X31 Wireless Cards (Interchangeability)

[Brian10161]

I just won an auction for 2 X31 laptops (Can't be certain if they have the wifi cards still in them, they do have the Centrino logo on the palmrest, but they doesn't mean everything) and was wondering if the wifi card in my X40 could be put into the X31 motherboard.

It would more or less be to test and make sure it works as these computers are for work (at least atm, I might like them too much for that ).

I also need batteries, but that's another topic

[RealBlackStuff]

Any MiniPCI (not MiniPCIe) wifi card will work, provided the machine has antenna cables.
You'll see them (or not) when removing the wifi cover from the bottom.
If one or both has an 802.11B card, replace it/them with 802.11B/G, such as Intel 2200BG.

[Brian10161]

I have a feeling it will just be the Intel Wireless B card. According to the ThinkWiki, the only Intel card offered was B capable. I gather it would have to be an Intel card to get the Centrino badge.

Glad to hear any MiniPCI card will work. If it is the Intel card, I'll get the IBM A/B/G card if I can get my hands on them.

Thanks for the reply.

[RealBlackStuff]

If you use a non-IBM card, you may get the 1802 (unauthorized card) error.
This can be easily remedied by applying the NO-1802 BIOS hack.
http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Problem_w ... twork_card
http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Problem_w ... et_devices
Download the Live CD .ISO file from the second link, look for:

Code: Select all

NOTICE: The Live CD Version 2 is released now. Download it via Rapidshare here. (~ 4 MB).
Download links appear to break regularly but will be fixed whenever necessity arises.

[ajkula66]

X31 shipped with a variety of cards: Intel, Cisco, IBM-Atheros.

Centrino logo may indicate an Intel 2100B, but later machines had 2200BG as well as 2915ABG.

[jronald]

Just a further note, only the IBM Intel card will allow the Fn keys to turn on/turn off the wireless cards consistently. I have had 1 Regular Intel card work, but by and large, stick with the IBM cards to be fully compatible.

Just to confuse the issue further, the Atheros based cards have ALWAYS done a better job for me. RBS is partial to Intel and others like other brands. YMMV.
Any of the Intel cards will activate the Centinos which does give better battery life.

Ron

[Brian10161]

The computers still haven't arrived. I have a feeling that if they do still have cards in them and they work, I'll just leave them be.

As long as I can connect to my WPA protected network, I'll be happy. Failing that, I will search for cards

Thanks for all the replies guys!

[RealBlackStuff]

RBS is partial to Intel and others like other brands. YMMV.

I'm not partial to any particular brand.
Only back in my T23 days I preferred Broadcom wifi cards, because they worked, were cheap and readily available.
Nowadays I use X6x and T6x machines, as it happens all with Intel wifi.
I only ever had one Atheros-based card, and was not impressed with it.

[jronald]

I stand corrected, somewhere in the back of my brain, I remember the Broadcom days also!

Ron

[sjthinkpader]

...I only ever had one Atheros-based card, and was not impressed with it.

During the A3x/T2x time, I had quite a few Atheros cards. They were first with OFDM used in A and G. Then intel caught up. Today Atheros is part of Qualcomm. Founder of Atheros was a woman professor at Stanford. She went back to Stanford to teach.

[Brian10161]

Computers came in the other day and they both have Intel Wireless B cards (uber slow lol)

They work however, support WPA and that so I may stick with them for a while. Depending on how it goes, might grab a G card later.

[jronald]

A couple of my secondary "not quite right" machines only have "B's" in them. My WAP RE-Under is a "B" only Access point.

Ron

[Puppy]

Were there any official IBM b/g wifi cards based on Broadcom BCM4308 chip for X31 ? I bought a so called "IBM remarketed" wifi card based on it but there are no IBM stickers. It does not work at all. No beep, display stays turned off in POST. I guess this particular card is broken and I can ask for replacement.

Before I ask for another one I'd like to know whether the Broadcom BCM4308 based card could be an authorized IBM wifi card or the "IBM remarketed" claim is false anyway ? I don't want to take a risk of modifying BIOS to prevent the 1802 error.

[ajkula66]

No.

Broadcom wireless cards were never used in any ThinkPad of that era.

Return it and get an Intel or an Atheros-chipped IBM - the latter would be my preference.

[Puppy]

Would Intel 2200BG wifi card from R51 work ? It is not listed here http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Category:X31 (2100 only)

[ajkula66]

Yes it will work just fine.

[Puppy]

I was lucky to get Atheros based card part no: 91P7301

[MacAoidh]

Sorry to bring an old (ish) post back from the dead ladies and gents, BUT, i've just picked up a little X31 (2672) which has no wifi card in place, so i was wanting to know the best one to put in my new project.

ALSO

Any other upgrade info would be greatly appreciated. As it stands it has no power brick as yet but it has power in the battery so i know it is working.

Kind regards

Mac

[jronald]

Use the 1802 hack, and put any card you want in it.
Max out the Ram
Then add a 7200 rpm HDD and that is as good as it gets.
DO NOT attempt anything after XP from Microslough, it will run several flavors of Linux very well.

Ron

[MacAoidh]

Thanks, i want to put an SSD in it, that is possible right ?

[MacAoidh]

So i burned this ISO, http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Problem_w ... et_devices

Is it the correct one ?

Waiting on a new power brick being delivered before i attempt the flash.

Kind regards

Mac

[jronald]

SSD is possible but not really needed. A 7200 rpm HDD will make it fly.
And yes, that is the hack we mentioned.

Ron