Recommended Mini PCI-e Wi-Fi card for X61s

[cxd9615gb]

As title. Bought a used Thinkpad recently with some cosmetic damage (unfortunately) so I figure I might as well upgrade the Wi-Fi card while I've dissembled the machine to install the keyboard bezel and monitor lid, as well as reapplying thermal paste.

My preference is for the least amount of heat output, installing an SSD has dramatically improved temps already and I believe I have the dual fan config anyway.

Any thoughts appreciated.

[RealBlackStuff]

1/2-size Intel 6200N card with 1/2-size adapter. (6200N has 2 antenna connectors, the 6300N has 3, otherwise they are the same).
Perfect wifi-N and a lot less heat.

[Weogo]

Hi RealBlackStuff,

Another X61S upgrader here.
Currently the X61S has an Intel 4965AGN, FRU 42T0866,
with three connectors labeled:
1 --- 3 --- 2
TR1 RO TR2
gray white black antenna wires

The 6300 has connectors labeled:
1 --- 3 --- 2
TR1 TR3 TR2

Do you know if I should go with the 6200
or
6300, and connect the cables the same as they were?

Thanks and good health, Weogo

[twistero]

Question: Does the Wifi LED / Fn+F5 / Hardware Wifi switch work with an Intel 6200/6300 installed in a X60/61?

Hi RealBlackStuff,

Another X61S upgrader here.
Currently the X61S has an Intel 4965AGN, FRU 42T0866,
with three connectors labeled:
1 --- 3 --- 2
TR1 RO TR2
gray white black antenna wires

The 6300 has connectors labeled:
1 --- 3 --- 2
TR1 TR3 TR2

Do you know if I should go with the 6200
or
6300, and connect the cables the same as they were?

Thanks and good health, Weogo

Well, your existing 4965AGN is 3T2R, which means a theoretical max speed of 450mbps download and 300mbps upload. Upon further reading, the 4965AGN actually only supports dual stream, so its max speed is still 300/300. The 6300 is 3T3R, so max 450mbps upload and 450mbps download. The 6200 is 2T2R: 300mbps upload and download. So, get a 6300 if you are pesky about your new card having a higher theoretical max speed. Whether the real life speed is any faster, I have no idea.
If you do get a 6300, or any card that has 3 antenna connections, connect the same way as it is now. For a 6200 or cards with 2 antenna connections, use the grey and black wires.

[zoowalk]

As title. Bought a used Thinkpad recently with some cosmetic damage (unfortunately) so I figure I might as well upgrade the Wi-Fi card while I've dissembled the machine to install the keyboard bezel and monitor lid, as well as reapplying thermal paste.

My preference is for the least amount of heat output, installing an SSD has dramatically improved temps already and I believe I have the dual fan config anyway.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Hi, may I ask which SSD you installed. Interested regarding the heat development? Thx.

[Weogo]

Hi Zoowalk,

I have an Intel 320 series 160GB SSD in my X61S.

It might have dropped the operating temperature a little, I'm not sure.

Speed has increased dramatically.

Thanks and good health, Weogo