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    Upgrading to an Intel AC card

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by kevindd992002, Sep 30, 2015.

  1. kevindd992002

    kevindd992002 Notebook Virtuoso

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    I have an ASUS AC router and I'm wondering if it would be wise to upgrade the wireless card of my Sager laptop from an Intel 5300 to perhaps an Intel 7260. Since the 5300 is 3x3, would upgrading to an Intel 7260 (only 2x2) be actually a downgrade or what? Or is it compensated by the speed it offers?

    Please help. Thanks.
     
    kevindd992002, Sep 30, 2015
    #1
  2. TANWare

    TANWare Just This Side of Senile, I think. Super Moderator

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    If you are close to your router then the upgrade is well worth it. If however you are any kind of distance away or are going through multiple walls then you're older setup with 3 antennas should serve you better.
     
    TANWare, Sep 30, 2015
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  3. kevindd992002

    kevindd992002 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Well, I usually have two walls in between the router and my room but it's just a few meters away. Is the 7260 the best AC wifi card as of now though? Why aren't there 3x3 cards yet?
     
    kevindd992002, Sep 30, 2015
    #3
  4. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    What router do you actually have? If it is an AC1900 class or higher, it would be worth for you to at least test the AC7260 card in your situation.

    Maximum rate of the 5300 card is 450Mbps with a 3 antenna router (N or AC) at fairly close range and few obstacles.

    Maximum rate of the AC7260 card is 866Mbps with a 2 antenna router (AC only) at medium range and few obstacles.

    The possible advantage is worth testing for yourself.

    But don't simply measure indicated connected rates. Do a throughput test from a wired computer to your wireless test notebook at various places in the area covered by WiFi. Make sure the notebook is tested in the same location and orientation between the two cards and being plugged in (or at least on Max Performance power settings) during the tests is highly recommended.
     
    tilleroftheearth, Sep 30, 2015
    #4
  5. kevindd992002

    kevindd992002 Notebook Virtuoso

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    I have an ASUS RT-AC66U so that's AC1750. Does that mean that it won't be worth it to buy the AC7260?

    Also, if ever I try one and buy which version should I buy for my Sager NP8150? Does it already have the proper connectors and antenna cable wires all included?

    Thanks.
     
    kevindd992002, Sep 30, 2015
    #5
  6. StormJumper

    StormJumper Notebook Virtuoso

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    I have to say just because they are both Intel doesn't mean the AC version will work you need to ask Sager or find the Service Manual for it to see if it can use the AC wifi version otherwise you will loose money if it doesn't work. I have a Intel 5300 and my HP dv5 uses only 2x2 and it works fine I get 300mbps without problem with connected to my Netgear 6300 AC router.
     
    StormJumper, Sep 30, 2015
    #6
  7. TomJGX

    TomJGX I HATE BGA!

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    You'll be fine.. Just make sure to get a revised version 7260 and a mpcie version of the network card... Sager doesn't blacklist cards so if you get a generic Intel one you'll be fine!
     
    TomJGX, Oct 1, 2015
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  8. kevindd992002

    kevindd992002 Notebook Virtuoso

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    kevindd992002, Oct 1, 2015
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  9. Qing Dao

    Qing Dao Notebook Deity

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    If you use 2.4Ghz, then no, the 7260AC is not an upgrade from your 5300. If you use 5Ghz, then yes, the 7260AC is an upgrade.
     
    Qing Dao, Oct 3, 2015
    #9
  10. octiceps

    octiceps Nimrod

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    Wireless AC is 5 GHz only
     
    octiceps, Oct 3, 2015
    #10
  11. triturbo

    triturbo Long live 16:10 and MXM-B

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    What do you mean revised? Is there a way to differentiate them?

    Is there a 3x3 mPCIe card, or there's no such thing?
     
    triturbo, Oct 3, 2015
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  12. kevindd992002

    kevindd992002 Notebook Virtuoso

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    BUMP!

    The link that I've posted is the revised version. It has an "R" in the model number. I'm not sure what was revised specifically but it is still 2x2.
     
    kevindd992002, Oct 3, 2015
    #12
    TomJGX likes this.
  13. TomJGX

    TomJGX I HATE BGA!

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    Exactly! As for 3X3, I believe it's 2x2 most likely...
     
    TomJGX, Oct 3, 2015
    #13