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    Atheros or Intel Wi-fi

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by kassndjzxxz, Mar 6, 2009.

  1. kassndjzxxz

    kassndjzxxz Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have the Atheros AR5B91 (mistakenly marketed as a AR928X). It's only 2.4ghz and the N performance seems lacking as it's no faster than G. I guess it's fine and all but...

    Would upgrading to the Intel 5300 be worthwhile? I've searched and can't find any power consumption numbers on the 5300, so does anyone know if it is a power hog?

    I have a Linksys WRT610N dual-band AP so 5ghz would get used.
     
    kassndjzxxz, Mar 6, 2009
    #1
  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    You need the third antenna for the 5300, which will probably be a pain to add if you don't have it. Which notebook do you have now? I have a Fujitsu notebook right now with a Atheros card. It sees WiFi my Intel 3945 never knew existed. If you're just connecting to the Internet, the G is more than enough.
     
    ZaZ, Mar 6, 2009
    #2
  3. kassndjzxxz

    kassndjzxxz Notebook Enthusiast

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    Asus N80Vn-X5. I looked and I only see two antennae connections. Shouldn't be difficult to add a third wire if you wanted to though.
     
    kassndjzxxz, Mar 7, 2009
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  4. CrazyTasty

    CrazyTasty Notebook Consultant

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    @mooninite
    I have no idea about the Intel model. I'd upgrade to a card with the Atheros 5008E chipset.

    @ZaZ
    You can get a 10" internal aerial antenna HERE. You just connect it to the 3rd antenna connector and loop it inside the case.
     
    CrazyTasty, Mar 7, 2009
    #4
  5. kassndjzxxz

    kassndjzxxz Notebook Enthusiast

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    The 5300 boasts of up to 450mbit (yes theoretical) speeds. You'd take the Atheros over the Intel?
     
    kassndjzxxz, Mar 7, 2009
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  6. User Retired 2

    User Retired 2 Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    Atheros provided more options with aircrack-ng under Linux.
     
    User Retired 2, Mar 7, 2009
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  7. goofball

    goofball Notebook Deity

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    it's not a power hog, unless the atheros 5007eg that it replaced is also a power hog.
     
    goofball, Mar 7, 2009
    #7