Aspire 5733z wifi throughput

I bought this yesterday...the wireless n is getting only 72.2 throughput. I have a Linksys N router that is giving my desktop computer 300mb and my Asus pc ee 150mb throughput. It doesnt matter where I place the laptop..next to router or outside on patio...72.2 is the most it will do. Is there any advice or solution, other than returning the laptop?

 

What Wi-Fi card does it use?

 

It uses the Atheros card.
Acer Support: Downloads & Support Documents - Notebook / Aspire / Aspire 5733Z

 

What Atheros card?
Use AIDA or Everest or something like that to identify the card.
Also what's your wireless router?

Since one of your computers works at 300mbps I assume channel width is set to 40MHz.

 

Here is what it tech sheet says: Acer Nplify 802.11 b/g/n
Wireless adapter Atheros AR5B125

My channel width is set to 20 or 40

 

Data rate of 72mbps is possible only with 20MHz channel and one spatial stream.
This particular card uses crappy AR9485 chipset which is 1 stream only.

150mbps is max theoretical throughput of this card provided it can be forced to work @40MHz channel width. Check advanced driver options available through device manager and make sure that "dynamic MIMO power save" is disabled and that there is no powersaving set for Wi-Fi in Windows power options (should be set to max performance).

Other than that there is no way to force this card to work @ 40MHz.

EDIT: You can also use drivers from here (for Windows 7).

 

I installed the drivers from the link you sent...and my speed went to 86.7. I guess I will have to live with it. Thanks for your help

 

You could also buy a cheap Intel 5300 or 6200 if you come across one.
It would be a lot better.

 

Do these replace the Atheros chip? How hard is that to do?

 

Very easy. Your notebook uses either a full size or half-height mini PCI Express slot for Wi-Fi.
It's no more complicated than upgrading RAM.

 

Ok...thanks. Will give it a try.

 

Start by checking whether your computer uses a full height or half-height adapter, this will determine what you need to purchase.

 

Ok...two things...The card in my laptop measures about 1 1/2 inches square. What size does that correspond to? The card itself has two antenna connections...with only one wire attached to it. Would changing to the recommended Intel card have an effect with only a one wire connection?
Thanks......

 

That sounds like a half-height adapter to me. Just in case, there's an example of a half-height with a bracket to extend it to full height so you can compare the two sizes.

 

Half size it is...What about the one wire hook-up? Is it worth changing adapters?

 

The adapter should give you 150mbps with only one antenna. You will not be able to attain 300mbps unless you add a second antenna which is a bit more complicated.

 

It should have two antennas connected. It's hard to achieve decent 802.11g speeds with one antenna let alone 802.11n ones.
If you want to see any improvement in signal quality and throughput you should install second antenna (which is not really a straightforward task as it requires quite a bit of laptop disassembling) and to achieve any decent throughput (above 150mbps) you need to upgrade your Wi-Fi card.

 

As a follow up...I installed a Intel 5300 AGN card and the latest Intel driver...throughput remains at 87mb. Adding another antenna is beyond me...so, I will live with it. Unless you have another driver that is better ?

 

You won't get anywhere without a second antenna.

 

Before I start, I am not an expert in computer matters (being a nun do not afford me the time)and I have just purchased a Aspire 5733Z also the new Nokia 360 speaker, the only problem is this laptop will not detect it through the bluetooth and I have not got a clue as to how I solve the problem, please help me some one.

 

Does it even have Bluetooth?
Not all configurations do and the fact that there is a Bluetooth on/off button doesn't mean anything.
Check device manager after enabling Bluetooth with a dedicated button or Fn+F3 combo.