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    Some questions about WiFi Mini PCI-E cards upgrade

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Karen333, Sep 11, 2009.

  1. Karen333

    Karen333 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi, guys!
    I wanna upgrade WiFi in my DELL D830 from Intel 3945 to Intel 5300. Is it possible?
    I heard that in IBM/Lenovo laptops BIOS locked for non-IBM PCI-E cards upgrades, what about DELL?
    And other question about antenna connections: 3945 has only two ins but 5300 three of them... Any solutions?
    Thank you!
     
    Karen333, Sep 11, 2009
    #1
  2. MaxGeek

    MaxGeek Notebook Evangelist

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    I don't believe Dell Bios locks like Lenovo. For lenovo the solution would be a modified bios to remove the lock. As for antenna's you would have to add another antenna to full take advantage of the 5300.

    What are you expecting to gain from the upgrade?
     
    MaxGeek, Sep 11, 2009
    #2
  3. Trottel

    Trottel Notebook Virtuoso

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    It will work just fine. If you don't want to add another antenna you can go for the 5100. On my laptop I opened up the screen and routed the 3rd antenna on the opposite side of the other two.
     
    Trottel, Sep 11, 2009
    #3
  4. Karen333

    Karen333 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks guys!

    And can i use 5300 with only two antennas? Will it work?
     
    Karen333, Sep 12, 2009
    #4
  5. crayonyes

    crayonyes Custom Title! WooHoooo !!

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    Hi,
    I've just upgraded my Dell Vostro 1400's Intel 3945 with Intel 5300 from ebay
    and it works fine.. except for the wifi catcher.
    They had 3 antennas prepared in vostro 1400.
    Maybe you should check in D830 first..
     
    crayonyes, Sep 12, 2009
    #5
  6. Trottel

    Trottel Notebook Virtuoso

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    Yes, it will work. In this case it isn't even worth it to get the 5100 with 2 antennas because the price difference is only $1 or so and you can always add another antenna later.
     
    Trottel, Sep 12, 2009
    #6