may be a hardware limitation or a faulty slot.
• USB adapters are a reliable alternative and often support external antennas for better range.

I hope the information shared has been useful and resolves your concern.

Wishing you a smooth and hassle-free experience ahead!

If this solution helped, please click “Accepted Solution” so others can benefit too. Don’t forget to hit the “Yes” button if you found this helpful!

Warm regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support

[mdmitrii]

I think the 5v wi-fi adapter is more powerful. It needs a different internal slot. Can you use mobile internet and wi-fi simultaneously?

[Max3Aj]

@mdmitrii, USB Wi-Fi adapters like the Alfa AWUS series often perform better than M.2 cards in certain scenarios, especially when it comes to power delivery and antenna strength. Here's a breakdown of your two questions:

Why USB Wi-Fi Adapters Can Be More Powerful

• Power Supply: USB ports provide 5V, which is more robust than the 3.3V supplied to M.2 slots. This allows USB adapters to support high-gain antennas, amplifiers, and longer range.
• External Antennas: Alfa adapters often come with detachable high-gain antennas, which significantly improve signal reception compared to internal M.2 cards.
• Thermal Management: USB adapters are external and can dissipate heat better, whereas M.2 cards are confined inside the laptop chassis.

If your notebook’s M.2 slot isn’t delivering stable power, switching to a USB adapter is a smart move.

Can You Use Mobile Internet and Wi-Fi Simultaneously?

Yes, you can use both mobile internet (via USB tethering or mobile hotspot) and Wi-Fi at the same time, but it depends on your use case and OS configuration.

Use Cases:

• Load Balancing / Failover: Tools like Speedify or Connectify allow combining multiple internet connections for better speed or redundancy.
• Routing Specific Traffic: Advanced users can route certain apps through mobile data and others through Wi-Fi using Windows routing tables or third-party tools.

How to Set It Up (Basic Dual Connection):

1. Connect to Wi-Fi normally.
2. Connect your phone via USB and enable USB tethering.
3. Windows will show both connections as active in Network and Sharing Center.
4. Optionally, use Speedify to combine them intelligently.

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support