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    Questions about upgrading the WLAN Card in an Alienware 18

    Discussion in 'Alienware 18 and M18x' started by Spartan@HIDevolution, Feb 28, 2015.

  1. Spartan@HIDevolution

    Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative

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    So my Alienware 18 has the Broadcom 4352 WLAN card but I've been experiencing a lot of random disconnections ever since I got my new router (an ASUS RT-3200 Tri Band Router)

    I was thinking maybe to upgrade the WLAN card.

    I have a questions though, on my previous Alienware 18, I did swap the Broadcom BCM4352 card with my Wireless-N Killer 1202 but couldn't help but notice (while on Windows 8.1) that the Radio Switch driver when installed still says Broadcom so I am thinking, how is this so, I changed my card but there seems to be like some sort of Broadcom Wireless switch (radio control) driver separately? wouldn't that be a problem? or maybe it wouldn't even work? I can't remember if it did work as that was a long time ago that I installed it.

    Another question comes to my mind is, which is the best WLAN upgrade for my laptop? I know the new Wire-ess-N killer cannot be installed because it's in a new form factor.

    If you were in my shoes, what would you do?

    1) Keep my BCM4352 which disconnects randomly
    2) Install my Wireless-N Killer 1202 and get better ping rates but old technology (as in no AC speeds although bear in mind that my internet connection is 50 MBPS Down / 10 MBPS UP)
    3) Buy an Intel Dual Band Wireless AC7260

    Please help
     
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  2. Spartan@HIDevolution

    Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative

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  3. octiceps

    octiceps Nimrod

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    Sorry, I couldn't stop laughing at that ridiculous router of yours :D. What do you use that thing for? You do know that anything more than a $100 AC1750-class router is pretty much a waste of money, right? ;)

    But I digress. Just get an Intel AC 7260 and be done with it. And not the ones you linked, either. Get the revised version such as this or this.
     
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  4. Spartan@HIDevolution

    Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative

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    I don't know why I bought this router man, paid $300 USD for it and it disconnects like hell! worst investment I made
     
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2015
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  5. octiceps

    octiceps Nimrod

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    Return it and get a TP-Link Archer C7 V2 or Archer C8.

    Why do I get the feeling you're swimming in green. Do you sell oil to western nations?
     
  6. Spartan@HIDevolution

    Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative

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    no man, actually been out of a job for a year and 3 months now but I believe in paying more for quality, seems like one shouldn't buy an ASUS router before 6 months pass till they have polished the bugs. I miss my AC68U router that never ever disconnected
     
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  7. Splintah

    Splintah Notebook Deity

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    I have like a 30 dollar Asus router that I've used for years flawlessly sorry just had to put that out there
     
  8. octiceps

    octiceps Nimrod

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    Then his router must be 10x better!
     
  9. ssj92

    ssj92 Neutron Star

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    Get the 7260AC and be done with it. The first amazon link is fine.