Replacing XPS 1640 WiFi card

Over in the Wireless section I was told that my constant connection drops in Windows 7 are likely just due to the card (Intel 5100) and to replace it with something that isn't Intel. My question is, what is the best card out there to replace my current one that will support a Belkin N router AND fit in my computer? As I have almost no knowledge of Wireless cards I have no idea what the slot is even called that it fits into. Could someone point me in the right direction? Does anyone know about this card?

Thanks!

 

Who told you that? It makes no sense. The drops must be due to something else. Maybe the Windows 7 drivers or Windows 7 is not taking the Intel drivers properly.

Many many laptops have the same Intel 5100 cards but don't constantly drop connections. The Intel 5300 wifi card is said to be better but I doubt the 5100 causes constant disconnections or a lot of people would be mad and Intel would be scrambling on the defensive.

 

I agree completely - I have had zero dropped connections with Intel 5100 and 5300 cards in other computers but all the time with the Broadcom Dell 1515N in my Dell 14z. I would definitely try getting the drivers updated or tweaking the wireless card properties.

N

 

What do you suggest doing? I have tried the drivers from Dell and Intel different versions, different operating systems (might as well try) and I have dicked with my configurations in the wireless card properties. Nothing helps, specially when I'm downloading a large file it just gets horrendous and drops out every 5-10 minutes. But even when I'm just sitting here typing it will sometimes also drop out. This didn't happen until I installed Windows 7.

 

If you've tried all that I would actually get Dell to send you a new card. It honestly sounds as though yours may be defective.

Also, have you checked for a router firmware and tried resetting the router to defaults? I've had symptoms like that where my router just needed a good reboot after having been on for weeks or months on end.

N

 

Ya, I've reset it and restarted the modem and the router multiple times, it has the latest firmware. Why would it be though that this started once I got Windows 7 and my new router? Is it just coincidence?

 

Not really sure - you said you tried other operating systems, which makes start thinking its defective hardware...

N

 

Well I think it worked ok in Vista, I wasn't on Vista that long though with the new router before I moved up to Windows 7 so I don't really know, I'm arranging a replacement anyway, I might as well try it. I hope it's user replaceable...it would take me 30 seconds to pop a new one in.

 

Depends on how long it takes you to undo 10 screws on the bottom, thats one nice things about the xps 13 and 16 models - they are very user friendly when it comes to replacing parts. Not so much on this 14z I've got - have to disassemble it to replace its wireless. I hate the 1515 - I put in an Intel 5100. Worked great until I unplug the pc from the wall - instant freeze. The solution was to change the power saving on the wireless to max power even on battery. That makes the wireless card heat up like mad so I stuck the 1515 back in and I'm living with it for now...

N

 

install these two drivers then run windows update and make sure all of the possible driver updates are installed

Intel Chipset Software Utility

Intel Matrix Storage Manager

running W7 Pro x64 RTM and I have ZERO unknown devices, and I only connect this computer using wireless, has not dropped a signal yet

 

YOU sir I believe have solved my problem...I think it was the matrix controller driver you gave me I have never installed that and I have now been on wifi for about 24 hours with no drops. I don't know what you did but oh my goodness THANK you, you have truly saved the day.