Full vs Half mini PCI-E

[j.varkey]

For a given mini PCI-E adapter (e.g. identical wifi card), which is the more preferable option and why: full or half size ?

Is there benefit to heat dissipation with the half size ? Does the half size have to be converted to a full size (with a bracket add-on); if it is model specific I have an X61T.

[RealBlackStuff]

The half-size MiniPCIe like the Intel Advanced 6200N needs a bracket for mounting it.
See e.g. this in the UK: http://cgi.ebay.com/Half-Size-Full-Size ... 0164719115
I use them in a T60, T61 and X60s, IMHO they are less hot than a full card.
The above 6200N only needs 2 antenna wires. Reception is excellent.

[j.varkey]

Thanks. Is a bracket necessary? Won't the 2 screws hold the half card in place?

In the case of wifi, my needs are better served with an Atheros card like the ar9280 but Intel's 62xx series does review well.

[RealBlackStuff]

The half-size MiniPCIe .... needs a bracket for mounting it.

[crashnburn]

The half-size MiniPCIe .... needs a bracket for mounting it.

Reading and following. Thanks RBS I figured I had missed some good info somewhere.

[twistero]

Is a bracket necessary? Won't the 2 screws hold the half card in place?

Well, the X6x series has full-height mini pci-e slots. What that means is that the stand-offs where you can screw the card down is positioned to match the mounting holes on a full-height card, not a half-height card. If you use a half-height card in such slots without a bracket, there will be no stand-offs under the mounting hole, and you have no way to secure them. It's straightforward like that.

Intel 6200 and 6300 cards do generate less heat, but IMO that's more because of the chipset than the physical size of the card. For a given chipset, I imagine there will not be much difference between a full-height and half-height card.

[thorcik]

Well, the X6x series has full-height mini pci-e slots. What that means is that the stand-offs where you can screw the card down is positioned to match the mounting holes on a full-height card, not a half-height card. If you use a half-height card in such slots without a bracket, there will be no stand-offs under the mounting hole, and you have no way to secure them. It's straightforward like that.

You can always use an old credit card, scissors and drill instead of a "dedicated" bracket. I did it with a 5100 card in my t60.

[twistero]

You can always use an old credit card, scissors and drill instead of a "dedicated" bracket. I did it with a 5100 card in my t60.

Interesting. How do you attach the credit card bracket to your wireless card?

[thorcik]

Interesting. How do you attach the credit card bracket to your wireless card?

It's not attached, the credit card is rigid enough that the wireless card doesn't move. I'll take a photo when I get home this evening.

That is how it looks. (pics)

[dmdsoftware]

Interesting. How do you attach the credit card bracket to your wireless card?

It's not attached, the credit card is rigid enough that the wireless card doesn't move. I'll take a photo when I get home this evening.

That is how it looks. (pics)

I ordered two of these. I noticed on my X61T that the screws holding down the wifi card won't budge. Now they are beginning to become stripped. I don't want to apply too much downward pressure to get the screws loose. On my X61, I shouldn't have an issue since the screws are turn-screws.

[RealBlackStuff]

stripped screws: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... t=stripped

[twistero]

It's not attached, the credit card is rigid enough that the wireless card doesn't move. I'll take a photo when I get home this evening.

That is how it looks. (pics)

You should use this link:
http://imageshack.us/g/341/dscf7938.jpg/
The link you gave goes to the management screen and asks for a login.
Anyways, it looks pretty cool.

[Peak2Peak]

Nice! - looks great - Any chance of taking a pic of just the "Credit Card mPCIe" bracket on it's own removed from the ThinkPad as this will show a clearer pic of the cut out shape near the antenna connectors etc

[thorcik]

Thanks for correction, mate I'll take the photo on weekend as it's rather dark when I get home after work and some extra light is needed. Maybe I'll find a full card just for comparison.