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    Replacing a wireless mini-PCI card

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Passa, Apr 23, 2009.

  1. Passa

    Passa Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi folks. I have an IBM Thinkpad R50 with what appears to be an Atheros based wifi chip. It's the default one that shipped with the laptop (though according to my driver download page, there were R50s with Intel and Thinkpad branded wifi adapters).

    Lately it's been dropping out intermittently, a fault of the chip itself, since my desktop positioned right next to the laptop still surfs fine while the laptop suddenly cannot even ping the router. The range also leaves much to be desired and it struggles to find a strong signal right throughout the house, unlike the Macbook Pro.

    I realise it is possible to just replace the card.. what model/make should I be looking for? Apparently I also need to make sure it is compatible with my antenna plugs or something?
     
    Passa, Apr 23, 2009
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  2. aidil

    aidil Notebook Evangelist

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    As your R50 uses Mini PCI wireless card, not the newer mini PCI-Express one, so be sure you get the correct form factor when ordering.

    There is a lot of this kind of card if you would like to buy it from ebay, including the intel one. But I don't know whether IBM implements BIOS lock or not to limit the kind of mini PCI card that can be put inside your Thinkpad just as in the case of newer ones with Mini PCI-Express slot. So, be sure also to look for sign mentioning compatibility for IBM when you search for it. Most ebay sellers do this when they sell Mini PCI-Express wireless card, but don't know if it's in the case of older Mini PCI ones.

    As for antenna plugs, it should be standard amongst manufacturers.
     
    aidil, Apr 23, 2009
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