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    Adding Intel 5300AGN wifi to Acer Travelmate 4230

    Discussion in 'Acer' started by k9hydr4, Oct 12, 2009.

  1. k9hydr4

    k9hydr4 Notebook Deity

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    I've been wanting to upgrade this laptop, but it seems very snappy even with "only" 1gb RAM and 1.6ghz C2D.

    One area it does need improvement on is the built-in G wireless. I would like to upgrade this to an Intel 5300AGN, but the 4230 only has two antenna connectors (for those not in the know, the 5300 has three connectors). An option of course is to install the 5100.

    Where can I find the thread on a mod to add a third antenna?

    Slightly off topic... What's the best N router or WAP for the 5300 to exploit the 300-450mbps theoretical transfer rate?

    Thanks!
     
    k9hydr4, Oct 12, 2009
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  2. KeithB

    KeithB Notebook Enthusiast

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    Wireless-N cards will function well using only two antennas. Without the center receive antenna, the diversity function does not operate, but this is not strictly required.
     
    KeithB, Oct 13, 2009
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  3. k9hydr4

    k9hydr4 Notebook Deity

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    One of the forums here mentioned something about being limited to 130 Mbps due to the missing antenna(I not being able to connect to 40 MHz or the 5GHz frequency). Will I still be able to achieve the max (I currently can connect 270 Mbps with a notebook with a builtin 5300) throughput w only 2 antennas?

    Is there a performance difference between the 5100 vs 5300?

    Mucho thank you-
     
    k9hydr4, Oct 13, 2009
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  4. Liam.R

    Liam.R Notebook Enthusiast

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    After trying 4 different antennas that I bought on ebay, I can recommend this one -

    http://cgi.ebay.com/A-Pair-of-New-T...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item33531786e5

    You don't need any mod, you just plug it in and place the cord without blocking the air flow or heat sources (like hdd or graphic card).

    Many users report that the 5100 inferior to the 4965 or 5300 in reception and transmission...

    you can read my upgrading experience here -

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=418050
     
    Liam.R, Oct 13, 2009
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  5. k9hydr4

    k9hydr4 Notebook Deity

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    Thanks. Is there a functional difference between full and half size wifi pci-e cards?
     
    k9hydr4, Oct 13, 2009
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