Best possible Wifi/BT module for the W701/DS?

[knubbze]

My W701 came with the stock factory-installed Intel Centrino 6300 card, but I was wondering which upgrade options were available? Someone in this thread suggested the Intel 7260HMW card - would this still be the best/fastest compatible card?

[axur-delmeria]

You need a non-whitelist BIOS in order to install newer cards, including that 7260HMW.

The main issue is that most newer WiFi cards have a different form factor (M.2) which is physically incompatible with the miniPCIe slot in the W701. There are adapters that can allow you to install an M.2 WiFi card into a miniPCIe slot, like the one below:



However, there are two issues that need to be addressed:

1. whether there's enough space around the W701's WiFi card slot to fit the adapter and M.2 card

2. M.2 WiFi cards have a smaller antenna connector, so you either find an adapter cable, or buy a WiFi antenna with a long cable and the right connector.

[RealBlackStuff]

No need for an adapter, get an mPCIE AC-7260 like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254713925876
It also has 'standard' antenna connectors.

[axur-delmeria]

I will revise my previous comment: in many cases, WiFi cards newer than the 7260 (like the Intel AX200) are in M.2 form factor, and those that are in miniPCIe format may have only 1 antenna wired internally, as seen in this image.

[RealBlackStuff]

Hold it, it's only some of the mPCIE AX200 that have one antenna, does NOT apply to AC-7260.

[RMSMajestic]

there are "bridged" Mini PCI-e version made by Jayi about a year ago. Both 8265ac and AX200 were available. They are basically embedded modules soldered on a converter board that made both M$ and Intel unhappy.

Dell also made a similar version

https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Intel-8265 ... SwbQNfDbdH

[axur-delmeria]

Hold it, it's only some of the mPCIE AX200 that have one antenna, does NOT apply to AC-7260.

I didn't say anything about the 7260 having only one antenna.