Found a source for well-priced Intel 6205's

Hey guys, I'm not affiliated with this seller, but I know a number of people are having buyers remorse of sorts, and want to upgrade from their ThinkPad AGN to an Intel chip. (for drivers and better connection quality)

IBM parts quoted me something like $50+ +$10 shipping, which is ridiculous.

I managed to find this item:
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 wifi for Thinkpad T420 T520 60Y3253 62205ANHMW | eBay

I ordered and installed, it and it worked perfectly.

Just make sure you install the 6205 drivers either BEFORE you perform the hardware swap or you have access to an ethernet connection after because the 6205 is not plug and play.

The swap was simple, too. Remove RAM cover, remove two keyboard screws (one under RAM cover, another just on the outer case), remove keyboard, swap cards, replace everything.


Also, I noticed that there was a third unconnected antenna routed out to the WiFi card slot area, I own a T520 with a Camera and the Lenovo site claims that you can't get the three antennas with the camera, so I'm not sure if it's just a pigtail or if it's a full antenna. (If enough people are interested, I'll try plugging just that one in and see if I get reception on it.


I also found this other item for the Bluetooth 3.0 daughter card, haven't ordered it yet, but it may help anyone that's searching. (I'll post back if/when I get it to report)
Bluetooth Daughter Card Bdc-3.0 60Y3275 60Y3271 Lenovo Thinkpad X220 T420 T520 | eBay

 

I'm pretty sure the 3rd antenna is usable. Only the X220 has an exclusion for the 3rd antenna with the camera.

 

On a T420 the third antenna is usable; so no doubt will be on a T520 as well. I upgraded to a Centrino 6300 and plugged in the antenna; Intel PROSet utility reports that the antenna is in use and I see 450Mbps reported speed when connected to a 450Mbps router.

Unfortunately I am experiencing severe actual speed performance issues with the 6300 card under Windows 7 - a different story.

 

Damn, wish I had known that before I got the 6205. My router doesn't support above 300MB/s anyways, so not too big a loss.

 

I got one from that vendor and it didn't work in my T420. It's recognized in Device Manager and the drivers are there, but it doesn't connect. Maybe it's a bad card.

 

I got a 6300 for $22 shipping included, for my new T420s. the card should get here tomorrow.
bought it from this guy on eBay:

Intel IBM 6300 6300agn Wifi Wireless Card T410 X201 60Y3193 | eBay



I don't know if your machines just can't support more than 2 antennas like the T420s can, but if they can, and you're already looking into eBay, I believe the 6300 is a better choice.

 

I might just pull the trigger on that. Though, I'd be upgrading for the sake of upgrading. I've had no wireless issues (knock on wood).

 

Also, Amiroquai's link has expired, but I found this:

INTEL Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 633ANHMW wireless card | eBay

 

Watch out! I believe that Lenovo whitelist the WiFi cards so you need to find a Lenovo-branded 6300 (the previous link says "IBM" in the title and listed compatibility with Lenovo notebooks).

John

 

I can confirm this.
here's a link to an (expired) auction for a 6300, from the same seller I got mine from, where the 6300 module is not compatible with IBM. it's even stated in the auction page.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/280792724168



Anybody using the intel wireless display feature of these cards? I'm getting a receiver soon, looks pretty sweet!

 

Anyone using the 6200/6300 on linux? Any issues to be aware of?