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    Alienware Area-51 m15x -- Pci-e network upgrade

    Discussion in 'Alienware Area-51/Aurora and Legacy Systems' started by Hellfire620, Dec 8, 2013.

  1. Hellfire620

    Hellfire620 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have a Alienware Area-51 m15x (Not the M15x) with a stock internal PCI-e wireless network card. I am currently running Win7 64

    What is the best/ultimate replacement that will work?

    I would like to start using N-band and 5 Ghz and still keep the BT.

    Link and specific data is much appreciated.

    Thank you
     
    Hellfire620, Dec 8, 2013
    #1
  2. WhiteAlien

    WhiteAlien Notebook Guru

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    Best in slot is Intel Centrino Ultimate 6300 N
    Intel® Centrino® Ultimate N 6300 Wlan Wifi Mini PCI Express Notebook Karte | eBay
    with this Half Size TO Full Mini PCI E PCI Express Adapter I9 | eBay

    Before I was using Apple Airport Extreme based on latest Atheros chip AR9380, but I had some issues. When running on integrated GPU wifi card was not even detected, but when running on dedicated GPU wifi on/of button was not working. Conclusion, since motherboard is running on Intel chipset I would recommend using only Intel based cards for best compatibility.
     
    WhiteAlien, Dec 9, 2013
    #2
  3. Hellfire620

    Hellfire620 Notebook Enthusiast

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    With the card that is specified it has its range cut almost in half because of the adapter requires a 3rd antenna wire. May need to strip a wire out of another laptop to use the adapter to its fullest.
     
    Hellfire620, Dec 11, 2013
    #3
  4. WhiteAlien

    WhiteAlien Notebook Guru

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    Yes, both cards are 3 stream because by default m15x come equipped with Intel 4965agn which uses 3 antennas. At least mine did. Also I think bluetooth module is integrated on motherboard same as IR, but I might be wrong. If you don't want to add 3rd antenna then take Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6200, its basically the same, only one stream less.
     
    WhiteAlien, Dec 12, 2013
    #4
  5. Hellfire620

    Hellfire620 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Nah prefer to use a 3x3. Ill just run a 3rd wire around the front of the chassis by the IR.
     
    Hellfire620, Dec 14, 2013
    #5
  6. Hellfire620

    Hellfire620 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have bought the Network card that is specified and have been working on it for almost 5 days now. It states the device cannot start. Where did you acquire your drivers for the Intel Centrino Ultimate 6300? and card revision, A01, A02, A03, or A04?
     
    Hellfire620, Dec 26, 2013
    #6
  7. WhiteAlien

    WhiteAlien Notebook Guru

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    From Intel download page. What error code do you have?
     
    WhiteAlien, Dec 27, 2013
    #7
  8. Hellfire620

    Hellfire620 Notebook Enthusiast

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    The device cannot start (Error code 10)
     
    Hellfire620, Dec 27, 2013
    #8
  9. Hellfire620

    Hellfire620 Notebook Enthusiast

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    As usual I have to do things myself. I bought all 4 revisions from Amazon, Ebay, Newegg, etc.



    To sum alot of bull up.....

    Revisions 1 and 2 are not the greatest

    Your best will be using Revision 3 or 4...it doesn't really matter for performance. Its steady.
    (If your a home LAN junkie)

    Make sure the buyer knows 100% what they are selling. They may send you a card you didn't need.

    If you ever get a card that does not want to start (Error Code 10)....you have a Branded card. Get a un-Branded & clean card. Don't pull it from a package POS.

    To save time and money, your answer is here.
    Amazon.com: Intel Ultimate N 633ANHMW IEEE 802.11n (draft) Wi-Fi Adapter - Mini PCI Express - 450Mbps, Bulk: Electronics
     
    Hellfire620, Dec 30, 2013
    #9
  10. WhiteAlien

    WhiteAlien Notebook Guru

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    Haha, you don't know what to do with money :D. I had a doubt that Code 10 means locked hardware, but I said nothing since I thought it can be locked only through BIOS, apparently not. Anyway, gz on new WiFi module.
     
    WhiteAlien, Dec 30, 2013
    #10
  11. Hellfire620

    Hellfire620 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I got more time and money spent in this Alienware than my car.
    image.jpg
     
    Hellfire620, Dec 31, 2013
    #11
  12. protivakid

    protivakid Notebook Evangelist

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    C'mon man, lambo doors on a dodge? Back in high school I too drove a dodge with a large wing and body kit haha but thankfully those days are in my past.
     
    protivakid, Dec 31, 2013
    #12