M18x R2, network card upgrade options?

Question

Hi,

For a 2012 released Alienware M18x R2, what options are there for upgrading network cards?

Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260
Killer E2200 Gigabit Ethernet Controller

I have Virgin media with 1.1 to 1.3gb download speed (most often).

Thanks

ejn63 · Accepted Answer

Any Ethernet upgrade would need to be external (USB 3); the internal 10/100/1000 Ethernet is on the system board and not upgradeable internally.

For WiFi, you can still find WiFi 6 cards in half minicard (half mini PCIe) format, though not from Intel. All of Intel's WiFi 6 cards are M.2/NGFF, which will not work with the system.

Example:

https://www.amazon.com/MPE-AX3000H-802-11ac-Wireless-Express-Network/dp/B091FJXQHH/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3QFNE39ALVM1G&keywords=mini+PCIe+wifi+6&qid=1662215052&sprefix=mini+pcie+wifi+6+%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

crimsom · Accepted Answer

Hi @Vqmp welcome to this free user to user Alienware laptop discussion forum.

My local Openreach and Virgin Media to the house internet speeds are now up to 2GB/s (2,000MB/s). My current ISP speed of 220MB/s is sufficient. Installing 4TB M.2 NVMe OS(C:) boot drive, dramatically increased Alienware laptop performance. There are huge differences between Consumer and Commercial ISP's download and upload speeds. Getting a commercial entity to purchase ISP for you is very competitive.

Please click on Intel Driver & Support Assistant to check that Wireless card and Ethernet Controller chip, and TAP-Windows adapter drivers are the most recent. This Intel application will offer to download and install the most recent driver. After installation, Restart (not Shut Down) to save this change.

The Wireless card can be replaced, see Intel® Wireless Solutions - Wireless Products and Wi-Fi Technology There are Intel Wireless 9000 series cards with more than 1GB/s Intel® Wireless-AC Products - Next-Level Wi-Fi Powered by Intel and Intel Wi-Fi 6 Series with more than 2GB/s Intel® Wi-Fi 6 Series Products and Solutions with Intel® Wi-Fi 6.... But you need to check that your system board and CPU will accept modern half mini PCIe cards.

The Ethernet Controller is not a removeable card, but a computer chip that is permanently soldered onto the system board. Updating its driver version is the only option open to users.

It is possible to get 2GB/s external Ethernet adapters, but check that this laptop's USB ports can utilise these modern plug and play adapters.

What is your Alienware M18x R2 specification and Windows operating system?

Vqmp · Answer

Any idea why windows 11 shows as 100mb using cat 7e cable? Tried two, reinstalled windows 11 too

ejn63 · Answer

Are you using a gigabit router/switch?  How long are the cable runs?

crimsom · Answer

Hi @Vqmp  my fix was to remove Killer applications from 'Programs and Features'. Retain drivers and use Intel Driver & Support Assistant to update drivers. I use a single 1GB/s ethernet cable that is 6 meters in length. Network Receive & Transmit Link Speed between Internet Hub and laptop are both 1GB/s.

Vqmp · Answer

Would this one work?   Desc: Garsentx Mini WiFi Network Card 2.4GHz 5GHz 6GHz 2400Mbps Wireless Card BT5.2 MU-MIMO Mini PCIe Wi-Fi 6E 5G Adapter for Windows PC Laptops Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Garsentx-Network-2400Mbps-Wireless-MU-MIMO/dp/B09TRVFT7F/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3QWLPZNNL5QEF&keywords=MPE-AX3000H+WiFi+6+Wireless&qid=1679782859&sprefix=mpe-ax3000h+wifi+6+wireless+%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-4

Vqmp · Answer

Ordered this one, so see: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09F3CLKLH

WiFi 6E Half Mini PCI-E WiFi Network Card 802.11AX AC MPE-AXE3000H 2.4GHz 5GHz 6GHz 5400Mbps Wireless Card BT5.2 MU-MIMO Mini PCIe Wi-Fi 6E Adapter OFDMA vPro for Windows 10/11 PC Laptops

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M18x R2, network card upgrade options?

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