Mini PCI-e Wifi Card for X230

[myxomop]

Hello Forum Friends,

I'm curious what the fastest mini pci-e wifi/bluetooth combo card is I can use on my x230. Any and all help greatly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance,

-myxomop

[RealBlackStuff]

After applying IVyprep/1vyrain it would be:
- the MPCIe format AC-7260, which needs pin 51 taped for BT 4.0
- OR spend a bit more and get an adapter and the newer AX200 with wifi-6 and BT 5.1

[mikemex]

I believe Intel 6300 is the best card in that generation. With a modified BIOS (to remove the whitelist that prevent users from installing unauthorized cards) I believe you can upgrade to a 7260. There is also a modified AX200 selling in China, but it's not how intel released it. Depending on the seller, it may or may not have all antenna wires attached. If I were you I'd just stick to the 7260.

Also, keep in mind that there are no Windows 7 drivers for some of the newer cards. Worth checking in case you're still using it.

[munchausen]

If going with 1vyrain you can also get the AX200 ready to go without an adapter https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001035855462.html

This seller is confirmed everything hooked up correctly, I opened the tin can to check, see here: viewtopic.php?f=69&t=130562&p=858484#p858484

[munchausen]

This is now available on ebay as well https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/392873515376

[RealBlackStuff]

Do the X230 wifi-antenna cables fit onto that AX3000 card without any adapter?

[mikemex]

Do the X230 wifi-antenna cables fit onto that AX3000 card without any adapter?

I've seen some cards selling on Aliexpress that appear to have the old and bigger connector. I think it's called IPEX.

Makes sense; laptops with Mini PCIe slots have the old style connectors.

[munchausen]

Yes they fit directly, I have it installed in two x230 machines here, both working perfectly. You need the BIOS whitelist removed but otherwise they are plug and play.

[munchausen]

Yeah the x230 needs larger connectors, which are provided on the mini PCI-E card I linked. NGFF M.2 versions have smaller connectors that don't match the x230, I believe.