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    Best WiFi card for Lenovo Flex 5 14" (AMD)? Upgrading from a Realtek 8822BE

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Lamim Rashid, Jun 18, 2020.

  1. Lamim Rashid

    Lamim Rashid Notebook Consultant

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    I would have just bought the hp envy x360 for a little more to get the better wifi card and screen but I managed to snag a Ryzen 4700u, 512gb nvme (Samsung PM981), and 8gb ram model Flex 5 (81X20002US) for only $608 USD (827 CAD) from Lenovo. Was too good of a deal to pass up, especially as far as Canadian deals go. The envy x360 I wanted before that was on sale for $662 USD (900 CAD) but comes with half the storage and only 4500u, regular price is $110 USD (150 CAD) more.

    So this comes with a Realtek RTL8822BE, which isn't exactly the best wifi card. Having good wifi is pretty important to me, so I'm wondering what my upgrade choices are.

    Edit: Looks like the AX200 is my best bet? It's $23.5 USD (32 CAD) off amazon canada with prime shipping and around 4 to 8 bucks cheaper off aliexpress. Would this model work with my laptop? https://www.amazon.ca/Authentic-AX200NGW-Wireless-Bluetooth-Internal/dp/B07Y2JFCJS
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2020
    Lamim Rashid, Jun 18, 2020
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  2. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    tilleroftheearth, Jun 18, 2020
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  3. Lamim Rashid

    Lamim Rashid Notebook Consultant

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    Lamim Rashid, Jun 18, 2020
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  4. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    Yeah, that should work. Make sure it is an Intel card, not a knockoff.
     
    tilleroftheearth, Jun 18, 2020
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  5. Lamim Rashid

    Lamim Rashid Notebook Consultant

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    How would you tell? They both look the same from reviews and pictures.. I'm not able to tell the difference between the "authentic" and "MQUPIN" versions even after some googling. Im interested in knowing what the differences are between these two, but can't find anything
     
    Lamim Rashid, Jun 18, 2020
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  6. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    I can tell, by who I buy from. I don't buy from Amazon.anywhere.
     
    tilleroftheearth, Jun 19, 2020
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  7. senso

    senso Notebook Deity

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    Lenovo LOVEs to whitelist WiFi cards, so most likely you need a BIOS mod to remove the whitelist so you can swap the WiFi card..
     
    senso, Jun 19, 2020
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  8. Lamim Rashid

    Lamim Rashid Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks for the heads up. Luckily if I have any issues returns are hassle free with amazon.
     
    Lamim Rashid, Jun 19, 2020
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  9. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    @senso that used to be true. I have seen/heard about many Lenovo notebooks upgraded their WiFi cards with no issues.
     
    tilleroftheearth, Jun 19, 2020
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  10. Starlight5

    Starlight5 Yes, I'm a cat. What else is there to say, really?

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    @Lamim Rashid
    1. even the cheapest sellers offer real AX200, there are no known knockoffs.
    2. regarding the whitelist - 99% Flex 5 doesn't have one.
     
    Starlight5, Jun 20, 2020
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