I just purchased a Refurbished X220: I5, 7200 RPM 320 gig drive, 4 GB Ram, camera … The price was right and I was pretty happy with the deal, until I noticed that the Wi-Fi card is an Intel Link 1000, which apparently won’t connect to networks in the 5GHZ range. Frankly, I’m surprised that Lenovo is still even offering such a low end card, especially in its X series, which should be one of its flagship models. At any rate, I want to yank this thing out of here, as it’s the weakest link in the system, and is really the only truly inferior component.
Which card should I be targeting? Is it the 6205? If so, is the correct FRU 60Y3253? Also, are there any instructions or videos illustrating how to replace it?
Thanks,

The Intel 6300 (FRU #60Y3233) is at the top of the heap! All the disassembly/reassembly instructions are in the Hardware Maintenance Manual (HMM):
http://support.lenovo.com/de_DE/guides- ... MIGR-77125

Good luck!

I thought I read somewhere that Lenovo only ships the 6300 on machines that do not offer a built-in camera. Something about not having enough room to utilize 3 antennas? Since my machine has a camera, would the 6300 work?
Thanks,

That's right, so the 6205 would be the right wireless card for you (e.g., 2x2 antenna vs. the 3x3 antenna that is utilized with the 6300). If you try and configure a new X220 with a 6300, you can't get a camera.

It may be worth noting that if the 6300 is used with two antennas, then it will "step down" to that mode. Stated differently, there is no reason to prefer the 6205 over the 6300 all else being equal.

I thought though that the primary advantage of the 6300 was its support for 3 antennas? If I'm using the 6300 with 2 antennas, am I still gaining a performance boost over the 6205?
ing

Just keep in mind that any " off the shelf " WiFi card wont work!! as the bios will block it
you have to buy a lenovo branded card with a lenovo FRU number .
I did that on my X220!