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    Replacing Broadcom Mini-PCI wireless

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Bog, Nov 11, 2007.

  1. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    I just wanted to know if this is an option as I would like to run Linux bacause this card is not only of poor quality (short range, dropped signals), but also of poor compatibility. I am thinking along the lines of an Atheros card :D .

    However I am not sure if this component is upgradable (I've never done this before). According to my searches it seems possible. My Broadcom card is accessible through the bottom panel, but it has two wires atached to the card which presumably run through the chassis and up to the top of the screen for better signal strength. I don't know if this antenna assembly would have to be replaced. Additional worries are that the motherboard will only accept a Broadcom card. Does anyone have any advice to offer?

    EDIT: http://www.broadcom.com/products/Wireless-LAN/802.11-Wireless-LAN-Solutions/BCM4312
    This is my current wireless card, which is in fact PCIe, not PCI.
     
    Bog, Nov 11, 2007
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  2. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    *bump* Anybody?
     
    Bog, Nov 12, 2007
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  3. miner

    miner Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    You will run into BIOS issues if you replace the Broadcom card. HP has a BIOS lock on non HP certified wireless cards, so unless you are willing to modify/fool the BIOS into accepting a new Atheros card I wouldnt recommend this change.

    http://www.richud.com/HP-Pavilion-104-Bios-Fix/
     
    miner, Nov 12, 2007
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  4. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    Oh man... that is bloody complicated. I wouldn't touch the BIOS; I could total my computer by messing with it. Thanks for the info, miner. I was wondering if it was a possibilty.
     
    Bog, Nov 12, 2007
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