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    [Q] Possible to swap out WiFi card for Edge 14?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by strangesweet, Jun 13, 2012.

  1. strangesweet

    strangesweet Notebook Deity

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    I'm looking to replace my mother's WiFi card (I believe she has Intel WiFi Link 1000). Her internet seems way slower compared to my father's T420i (which has 6300 and my X200 with 5300).

    Is WiFi card easily swappable like HD and RAM?

    And if so what model would you recommend? I'm looking one that's comparable to 5300 and 6300 models.

    My router has dual band (2.4 and 5 GHZ) so I guess a chip that supports both would be nice and as many antenna..

    So it's just swap and install right driver right?

    Is it safe to buy from eBay?

    Thank you!
     
    strangesweet, Jun 13, 2012
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  2. PatchySan

    PatchySan Om Noms Kit Kat

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    Lenovo implements a vendor lock on the wireless cards so it's not that straight forward. You can still swap it for a better card but you have to ensure the card you're replacing is a genuine Lenovo part, check out the Edge 14 Service Parts section for compatible Wireless Cards.

    Alternatively you can try find a modified BIOS which removes the vendor lock (whitelist) thus allowing you to use any card you wish. Though there will be an element of risk as flashing unauthorised BIOS' will certainly void your warranty if something does go wrong from it.
     
    PatchySan, Jun 13, 2012
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  3. strangesweet

    strangesweet Notebook Deity

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    I only see 0578-CTO available for swap on your link. But my mother's laptop is 0578-A25 (which I think is linked as 0578-all on Lenovo's web page?)

    So I wouldn't be able to swap card...?
     
    strangesweet, Jun 13, 2012
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  4. PatchySan

    PatchySan Om Noms Kit Kat

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    You can swap out the card on your system, that site usually shows what wireless card the system with that particular model type number comes with intially.

    The reason I showed you the site is that you can cross reference the part numbers, so for example if you want to upgrade to the Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 Wireless Card look for part number 60Y3231 on the eBay listings.
     
    PatchySan, Jun 13, 2012
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  5. strangesweet

    strangesweet Notebook Deity

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    strangesweet, Jun 13, 2012
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  6. PatchySan

    PatchySan Om Noms Kit Kat

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    That card should work in the Edge 14 as it corresponds to the correct FRU part number, don't be put off with the listings title as that wireless card is also used with other ThinkPads such as the T410, X201, W510 etc. with the same FRU number.
     
    PatchySan, Jun 13, 2012
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