Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop Wifi upgrade

Question

I want to upgrade the Wifi card to 5Ghz on my Inspiron 1545 laptop. It now has a Dell Wireless 1397 WLAN Mini-Card.

I read a blog that recommends the Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 for this laptop.

https://joscor.com/blog/dell-inspiron-1545-wireless-adapter-upgrade-802-11agn-5-ghz-wifi-bluetooth-4-0/

I have a couple of questions.

1. In the comments, someone who has the Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 said that the antenna connectors on the card are smaller than their existing Wifi card so it wouldn't connect. The photo they posted shows the model is 6235ANHMW.

Is there a specific model of this Wifi card that is required to ensure compatibility with the Inspiron 1545?

2. Intel's website says this Wifi card is compatible with Windows 10. However, I've read forum posts where people have said after upgrading their Wifi card on the Inspiron 1545, it only detected Bluetooth and not the Wifi. Would this Wifi card have compatibility with Windows 10 with this laptop?

Thanks

U2CAMEB4ME · Answer

Welcome to the Dell Community @steveu9

I will be heading to my warehouse soon.

I should have a few 1545's I can use for testing.

I use the Intel 6235 for the E6420 XFR's I refurbish.

The BIOS does not see the Bluetooth part of the card.

But when I install W10 both the WiFi and Bluetooth will install.

And "YES" the antenna connections should be the same.

Best regards,

U2

U2CAMEB4ME · Answer

@steveu9  This is what I have so far. Memory: 2GB Memory: 4GB WiFi: Intel 6235 Dell Part Number: 05K9GJ/5K9GJ Model: 1545 Memory: 6GB (This is max) CPU: T4400 WiFi/Bluetooth (BIOS does not see the Bluetooth part of the combo card.) Starting to load W10. Let you know how things go. Regards. U2

U2CAMEB4ME · Answer

@steveu9

Just like with the E6420 XFR's.

After installing W10 then doing the Windows updates and "Optional Updates" the WiFi and Bluetooth work just fine.

W10 with WiFi and Bluetooth.PNG

All Bluetooth devices installed.

W10 Pro installed on the Dell 1545.

Regards and let us know if there is anything else we can help you with.

U2

Saltgrass · Answer

I am currently running an AX200 on my system but it is not an Intel card. The form factor can be hard to replace with the newer versions.

The model of the card I am using is MPE-AX3000H. Make sure and verify the form factor.

Keep in mind, some of the earlier 1545s came with a separate Bluetooth card, so check for that and remove if it is present.

steveu9 · Answer

Thanks @U2CAMEB4ME

1. Do you not recommend to install drivers from Intel's website for the Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235? Would the Wifi performance be as good just by using the default Windows 10 driver?

2. In the photo that showed the antenna connectors being too small, I noticed that the IC number ends ANH. But most of the ones sold online seem to end ANHU. Is that what the IC number on your's ends in?

U2CAMEB4ME · Answer

@steveu9  Only use the Dell part number 05K9GJ or 5K9GJ The W10 'Optional Drivers' installs the 'Manufacturers Drivers' The drivers for the Intel 6235 and the Bluetooth are from Intel.and found under the 'Optional Drivers'. There are a few ANHMW, ANHU, ANH and from what I can remember they are codes for Packaging/Sales/Distribution????? Something like that. Maybe someone else can chime in on that one. Only use the Dell Part Number when ordering. Regards, U2 What is your location. Mine St. Pete Fla.

steveu9 · Answer

I'm in UK. To use the Dell Part Number when ordering, can that only be done if I buy the part directly from Dell?

U2CAMEB4ME · Answer

@steveu9

You can use the number on Amazon, Ebay, Alibaba etc. or local shop.

Dang.

If you were in the US I could ship you a free one.

I spent a few weeks at RAF Lakenheath. (1988)

We had to ship some equipment to USAF Bitburg (Germany)

Best regards and good luck,

U2

steveu9 · Answer

Is it only necessary to remove the motherboard when installing the new Wifi card if the laptop has an ATI motherboard?

This guide shows the motherboard needing to be removed.

https://www.parts-people.com/blog/2011/01/20/dell-inspiron-1545-mini-pci-half-height-card-removal-and-installation/

Saltgrass · Answer

Did you ever see my post?

steveu9 · Answer

Yes. I don't think the laptop has Bluetooth because none appears in the Bluetooth and Other devices settings in Win 10. The form factor of the card, should be half mini PCI-E I think.

Saltgrass · Answer

I have been running the suggested Wi-Fi card on my system for several years.

If you had the other Bluetooth card, which was only on the original versions, it would be located under the keyboard. I don't remember if my system ever had that card, so you will probably be fine.

If you haven't found out, there is a panel on the bottom of the unit where you replace the Wi-Fi card.

steveu9 · Answer

I've got the Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 wifi card.

However, I've encountered a problem. The retaining screw on the old wifi card is very stiff and won't unscrew. I've tried using a manual screwdriver and an electric screwdriver, but it still won't budge.

Is there any solution to this?

BigBadBoy · Answer

@U2CAMEB4ME​ Was trying to get the Wi-fi working again on this old Dell 1545 and happened to come across this post. I figured that I could add 5Ghz and Bluetooth to the old gal with a new board and got a pulled and tested Intel 6235 from Ebay for $7.48 with free shipping. We'll see how it goes. I already maxed the processor and memory and installed Win 10. Don't know if the graphics can be upgraded, but this old thing is a breeze to upgrade. Thanks for giving the part numbers for the wi-fi.

Inspiron

Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop Wifi upgrade

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