Atheros AR5006EX vs Intel 3945ABG

My next laptop will be a Lenovo/IBM T60, and the config
that best suits my needs comes up with an unexpected
choice, between the 2007-62U and 2007-63U.

They have the same configuration and price, except for
the WiFi card. The 62U ships with the Atheros AR5006EX,
while the 63U comes with the Intel 3945ABG.

What are the relative pros/cons of these Wifi adapters ?

 

The atheros is a a lot stronger card, and is all around better than the Intel 3945

 

I second the atheros. I have had trouble with my 2200 Intel wireless card. But that doesn't mean that the 3945 card will be bad. I just don't trust the Intel cards any more. However I have heard nothing but good things about the atheros.
Tim

 

If you notice my post earlier today, you'll notice that I will probably end up getting the Atheros card at some point even though my Dell E1505 will come with Dell 1390 or for $29 more bucks, an Intel 3945. However, I'm with you - the Intel 2200 card has been such a nightmare, that I'm not sure I trust any other Intel card. Although I also agree that a bad Intel 2200 card doesn't mean the Intel 3945 will be bad too. I sure hope Intel learned from their mistakes on the 2200. Please let me know what you decide and if you have any problems with whatever your choice is. Sure wish I could afford the IBM T60.

 

In my toshiba I have an Atheros card, I get a far better concetion around our house than the rest of the laptops, in order of reception we have...

Atheros AR5006EX - Never have any issues
Gigabyte Wireless card - Very rarely have problems
Intel 3945ABG - Often cuts out at certain places

We also have an older wireless card, it was worse than all of them, but that laptop died, so we don't have to put up with it any more

 

While I like Atheros hardware much better, it is hard to find drivers for these models. They are not available through Atheros, so the only way of obtaining them is through sketchy driver websites or from IBM or Dell even if the card is added after-market to another brand of laptop.

The Intel drivers for the 3945 are always available on Windows Update and the Intel website. However, I have had reception and connectivity issues with the 3945, although fewer problems with newer drivers. Interestingly, the Intel utility is much more elegant than anything I've seen from Atheros.

However, in terms of chipsets, here is how I would rank the manufacturers, in terms of their respective top-of-the-line products:

1. Atheros*
2. Broadcom*
3. Marvell
4. Intel
5. Texas Instruments
6. Ralink*

I know of no other chipset manufacturers. All have Linux functionality of some sort, although only Intel and Ralink have native support as far as I know. Starred chipsets are compatible with OSX86.

I personally bought the 3945 with my laptop and purchased the 5006EX after-market on eBay, because it was not a factory-configuration option. Sadly, now my Gateway CX210X tablet gives me USB errors when Bluetooth is turned off and the new wireless card is installed.

 

One more missing point is that Atheros internal wifi card offered with T60 supports N rate. I don't believe 3945 does. I also ordered my new T60 with Atheros card, and initially had problems but it was related to the router. After getting a new D-Link DIR655, wireless connection has been very stable, considering my router is in a basement and I often use my T60 in a bedroom on a second floor.

One thing I do have to agree, there is no direct support of drivers from Atheros, and you are at mercy of Lenovo (in my case). They told me new drivers are coming soon (for a better draft N and Vista support), but when - nobody knows. And, it has been awhile since the last driver update.

Go with Atheros in your T60!!!

 

What about internal ( mini-PCI ) wifi cards from gigabyte _with_ atheros chipset inside ?
the model number is : GN-WIAG02
Is it worth replacing the intel's 3945 ABG wifi card considering chipsets ?
I can't tell how good that gigabyte wifi card is,but the atheros chipset looks nice...

 

my sisters laptop has the atheros ar5006ex wireless card its a custom built by pioneercomputers in australia but it keeps disconnecting from the network that we have set up at home id didn't come with a utility so its using the win xp one could this be the problem and if so where can i get the proper utility

 

The Atheros should be considerably better than the Intel.

p.s. Dam this is an old thread. WTG digging it from its grave lol.

 

Does the ar5006ex run at 108mbps or limited to 54mbps?

 

Only 54mbs. The EXS gets 108.

 

The AR5006EXS is almost impossible to find in the US

 

You're telling me. It's almost a myth.