New K73SD: Need advice about crappy Atheros driver/hardware

Hi,

Just got a new Asus K73SD which comes with an Atheros ar9485wb-eg Wifi. This NIC keeps disconnecting from my network. Especially when on battery. I think I have tried all the usual stuff (up-to-date driver 9.2.0.446), disabled power management for the nic. Ran W7 auto-correction feature. Reinstalled OS (yes). Connecting to a different Access point. Sitting in front of the router/ap. No changes unfortunately, no A/V installed, Nothing seems to help. If I Google the matter, I can see that I'm unfortunately far from the only one with this Atheros ar9485 disconnect problem.

If noone has some good advice on how to remedy this with my current setup, I think I have 2 options (given that I keep this laptop - which I would prefer since it seems good otherwise):

1. Experiment with other drivers. Especially this site keeps showing up when I browse possibilities. Does anyone know this site? I.e. would it be alright to download anything from that site?

2. Buy an Intel NIC and replace this Atheros...lets ignore that my warranty might be in danger if I yank out the Atheros - does anyone have a link or description on what and how to replace the NIC in this laptop? I'm no novice but have never replaced anything but keyboard/disks on a laptop before...any pointers would be appreciated!

And of course an advice on which of the two options above you would prefer?

Thanks.

--
Werner

 

My advice would be to either replace it with another NIC (or USB receiver), or try running this:

Download Complete Internet Repair 1.3.1.1315 Free - Attempts to repair everything Internet related - Softpedia

That utility attempts to set all the network configurations back to default - including altered registry values.

If the problem is faulty hardware though, that isn't going to fix it. Best of luck!

 

Thanks for your reply. Well I'll try the Repair but it should not matter - I have already tried reinstalling the OS (with format) so it should not be due to faulty settings like that. Do you by any chance know something about where the NIC is located in this laptop?

--
Werner

 

What is a minor issue? That it drops wifi connection?

 

If I want a new Wifi nic, what specs must I look for? Are we talking half mini card like this: Intel Ultimate-N 6300 ?

 

A USB receiver is the easiest to install - but then you lose a USB port is all. As for the NIC, it's generally located on the underside of the laptop - you just remove one of the bellies and disconnect the two cables, and it will lift up and pull right out like the SODIMMs (in most models I've worked on, anyway).

I haven't opened up this model myself though, and I couldn't find a good picture to post. You should be able to find a disassembly guide somewhere at least.

 

Thanks ProStar. yes there are a couple of guides:

Asus K Series K73S Motherboard Repair Guide | Installation Video
Asus K73S disassembly. on Veengle

I'll check out those this weekend. Can you give a recommendation about a substitute? If I want a new Wifi nic, what specs must I look for? Are we talking half mini card like this: Intel Ultimate-N 6300 ?

EDIT: Right I know what to get now - opened the Asus and found the wifi card quite easily. The above card will fit, but I only have 2 antenas wheres the Intel has 3 connectors.

Thanks.

 

Ah, glad you were able to get to it! The Centrino is pretty good - it's most likely an upgrade to what you have currently (especially if it's stock). I don't think that is a Bluetooth combo, but other than that, it's substantial.