upgrade Intel wifi 1000BGN to Intel Centrino N 6205 on X220i

[AbeW]

Hi,
I have a new X220i with an Intel WiFi link 1000 BGN wireless module. I can't get more that 130 Mbps speed out eventho my X100e gets 300 Mbps.
I learned that the 1000 BGN module can only handle 2.4 Ghz and My router can do the 5 Ghz.
I ordered the Intel Centrino Advance N 6205 Module since that can handle the 2.4 and the 5Ghz speed.
Can I just plug this new module into the slot where the 1000 BGN module is and down load its new driver? or do I need something else? Do I have to erase the 1000BGN driver first?
Thanks for helping me out.
Abe

[ZaZ]

Is it a Lenovo branded card you bought? If it is it should work. If it is not you'll probably need to hack the BIOS.

[AbeW]

Hi,
No it is not. I bought it on Amazon. It is the same part number though. N 6502
Is the Intel card from Lenovo different? It has the same number.
Let me know.
Thanks
Abe

[ZaZ]

Yes, they are different. Lenovo likes to whitelist wireless cards in the BIOS, meaning if it's not a Lenovo part it won't work without a BIOS hack, even if it's the same card. You can try the zender BIOS hack or you might just be better off sending it back and getting a Lenovo part. A Lenovo part will have the FRU printed on it.

[AbeW]

Hi,
I should have known. I just ordered the part from Lenovo and they charged 3 times as much as Amazon.
But what can you do.
I thank you for the information.
Thanks
Abe

[ZaZ]

In Lenovo's defense, they have to stock every part, not cherry pick the best money makers and that's an expensive proposition. They'll show up reasonably on ebay in the future, but if you need one now, there's not a lot of choice.

[Brad]

The market place thread is always a good place to post for all your ThinkPad needs. There aren't many ThinkPads or parts that are not available.

Brad