Thinkpads Forum

I understand the 4965AGN WLAN card would consume less power. As the current wlan card under the palmrest runs quite hot: Would the 4965AGN card run cooler than the 3945ABG?

rkan wrote:I understand the 4965AGN WLAN card would consume less power. As the current wlan card under the palmrest runs quite hot: Would the 4965AGN card run cooler than the 3945ABG?

Truth be told, they're probably about the same.

Have you checked to ensure that power management for the card is enabled?

Also, what OS are you using?

rkan wrote:I understand the 4965AGN WLAN card would consume less power. As the current wlan card under the palmrest runs quite hot: Would the 4965AGN card run cooler than the 3945ABG?

I have experience with both cards. The 3945ABG (using currently) runs noticably cooler, the palm rest is not uncomfortably warm as with the 4965. The 3945 maintains connection better, reconnects (if needed) faster and often shows slightly better receive signal strength!

links to Intels web site:
4965ABGN: http://www.intel.com/network/connectivi ... erview.htm
3945ABG: http://www.intel.com/network/connectivi ... mobile.htm

Notice one of Intels brags on the 3945 is its great battery life. They attribute that to its roaming scheme but I cannot help but wonder (because it runs so much cooler) if it doesn't draw less power too. They don't brag on battery life with the 'N'.

Unless you need 'N' speed or extended range I'd go with the ABG (that was my choice and never had regret).

BTW, I'm curious where you've seen the N uses less power? Actually makes no sense as I believe the N uses multiple transmitters (thus likely draws MORE power). Plus it runs hotter which means either it draws more power or is using it inefficiently!

I cannot find the reference at the moment but I remember that somebody here on this forum has posted the measurements of different cards and according that informations the 4965ABGN runs cooler than other cards on X61.