I have a two year old Dell, an XPS Q740 (from the system info) Intel i7 CPU. Works fine but I've recently upgraded my router to an N standard with dual channels operating at 2.4ghz and 5ghz, so I'd like to improve the the network options for my machine.
Looking at the device manager, it says I'm using an Intel wifi link BGN 1000 which operates at 2.4ghz.
Can anyone suggest what card if any I can install to bring about a speed improvement. Fibre broadband is also due in my area soon so I want to take advantage of this :emotion-1:
Thanks, that is a great help, very useful. Only one small question, will it work with Windows 8? A previous link you gave listed several network cards, only some of them certified for Windows 8
The Intel WiFi Link 1000 is an IEEE 802.11b/g/Draft-N1 wireless network adapter that operates in the 2.4 GHz spectrum. This adapter is available in both PCIe Mini Card and Half Mini Card form factors. In order to check the correct wireless cards for your computer, you may provide me the system model.
If the computer was shipped with Half mini card, you may check and compare the lists of dual band wireless cards from the link:
http://intel.ly/YGWSH0
It's a Dell XPS15 (L501X) if that is any help. I have checked the user guide, device manager and run driver manager to get as much info as possible to help identify my upgrade options
The WLAN Mini-Card slot on the Dell XPS L501X system is located on the bottom of the system underneath the access panel. Only WLAN Mini-Cards work in this slot. Three wires can be connected to the card, all of which may not be used. The black and white wires are used on most WLAN cards, while the gray wire is only be used on certain N or draft-n cards. Dell has tested following WLAN cards with the XPS L501X:
Intel WiFi Link 6200 Wireless-N Mini-Card (Dual band)
Intel WiFi Link 6300 Wireless-N Mini-Card (Dual band)
Intel WiFi Link 1000 Wireless-N Mini-Card (Single band)
Intel WiFi/WiMAX Link 6250 Mini-Card
For installation of wireless card on your computer, you may refer to service manual of system from link:
Drivers for Intel 6235 card (For Windows 8) are available on support website but for different systems, that might work. However, while research I found the Windows 8 driver: http://intel.ly/YHGZQw
This driver is applicable for the following cards:
Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300
Intel Centrino Wireless-N + WiMAX 6150
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 100
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1030
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 105
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 130
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 135
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2200
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2230
Intel WiFi Link 1000
Intel WiFi Link 5300 and Intel WiFi Link 5100 products
In one of my earlier posts, I have shared the link for service manual of your computer. It provides step by step instructions for installation of various internal components. You may find it handy. Please ensure to follow the safety instructions as mentioned in manual.
Please reply in case you have any further questions.
I will download and read the the relevant section of the service manual. One question I do have is this; is my laptop fitted with a mini or half mini network card? The reason I ask is that I want to have everything ready before I start, and I will buy a bracket beforehand if it is required. Thanks
xandarian
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Posted March 1st, 2013 11:00
Thanks, that is a great help, very useful. Only one small question, will it work with Windows 8? A previous link you gave listed several network cards, only some of them certified for Windows 8