Intel Ultimate-N 6300 3x3 vs Advanced-N 6200 2x2 for X201

Hey,

I ordered an X201 a few weeks ago with Intel's Ultimate-N 6300 3x3 WLAN card, but I didn't realize that by having added the Webcam to the X201's display, I also reduced the number of antennas from 3x3 to 2x2. The Ultimate-N is rated as having better reception and is "faster" -- 450mbps vs 300 mbps ( http://www.intel.com/network/connectivity/products/wireless/adapters/6200-6300/index.htm ) but I'm wondering if the card is even compatible with an X201 that has only two antennas. I probably should have gotten the Advanced-N 6200 2x2, but the Ultimate-N was only a few dollars more. Does anyone know if this WLAN card will work properly with only 2 antennas? Also, another idea: would it be possible to utilize one of the unused WWAN antennas as the third antenna for the Ultimate-N 6300 3x3? Just wondering... I'd like to make use of the third antenna connector.

 

It will work properly, but you won't get more than 300Mbps with only the two antennas. Basically you have a slightly more expensive 6200. EDIT: I do't know about the WWAN antenna.

 

What about the 6300's additional performance optimizations? I would hope that it would improve speed over the 6200.

Good question by the OP; has anyone tried attaching a 3rd antenna to the 6300 (or 5200 in the X200 with webcam)?

 

Doubt you will see any performance benefit in majority of real usage situations.

 

I ordered my X201s with the 6300 and will update on performance once I get mine.

 

I have Thinkpad T410 with integrated graphics, WWAN, Bluetooth and Advanced 6200-N. I've checked mine. Actually one extra antenna wire is there. So no need to bother about that if you order 6300-n it would be with 3 antenna.

 

Hi igarvey,


Has anyone read the Intel 6000 Series User Guide? Or are you using Access connections...

Intel 6000 Series = Intel Ultimate-N 6300, Intel Advanced-N 6200, etc...

My new W701 will have the Intel Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3).

<O </O

Thank You,<O </O

 

I finally got my X201s and it came with the Intel 6300. I'm staying at a hotel now in Hong-Kong and I also have my Macbook Pro with me. My X201s picks up a stronger signal than my Macbook Pro and sees signals that the Macbook Pro does not so I would have to say that the 6300 is pretty good.

 

What card is the Macbook Pro using? Also I've heard the aluminum macbook pro models have signal issues because of the aluminum body interferes with it.

 

Apple uses broadcom wireless chips in their laptops and iphones.

 

Signal and reception seem better on my X201s than my MBP but the browser is much better and faster on the MBP than the X201s and the trackpad does not even compare (difference is night and day).

 

i doubt there is many laptop that has better signal reception than a thinkpad. Dell HP and Apple certainly pails against Thinkpad in this department.

 

The browser being "better and faster" on the MBP has a lot to do with what browser you're using and your brower's settings.

 

I agree. Having owned most brands of laptops, the ThinkPads have excellent reception. I get better upload & download speeds and a stronger signal from the same distance to the router. The same was true with older ThinkPads I had (T42, T61).