mini pci-e wireless card downgrade

[-thinkpaduser-]

Hello,

I've got some problems with Intel WiFi Link 5300 non-windows drivers (on T500) and I'm thinking about downgrading my mini pci-e card to a Atheros based model that was shipped with older T models (T61 and T400 I think).

The only problem is that ThinkPads have some compatibility list in the BIOS and if it detects unsupported card during the boot then it refuses to work. I got caught with that on X31 in the past and I had to apply a third-party BIOS patches - not cool.

Do you think that it's going to cause me any problems? Both cards are for Lenovo ThinpPads so should they work just fine? Anybody tried that?

Also, is it difficult to replace a mini pci-e card on T500? I guess that simply removing a palm rest/keyboard should do the trick. And I'm assuming that it's not a problem to replace ABGN card with ABG in terms of antenna connectors. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Cheers, Michal

[Harryc]

There is an Atheros option card made for a T500. It is FRU# 42T0979. It is easy to change and requires one less antenna than 'some' Intel 5300 N cards. Some of those cards only used (2) antennas.

[-thinkpaduser-]

It wasn't available in UK store when I was buying but it's not a problem, I'll try to get it from ebay or some online shop. So do you think that since it's a Lenovo part it's going to pass BIOS compatibility check no problems even if it's for older models?

[Harryc]

If you are referring to FRU # 42T0979, then there will be no error on boot. You'd have to be specific about other cards.

[-thinkpaduser-]

That's a good news then. I'll check if it's available in UK and if it is supported by my operating system. Thank you very much.

[Peak2Peak]

...I'll check if it's available in UK...

You can order parts directly online from IBM UK Service Parts, by phone: 01475 557601 or by email: 3gfctrl@uk.ibm.com

[-thinkpaduser-]

OK so I'm going to buy this card 42T0979 via IBM UK store but in description field it says only "HARRISON" which is very cryptic to me. Would like to double check before I pay - can somebody confirm that it is a mini pci-e Atheros card?

https://www-304.ibm.com/shop/europe/web ... PartNumber

[Harryc]

That is what it said in the T500 parts manual.
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-71037

[Peak2Peak]

OK so I'm going to buy this card 42T0979 via IBM UK store but in description field it says only "HARRISON" which is very cryptic to me...

Maybe worth calling IBM UK Service Parts direct for an enhanced description.

[-thinkpaduser-]

I've just asked the guy on that number and he confirmed that it is the Atheros card. It turns out tho that part number 42T0979 is no longer available in their UK store and it was replaced by part number 43Y6511. He was not able to confirm if that card is also Atheros based but some google research suggest that it is.

So one more question - could you guys use your magic resources and tell me if card 43Y6511 is Atheros based and recent T500 compatible (no BIOS errors)?
Thank you very much.

[Harryc]

It says in the X200 parts list that it is a "ThinkPad 11b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Express Adapter III". If it was an Intel adapter they would call it something like "Intel WiFi Link 5300". By default with these adapters, if it is not Intel, it is Atheros. There is no third choice. My guess is that it is compatible with a T500. The latest models share many of the same adapter parts.
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 70697.html

Here's another mention of it in the R400 catalog;
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 70429.html

Here's it lists that part as T500 compatible -
http://www.thinkpad-parts.com/43Y6511-ThinkPad.html

Also as a general rule, nobody here has a magic wand when it comes to this stuff. We can be resourceful though. When push comes to shove you should be listening to Lenovo first for advice on parts as an authoritative source.

[-thinkpaduser-]

It's a common sense to listen to Lenovo first but on this forum I've found answers to questions that they (warranty, sales) didn't answered. I'm trusting in this forum and I appreciate that somebody takes his/hers time to help. And I'm not going to come back screaming if it turns out that given person was wrong - nobody knows everything, everybody makes mistakes.

Finally got it (43Y6511) delivered. It is Atheros based card. It works perfectly fine for me and I'm happy :) Small hint for people that want to order it - 43Y6511 is a half size mini pci-e card and you will need different (shorter) screws than for full size card.