Thinkpads Forum

Looking to update a t61 to 802.11n. Is there a preferred card? Mostly run linux.

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If you don't want to hack the BIOS, 42T0825 or 42T0827 (Atheros-chipped Lenovo abgn) is your friend.

Should you already be running Middleton's BIOS, the world is your oyster...

I think Middleton bios is a given.

Have any recommendations for excellent cards?

My personal choice is Apple's rendition of Atheros 9380:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Atheros-AR5BXB1 ... 43c26b1d1c

Obviously, YMMV.

So how well do those 3 antenna versions work with 2 antennas?

I don't quite understand your question.

How many antennae do you have in the machine?

I prefer Intel WLAN cards, drivers are always top notch, for the most part reliable hardware. I had the Intel 6300 card, probably best and most stable WLAN card I have owned.

86turbodsl wrote:So how well do those 3 antenna versions work with 2 antennas?

Just fine. However most T61 I've come across have 3 antennas. For the price difference between a good 2 antenna card and a 3 antenna card, I don't bother ordering a 2 antenna card.

I strongly prefer Intel Wi-Fi cards to Atheros- I do LAN gaming, and Intel cards tend to be the least touchy.

The best Intel cards for your money are the 5100 and 5300 in either half-card form factor or full card, as the T61 can take either. I highly recommend installing Middleton's BIOS if you don't already have it.

ajkula66 wrote:I don't quite understand your question.

How many antennae do you have in the machine?

There are two antennas in the machine.

86turbodsl wrote:
There are two antennas in the machine.

Just leave the middle slot open. You'll still get "N" speeds on both bands but no MIMO.

Well is it worth retrofitting a 3rd then?

86turbodsl wrote:Well is it worth retrofitting a 3rd then?

Not in my opinion.

I've gotten 450Mbps using the Apple card that I've linked with 2 antennae on ASUS 66N router at a close range. YMMV.

That's good enough for me.

Thanks for your sound advice.